Advancing through academia while maintaining a work-family balance

Advocate Thomas Chauke, a dedicated security officer turned scholar, is among the #2024UnisaAutumnGraduates who earned a Master of Laws degree. Chauke shares his insights on his academic journey, the benefits of online learning and the importance of discipline and support systems.

Advocate Thomas Trymore Chauke

Advancing through the ranks of academia while maintaining a demanding career and family life is no small feat, but  for Chauke it's a challenge he has embraced wholeheartedly. Chauke works at the Investigation Section in Unisa’s Protection Services, where his role extends beyond safeguarding to advocating for employee rights.

As a unionist, his journey into labour law began with a keen interest in representing employees. This passion led him to pursue a Master of Laws in Labour Law, a decision further fuelled by his involvement in the Unisa Bargaining Forum, where negotiations between employer and employees provided valuable lessons for his studies.

Unfazed by the complexities of balancing work and his academic pursuits, Chauke has set his sights on pursuing a Doctor of Laws degree. Recognising the dynamic nature of labour laws and the need for continuous learning, he views the PhD as a means to acquire deeper knowledge and stay relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of employment legislation.

On the challenges he faces in juggling work and studies, Chauke acknowledges the difficulties of being a family man and a dedicated employee. However, he credits the accommodating nature of the university for easing the burden by providing support for staff seeking to advance their education.

Offering advice to fellow professionals considering the pursuit of a PhD, Chauke emphasises the importance of discipline and prioritisation.  He adds: “Be willing to listen to your supervisors, and have a good working relationship with your line managers, and in addition, you must cut off other unnecessary activities that might negatively impact your time and studies.”

Regarding the benefits of the university’s open, distance and e-Learning (ODeL) model, Chauke commends its capabilities for catering to the needs of working professionals and providing flexibility for students of all ages. Through ODeL, he says he was able to complete all his qualifications while managing his family and professional responsibilities effectively.

In conclusion, Chauke says he aspires to transition into academia as a lecturer. In addition, he says he sees himself contributing to the field of labour law as a scholar. He acknowledges the support of his family, community, and university in realising his dreams, highlighting the importance of the vigorous support that he received from his co-workers, supervisors and the university at large.

*By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement