Position Document: Taylor Morgan

Name: Taylor Morgan
Role: Graduate student and household coordination assistant
Background: I am a full-time graduate student with limited income and an unpredictable academic schedule that varies significantly between regular semesters, exam periods, and breaks.

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Situation Overview

As a graduate student living with two working professionals, I face the challenge of contributing fairly to our household despite having limited financial resources and an irregular schedule. My academic demands create periods of intense focus followed by more availability, and I need a system that accommodates these fluctuations while ensuring I contribute meaningfully to our shared living arrangement.

Priorities and Values

My primary goal is to contribute fairly to our household within my financial constraints, leveraging my time and organizational skills to balance my lower monetary contributions. I value flexibility that accommodates my academic schedule, particularly during exam periods and thesis deadlines when my availability for household tasks may be severely limited. I’m committed to being a reliable and considerate roommate, and I want to establish clear expectations that prevent any perception of freeloading while recognizing my genuine limitations as a student.

Trade-offs and Flexibility

I’m willing to take on a larger share of time-intensive household tasks to offset my limited financial contribution, especially during semester breaks and summer months when I have more availability. I can handle coordination tasks like scheduling maintenance, organizing group activities, and managing household supplies since these align with my organizational skills. However, I need flexibility during exam periods (typically 2-3 weeks per semester) and thesis crunch times when my availability for household responsibilities may be minimal. I’m also open to seasonal arrangements where I contribute more labor during breaks and less during high-stress academic periods.

Constraints and Concerns

My most significant constraint is financial - my graduate stipend is limited and unpredictable, making it difficult to contribute equally to expenses. My schedule is also highly variable, with some weeks requiring 60+ hours of study and research while others allow more flexibility. I’m concerned about being perceived as not pulling my weight due to these limitations, but I also can’t commit to financial obligations that would compromise my academic progress or basic living expenses. Additionally, my academic work sometimes requires quiet spaces and extended periods of focus that might conflict with household activities.

BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement)

If we cannot reach a fair arrangement, my alternatives include:

1. Student housing options where cost and responsibility sharing is more aligned with student budgets and schedules
2. Living with other graduate students who understand the academic lifestyle and financial constraints
3. Seeking a single room in a house with working professionals who expect minimal interaction and shared responsibilities
4. Moving back with family temporarily while I complete my degree, though this would impact my research access and social connections

Vision of Success

A successful arrangement would recognize my financial limitations while providing meaningful ways for me to contribute through time, organization, and labor. The system would include built-in flexibility for academic demands, with clear communication protocols for when I need temporary adjustments during high-stress periods. I would take on coordination and time-intensive tasks during my more available periods, with the understanding that my contributions might be lower during exam weeks or thesis deadlines. Financial responsibilities would be proportional to income, and there would be regular reviews to adjust the arrangement as my academic status and financial situation evolve. Most importantly, the agreement would create a supportive environment where my academic success is seen as beneficial to the household rather than a burden on my roommates.