I'll be starting my PhD in education this year and am wondering how intensive the first several weeks are and what it's like? I recognize each program is unique and will have different setups, but I'm curious what people's experiences have been like. I have yet to find anything online that helps me better understand what to expect for my own program, and will likely reach out to my advisor soon to get her insight as well.

I'm also trying to figure out if it's feasible to work full-time for a little bit at the start of my program, as I'll be in the process of wrapping up my current position (I work in education policy, have been in this job for about 6 years now). I was planning on taking a month-long vacation during August and am now trying to figure out if it's feasible to work another week or two upon returning to close out my projects, but anticipate this might be a little crazy if it coincides with my PhD program beginning. Since I've been working here for so long, it wouldn't be the most intensive in terms of my workload, since I know my way around my job very well.

Would love to hear people's experiences/thoughts on whether my plan is way too much to handle.