Chronos or Kairos?

Advice from a PhD student who got lost in time

by Giulio Bajona

Read this text and underline the main ideas in each paragraph.

It's 8 am, and I'm in the bathroom brushing my teeth, while nervously watching a 5-minute timer on my phone.
I'm almost finished; I wipe my mouth on a towel and put the toothbrush back in its place. Right then, the alarm
goes off. "Not bad," I say to myself before hurrying downstairs, wondering how long I should give myself for
breakfast.

To understand what's happening here, let's take a step back and think about what changed in my life around
three years ago: I started a PhD. Before that, I had been moving between jobs, and before that, I had been in
different university programs – both undergraduate and postgraduate. What all those things had in common –
whether it was working in a restaurant, answering calls in a call center, or earning a master's degree – was
structure. This structure could be different depending on the situation, but there were always three main things:
there was a goal, a clear deadline to meet that goal, and someone else keeping track of time (like the
restaurant manager or a module leader waiting for you to hand in an essay).

When I started my PhD, everything changed. I was told I had about three years to write a book (a PhD thesis).
"You study the literature, do your research, collect data, and then write it all up." Simple, right? Oh, and I could
take up to four years if needed. And my research might change a lot at any time, but "that's part of the
discovery process… you'll see." So much for structure.

Out of the three things mentioned (goal, deadlines, and timekeeping), I soon realized that not having someone
else keeping track of time was the biggest change for me. This might be different depending on where you are
studying, but in my experience, once I started, my schedule was completely empty. It was up to me to decide
what to do and when. Nobody was there to make sure I stayed on track like I was used to. I had to make
decisions and think about what they meant. I was in charge of everything.

That might sound powerful, but it came with a cost: time felt different. Not only could I take days off during the
week ("It's the first day of spring, I shouldn't have to work") or cut my weekends short ("I really need to
transcribe that interview on Sunday"), but my idea of time changed too. It wasn't 2019 anymore, it was my
"data-collection year"; it wasn't 10 pm, it was "time to read this paper". Even now, as I write my thesis, it might
be May or June for everyone else, but for me, it's just "chapter 3" because that's what I'm working on. And yes,
I get to decide how long it will take. Or I could finish and celebrate New Year's when I'm done with this chapter.
The possibilities are endless.

I've noticed that this change in how I see time has affected other parts of my life too. I take a long time to do
almost anything, from brushing my teeth in the morning to cooking dinner at night. That's why I've started using
timers: they remind me that time is passing as usual outside of my PhD world. Seeing the countdown on my
phone helps me focus and work efficiently.

It turns out there's a better way to describe my complicated relationship with time. The answer comes from
ancient Greece, where they talked about time in two ways. There was "Chronos," which is the normal way we
measure time in hours, days, months, and years. Chronos is about quantity, it's straight and can't be reversed.
Then there's "Kairos," which means "opportunity." Kairos is about dreams and possibilities. It's about quality
and doesn't have a beginning or end. It's when time seems to stop or bend, like when we're on a great date,
reading an exciting book, or getting a warm hug.

Chronos and Kairos are very different, and they've been shown in different ways over time. Chronos has
always been seen as a tough old man, the ruler of life and death, reminding us that time never stops. He's also
known for eating his children, as shown in famous paintings. On the other hand, Kairos is often shown as a
young and attractive figure with wings, reminding us to take chances before they're gone.

These old ideas still affect how we think today. Writers, psychologists, and life coaches tell us to make room for
more Kairos in our lives, to take chances and not worry so much about time. While that's good advice for many
people, I think it needs to be adjusted for PhD life. For me, these past three years have been all about Kairos.
I've had the chance to explore old languages and archives, and I've seen the surprises of research. But I've
also lost track of day and night. It's a privilege, but it can be overwhelming.

I've realized that the magic of Kairos needs Chronos. Those moments of opportunity only matter because
there's someone else keeping track of time. We need those moments to be just that: moments. Kairos isn't
meant to stay with us for years, waiting for us to finish our research. He's supposed to fly away and come back
at the right time. Kairos is about possibility, not forever.
That's why I've been using timers around the house. Maybe it's because I'm losing it, but maybe it's because
I'm trying to bring some Chronos back into my life. Some structure. So, if you're in a similar situation or just
starting your PhD journey, here are my two main takeaways.

1. Achieve a Balance of Time in Your Daily Routine

Try to plan your day in a way that follows a regular schedule, like starting early in the morning and finishing in
the afternoon, similar to typical office hours. This leaves you some time in the evening for personal activities
where you might experience meaningful moments. Also, remember that even if you don't notice it, your body
follows a 24-hour cycle called the 'circadian rhythm'. To keep this internal clock in check, it's essential to
separate your day and night and ensure you get enough sleep.

Taking short breaks throughout your workday is also crucial. A useful technique for this is the 'pomodoro
technique', where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. You can adjust the timings to suit
your needs, but having a structured approach helps maintain focus and allows you to reconnect with your
natural rhythm.

2. Discover Meaningful Moments Outside of Work

Once you've organized your work schedule according to a routine, you can dedicate more time to meaningful
activities outside of your PhD work. What brings about these special moments varies from person to person.
For me, it's engaging in intense exercise, spending time in nature, listening to podcasts, and writing. Others
might find these moments in social interactions, whether in person or online. It's important to explore different
activities to see what resonates with you the most.

Conclusion

Our perception of time is unique and can change over time. In the future, I might look back at my PhD years
with nostalgia, remembering when time seemed to stand still. But as I near the end of this journey, especially in
the wake of a global pandemic, I find comfort in the concept of time as a linear progression. Life moves
forward, not backward or in circles.

Glossary:

PhD: Acronym for Doctor of Philosophy, the highest academic degree awarded by universities for original
research in various fields.
Structure: The arrangement or organization of parts, elements, or components.
Deadline: The time or date by which something must be completed or accomplished.
Timekeeping: The practice or skill of keeping track of time.
Privilege: A special advantage, immunity, or right granted to a particular person or group.
Circadian Rhythm: The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats every 24
hours.
Pomodoro Technique: A time management method that uses a timer to break down work into intervals,
typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
Nostalgia: A sentimental longing or affection for the past.
Linear progression: A forward movement or advancement in a straight line, without deviation or interruption.
Global Pandemic: An outbreak of a disease that affects a large proportion of the global population, often
spreading across continents.

A. Read each statement carefully and determine whether it is true or false based on the information
provided in the text.

1. The author used to have a strict schedule with clear deadlines before starting their PhD.
2. During their PhD, the author had complete control over their time and schedule.
3. The author believes that Kairos moments should last indefinitely.
4. The author recommends maintaining a flexible schedule during the PhD journey.
5. According to the author, engaging in meaningful activities outside of work is unnecessary for PhD
students.
 B. Read each question carefully and write the most appropriate answer based on your
understanding of the text.

1. What major change did the author experience around three years ago, and how did it impact their life?
2. What are Chronos and Kairos? How does the author describe the difference between Chronos and
Kairos in relation to time?
3. Why does the author emphasize the importance of balance between Chronos and Kairos in their life?
4. What strategies does the author suggest for maintaining a structured routine while pursuing a PhD?
5. What does the author suggest as meaningful activities outside of work to balance the PhD journey?

C. Now check your answers with a classmate and share your opinions

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Writing: A student who is lost in time

Preparing to write
1. Now reflect on your daily routine at home, considering the activities you typically engage in from
morning until night.

2. Consider how you manage your time throughout the day. Are there specific tasks or responsibilities
that you prioritize? Do you follow a structured schedule, or do you allow for flexibility in your
routine?

3. Think about moments in your routine where time seems to pass quickly, and you are fully engaged
in the present. These moments can be moments of opportunity (Kairos) where you experience joy,
excitement, or fulfillment.

4. Similarly, consider moments in your routine where time feels more rigid and structured
(Chronos), such as adhering to set deadlines or completing tasks within specific timeframes.

Let’s start writing

5. Write your own story of your routine at home, incorporating the concepts of Chronos and
Kairos. Describe your daily activities, feelings, how you manage your time, and the moments of
opportunity or meaningful experiences you encounter throughout the day.

6. Once you have written your story, review it for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Make any
necessary revisions.

IMPORTANTE: Guide to Writing a Story

Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and setting the scene (background information). Provide basic
information about who you are and where the story takes place.

Plot Development: Write the sequence of events that unfold in your story. Include a clear beginning, middle,
and end.

Conflict and Resolution: Conclude your story by providing closure for your story. Reflect on the final ideas
and add any lessons learned throughout the story.

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Useful phrases

Firstly: "Firstly, I wake up early in the morning to the sound of my alarm clock ringing."

Secondly: "Secondly, I enjoy a hearty breakfast with my family before heading off to school."

Next: "Next, I spend my day attending classes and participating in various extracurricular activities."

Moreover: "Moreover, I often meet up with friends during lunch breaks to chat and relax."

As a conclusion: "As a conclusion, I return home in the evening feeling exhausted but fulfilled, ready to
unwind and prepare for the next day."