is doing a phd difficult

The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

How Hard is a PhD?

Amongst the general population, having a PhD is often seen as the pinnacle of academic achievements but how hard is it to achieve?

Having passed my PhD viva yesterday I now feel I’m in a position to really judge how difficult a PhD is!

Congratulations to Jeff @savvy_scientist who passed his PhD viva today, remotely! Now we're having a celebration – remotely! #StayHome pic.twitter.com/4rI0ZiCF5z — ImperialBiomechanics (@ICBiomechanics) March 25, 2020

A dive into the unknown

Any time we don’t have experience in something, the element of the unknown can make it hard to evaluate how hard it is.

Coming from your previous qualifications you may extrapolate and think that since your undergraduate degree was a step up from high school in work and difficulty, a PhD must be another step change in difficulty.

With PhDs it’s not helped by the fact that a lot of the time only the most academically capable students are interested in them, which may make you think you have to be really clever to do one. Plus, as they’re not that common it’s not always easy to find people with experience to speak to.

Growing up I didn’t know anyone who had done a PhD degree, heck none of my immediate family had been to university, so I appreciate that gaining an insight about PhDs isn’t available to everyone.

So how hard is a PhD?

The reality is that a PhD can be difficult, but mostly it’s just different .

How hard you might find certain aspects of a PhD really depend on your own working style and to a lesser extent personality. Let’s discuss the factors one by one.

How hard is it to manage the PhD workload?

During a PhD there will be times you have to stay late, or work weekends (every so often) but it’s nothing like undergraduate degrees, with relentless deadlines and all-nighters being a regular occurrence for a lot of us.

Something that studying for a PhD does have in common with undergrad is that there is always more work that you can get on with, which can be disconcerting. Though unlike undergrad this feeling doesn’t stop after exams where you can enjoy a long study-free summer, because there are no term times for a PhD. I’ve previously shared how much holiday I’ve taken as a PhD student .

You need to find a way to switch off, otherwise your mental health will suffer.

Prior to starting my PhD I worked as a research assistant for three years and I found it helpful to view my PhD as a full time job. Even all the way through to submitting my thesis, working consistently 9-5ish every day was enough. I do hear of people working every hour of the week but these are the exception rather than the norm.

For a deeper insight into my typical working schedule check out the post below where I shared my calendar.

How Much Work is a PhD?

PhD depth and breadth of study

If you’ve been in higher education for a while, you’ll have probably got used to learning a wide amount of topics in a short time. Topics are covered at a fast pace, sometimes in not much detail, without much time to build your understanding.

I can’t have been the only person who during undergrad was effectively have to fight fires, not having much time to concentrate and fully understand each topic before having to move on to the next one.

PhDs provide a step-change, where you focus in on a single topic to a much greater depth.

For most PhDs there will be a certain amount of knowledge you’re expected to have picked up from your previous degree(s), but the pace of a PhD is undoubtedly much more slow. The reality is that the breadth of a PhD topic is really quite limited, though it can often span several disciplines. It’s common for your project to involve topics you’re not completely comfortable with.

You have a lot of time to focus on just one topic and you’re expected and required to know the topic inside out. The good news is that you’re given more than adequate time to learn the ropes.

As a PhD student there is nothing wrong with refreshing your knowledge of basic topics, especially if it’s something you haven’t studied in years. I still look things up on YouTube and Wikipedia and there is no shame in doing so: you’re in this position to learn and produce scientific outputs, so it’s much better that you’re comfortable with the topic.

I would suggest that for most people a PhD is generally more relaxed than an undergraduate degree. That’s not to say there isn’t work involved, but the pace gives you breathing room to understand the topic comprehensively.

If there’s one key message I’d like to get across, it’s please don’t ever be scared to ask your supervisor questions. You’re not on your own.

That’s assuming your supervisor is interested in supervising, which sadly isn’t always the case. Lack of supervisor support is one of the main difficulties I’ve seen students face (in other research groups I should add!). I wrote some tips here for choosing projects and supervisors .

How to Choose a PhD Project & Supervisor

Essentially as long as you are willing to learn, I wouldn’t worry too much about this aspect of a PhD.

Is a PhD intellectually difficult?

You’ve probably heard the metaphor about standing on the shoulders of giants, and it’s true that as a PhD student you’re building on previous work carried out in the field.

However there usually isn’t an expectation to make massive intellectual strides forwards. In reality you’ll probably be giving a small nudge forwards to a small area of the field. For some people this can be a relief and make the idea of doing original research much more obtainable, whereas for others it may belittle the entire idea of doing research!

The reality of the situation is that PhD students may be seen as a cost effective source of labour to advance science. Although we’re often working on projects with complicated lofty descriptions such as “ nanoparticles impregnated with silver ions for cancer treatment ” or “ biphasic lubrication mechanics of soft engineering materials ” in reality the practical side of them does not require genius level intellect.

Oftentimes you’ll be doing pretty menial things behind these grand topic titles. These tasks require you to know what you’re doing, but rarely will you have devised the whole thing yourself.

Fun fact: at my first job after undergrad, working at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, my boss would sometimes bring in her gardener to pick up any slack, doing the same work as me and some of the post-docs.

A full house for @trayanovalab at the @ImperialBioeng annual lecture. Amazing work & images! #ComputationalCardiology pic.twitter.com/R2dxE7csbg — Jeff Clark (@savvy_scientist) June 18, 2018

Of course you need to be able to understand the concepts behind what you’re doing, but I wouldn’t worry too much if you’re worried that you have to be a genius to complete a PhD.

So is a PhD easy?

In terms of workload and difficulty a PhD isn’t necessarily as difficult as you might think, so don’t be scared off. That’s not to say it’s not without challenges which we’ll now go on to discuss.

How a PhD can be hard

Of course there are differences between projects, supervisors and universities but I’d say generally the main things which can make a PhD hard are:

Self motivation

Looking after yourself, dealing with isolation.

• Your ability to problem solve
• Fear of public speaking

Prior to studying for a PhD, your studies will likely have been structured by a timetable of contact hours, coursework deadlines and exams. Working towards a PhD is the first time you’re likely to experience fully independent working for extended periods of time. It will also involve work where no one, not even your supervisors, know all the answers. This can be daunting and I think this is where difficulties may stem from for many students.

A PhD is a long-term commitment so you need dedication to reach the end of a PhD.

By the end of your PhD you’ll have to demonstrate that you’ve contributed to your field with a thesis and/or peer-reviewed publications. This can be a challenge and without the regular undergraduate format of deadlines and exams, you may quickly lose focus. Regaining that focus and dedication is key to seeing your PhD through.

If this is something you struggle with check out my post on maintaining motivation during your PhD .

At Imperial we have two progress points throughout the PhD: one at 9-12 months (Early Stage Assessment) and another at 18-24 months (Late Stage Review). These formal progression checkpoints help by giving deadlines and a structure to work towards.

Solution: I believe one of the best ways to keep up productivity, and ensure you’re on the right track, is to meet regularly with the supervisor. I suggest meeting at least a few times per month. I do know some people who meet much less regularly and this can work for some people. However, I personally find myself chatting with my supervisor about far more than the types of things I’d want to ask in an email and this is where the mentorship aspect of a PhD can be made or broken.

In summary, working closely with your supervisor can make your PhD a lot less difficult.

It’s very easy to develop bad habits during your PhD such as:

• Eating badly and drinking too much coffee
• Getting stressed and working long hours
• Not getting exercise and sleeping poorly

From not cycling at all I've now cycled 1k+ miles in London, mostly commuting to @imperialcollege . Great way to get around with so many benefits. Started because of a free course by @RBKC & @Bikeworksuk w/ a refurbished bike! Few words about my experience: https://t.co/rGwSqomikD pic.twitter.com/joyVftxuVn — Jeff Clark (@savvy_scientist) August 30, 2019

Solution: Remember that working longer hours won’t necessarily help your productivity. Instead take time out of your day for breaks and go for walks. Dedicate time to look after yourself. If you’re looking for ways to stay efficient, think of doing things like commuting by walking or cycling. I’d also highly recommend cooking your own meals to stay healthy (and save money ).

When I say isolation I really mean a few different things:

Owning your own project

Every PhD project is different, you may collaborate with friends or colleagues for bits of your work but you are the only person driving forwards your project.

This means that you may face problems other people in the research group or department haven’t encountered. Not only could this be isolating but it may also set your project back if you don’t mitigate the risks.

Solution: Firstly, don’t be afraid to ask people for help. Maybe someone from your group doesn’t have the answer to your problems but they may offer useful advice or know someone else in the department who may help. Coffee breaks offer an opportunity to informally chat with colleagues, which can both be fruitful for your work and your mental health: here is a nice Science article about the positives of coffee breaks.

Imposter Syndrome

As every project is unique it can be very difficult to tell how you measure up to other people. At times you may struggle to understand what other people in your group are working on, but this doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for it! Supervisors have a good idea of what’s required for a project when you’re applying: if you’re accepted you’ll more than likely be fine in this regard.

Solution: Don’t compare yourself to others. This is fruitless, especially when every project is different anyway. Make sure you understand your own project well and you’ll be fine. Having a chat with other students can be a good way to reassure you that everyone goes through difficult times.

Staying social

If I asked you to close your eyes and picture a PhD student, what would you see? Personally I used to conjure up an image of a fatigued student wearing goggles and trapped in a lab, rarely seeing daylight.

That’s not always a hundred miles away from the truth, but it doesn’t have to be the case. We’ve already covered how working such long hours can be counterproductive, but also putting yourself in a solitary position like this can be both demoralising and awful for your mental wellbeing. Please don’t!

Solution: Take frequent breaks, get involved with activities your lab-mates or department are organising: or organise something yourself. Find something you enjoy and can look forward to going along to, you can still join clubs and societies as a postgrad. Being isolated can make a PhD so much more mentally difficult: it doesn’t need to be!

Solving problems

You hear people saying that to be a good researcher you have to be inquisitive and questioning everything. These are certainly good traits to have which can make the work more meaningful, but at the level of a PhD student I believe it’s much more important to work smart.

To me this includes the ability to:

• Think on your feet
• Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor questions
• Be forward thinking and catch problems early

Solution: Set up a framework to overcome problems and always think of ways to mitigate risks by having a Plan B. For example I work with people who’ve waited six months for consumables to arrive: if you don’t consider risks like this you immediately set yourself up for a less productive and more stressful experience. As before, I really do recommend meeting with your supervisor frequently.

Public speaking

I’m not sure whether presenting your work is a requirement for every PhD but it’s certainly an expectation for most. If nothing else you’ll likely have to present in your viva.

A fear of public speaking is very common and as such it’s a common PhD difficulty to tackle.

It’s completely natural to be nervous with the idea of presenting, however that’s not a reason to avoid public speaking completely. On the contrary you’ll only get comfortable with it by practicing. We’re fortunate as researchers to get regular opportunities to try public speaking.

I certainly still get nervous myself but would rather face the fear than shy away from it: plus you feel great afterwards.

Solution: Take opportunities to give presentations, whether it be at lab meetings, departmental events or conferences. The great thing with being a PhD student is that you get to practice with no expectations that you’ll be perfect. It’s much better to face it now than push the problem back later in to your career. I’ve written some tips for how to keep your presentation interesting.

Presentation Skills for Students: How to Stay On Topic and Keep Audience Attention

Some example issues you might have to overcome as a PhD student

Common phd challenges.

Now that we’ve covered the categories of common PhD difficulties here are some common day to day challenges:

• You need to use a technique or piece of old lab equipment and there’s no one to teach you how to use it
• You’re scared to ask for help because you think you should already know the answer
• You’re not getting the results from an experiment you’re expecting to see
• You need to write a code to do something and have never coded before
• You’re struggling to understand a concept
• You’re bored of reading or are losing interest in the topic
• You feel lonely
• You’re stuck waiting for something to arrive
• You need to create nice looking diagrams
• You need to build a rig or piece of equipment from scratch
• You’re worried about giving a presentation
• Your supervisor isn’t providing support
• You’ve no idea what statistical analysis to use
• You’re facing funding limitations, meaning you can’t do all the experiments you ideally would
• You’re struggling to motivate yourself to write a 100+ page thesis!

I’ve written a separate post covering a range of challenges I faced during my own PhD and you can find that post here: Overcoming Academic Challenges and Failure During a PhD .

Overcoming PhD challenges

It’s normal to face problems during a PhD. It’s how you tackle these problems that will be the defining factor in how difficult you find the PhD.

Part of the joy in completing a PhD is knowing that you’ve managed to overcome these difficulties.

In all these scenarios having a chat with other people will help. Even if other students or staff can’t directly provide assistance, most people are very friendly and supportive which will boost your morale.

I can’t overstate how useful scheduling regular meetings with your supervisor is. It’s so much better to face problems early rather than awkwardly have to deal with it six months later. I meet with my primary supervisor every week and we work together to set short-term deadlines for my work which tie in with the larger targets.

For problems outside of your supervisor’s remit lots of universities provide additional support. For example the graduate school at Imperial lays on courses for PhD students covering how to code, using reference managers, statistics etc.

Plus there are usually facilities for dealing with things such as stress and anxiety via counselling, student support and chaplaincies. Don’t make the PhD more difficult than it needs to be, these facilities are put in place to help you.

Has my PhD been hard?

I’ve been surprised by how manageable the PhD has been. I wouldn’t say that any of the research work was particularly difficult, it has simply required dedication.

Good time management and taking my mental health seriously have helped a lot, as has considering it a full time job. Slow and steady wins the race. Simple steps like always having a backup plan to mitigate the chance of getting stuck if things go wrong has served me well.

I’ve never been a fan of presenting but have learned to expose myself to it in an effort for self improvement. Of the five conference presentations I gave during my PhD, I won prizes for two.

Remember that you may lack self confidence but how you come across to other people may not be how you perceive yourself: this can be very uplifting. If I can do it so can you!

Thesis-writing

I’m currently in the process of writing up a separate post dedicated to my experience of writing a thesis. In summary, for me personally, it wasn’t anything like as stressful as I was thinking it would be.

I gave myself approximately six weeks to write most of it. Mine was 190 pages in total which may sound daunting but I actually only had about 120 pages of proper content and it’s all with 1.5 line spacing. Each chapter was only about 20 pages which sounds much more manageable and really isn’t much for 3 years work!

Things which helped me included:

• Having already written up some results.
• Using figures I’d made for presentations.
• Not expecting it to be perfect.
• Setting myself tight deadlines. I gave myself two weeks to write the introduction, literature review and discussion chapters.

Some of us PhD students make things more difficult than they need to be, trying to make everything perfect. I’ve heard some staff say “good enough is good enough” which I’ve found a useful mantra.

I recommend not spending too long on the thesis because:

• Papers are what count, put your energy into them instead.
• There is no point trying to second-guess what your examiners may want to see, you could spend months deliberating and they’ll still potentially have corrections to suggest.

I was a bit nervous before my viva, which is normal. I was confident in the work I had done for the PhD, but was actually more concerned about being asked any theoretical or technical questions you’d be more likely to encounter in an undergraduate course.

Although it lasted more than five hours, mine was a supportive environment, mostly a discussion to give feedback to improve the thesis and publications. Remember to be honest and be reassured that you know your work better than anyone else.

In summary, how hard is a PhD?

• Most PhDs are not intellectually difficult but they do present other challenges
• How hard you may find a PhD depends on your ability to self motivate, look after yourself, deal with isolation, problem solve and master public speaking
• Everyone experiences challenges during their PhD but it’s how you confront those challenges that matters
• Make the most of your supervisor for support and guidance

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

If you’re interested in doing a PhD but are scared of the difficulty, please don’t be put off.

As long as you’re willing to learn and are dedicated I am sure you can succeed.

Finally, remember to enjoy the experience!

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10 Comments on “How Hard is a PhD?”

I have really been struggling on whether to apply for a PhD. This post has given me the realistic picture I needed. Thank you

Yay, I’m so pleased you found it useful, Ankita! If you can think of any other questions you’d like answered be sure to let me know. Best wishes

Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights, Jeff 🙂 I find this post really helpful in terms of being aware of what’s to come as I start my PhD journey – and more importantly, what I can do to overcome these potential obstacles!

Hey Julie, I’m pleased you’ve found it useful. Best of luck with your PhD!

Jeff, Thank you very much for putting this together. Im a second year PhD student who regularly finds themselves in crisis of confidence. This article really helps to give me a little perspective, empowering me to plough on regardless of nagging doubts!

Thanks very much for your comment, Callum. I’m really glad the article has helped. Best of luck with the rest of your project: you’ve got this!!

I am currently a full time MBA student who will graduate in December. My professor in Leadership actually approached me about whether I would consider becoming a higher ed professor and researcher. She noticed qualities in my writing and research that she said the job would suit me perfectly. I have been back and forth on the idea and your site has truly been a great boost for me in getting the confidence I need to apply for my PhD, so thank you :)!

Hey Sarah. Yay! I’m so glad the website has been useful for you, thanks so much for your comment. Do let me know if you have any other questions or suggestions for other content which would help. Best of luck with the end of your MBA and future PhD application! Best wishes, Jeff.

Jeff, Thank you for taking the time to put this together. I am entering my final term of my MS in Cybersecurity and graduate in May 21 and I was curious on the level of effort for a PhD. When my wife saw me looking at PhD programs however she lovingly made me close the browser so it may not be in the cards right now. Granted I do have 2 young children under 5, a full time job and am an Army Reservist so she isn’t wrong 🙂 However, I do really appreciate you putting this together to help other students interested in PhD programs. This has given me great insight into what to expect and what it will take. Thanks again! George

Hi George, Thanks so much for your kind comment, I’m glad it has been useful for you. In terms of how much effort a PhD is: anecdotally I did mine keeping pretty strictly to normal office hours of roughly 9-5 Monday-Friday and had the official letter confirming my PhD within 3.5 years of the day I started. Admittedly this is in the UK, I expect in the US it would take a little longer overall but the weekly workload doesn’t need to be overwhelming. I think my peers on average worked similar hours. The nice thing about research is that, assuming you have a reasonable supervisor, you are typically much more in control of your hours than in a traditional job. As long as you get the work done a good PhD supervisor doesn’t tend to care how you schedule your time so could fit quite nicely around other commitments such as childcare. Sometimes people think the flexible hours can only go badly for them: being expected to work longer hours than normal, but I don’t think this needs to be the case. Of course chucking endless hours at a task isn’t always useful, better to work smart! Sure some projects may involve intense sets of experiments but these are either usually few and far between or limited to fields like biology with cell experiments. In my experience anything based on a computer tends to be more flexible so you’re good. Basically the level of effort doesn’t need to be any more intense than a normal job. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or I’d be happy to jump on a quick call if that’d help. Best of luck! Jeff.

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How hard is a PhD? What every PhD student needs to know

Embarking on a PhD journey is a commendable endeavour that many consider a pinnacle of academic achievement. 

The challenges of a PhD often extend beyond mere intellectual rigour. While it’s easy to assume that the hurdles would involve complex research or profound theoretical concepts, the truth is more nuanced.

Embarking on a PhD is not just an intellectual endeavour; it’s a test of one’s resilience, adaptability, and perseverance through various personal, emotional, and financial challenges. While many assume the difficulty lies primarily in complex research, PhD candidates often grapple with distractions, mental health issues, and the pressures of consistent progress.

Thus, a successful PhD journey involves not just academic rigor, but also effectively navigating these multifaceted challenges.

From battling internal distractions and self-doubt to navigating financial constraints and mental health issues, PhD candidates face a multifaceted journey that demands resilience and perseverance.

In this blog, we’ll delve deep into these often-under-discussed challenges, shedding light on the realities of what people find out when they start a PhD and provide guidance on how to navigate them. Join us as we uncover the true essence of what makes academia and a PhD both demanding and rewarding.

Misconceptions About Why a PhD Is Hard

When discussing the challenges of a PhD, it’s vital to debunk some prevalent misconceptions. Many outsiders often attribute the difficulty of a PhD to its intellectual rigour or the depth of study.

While these aspects are undeniably challenging, they often aren’t the primary concerns of PhD students.

Instead, it’s the blend of personal, financial, and mental hurdles that make the journey uniquely demanding.

• The general belief that only the ‘smartest’ can pursue a PhD is a myth.
• It’s not just about intelligence but about resilience, determination, and adaptability.
• Many PhD students often report that distractions, rather than the actual research work, are their most significant hurdles.
• Such diversions could range from personal life events, mental health struggles, and financial constraints, to feelings of isolation.
• A PhD demands consistent focus and progress over several years.
• Small achievements and advancements compound over time, leading to ultimate success.
• While research, ideas, and lab work are crucial, the unseen pressure often comes from watching peers’ progress and unintentionally comparing one’s journey with others.

Common Struggles Faced by PhD Students and PhDs

• Work-Life Balance : Achieving a harmonious balance between rigorous academic pursuits and personal life is a perpetual challenge. The constant demand of a PhD can often overshadow personal time, leading to burnout and strained relationships.
• Financial Stress : Many PhD students grapple with financial concerns. Whether it’s the looming burden of student loans, insufficient stipends, or the cost of attending international conferences, money worries can often eclipse academic priorities.
• Isolation : The solitary nature of research can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Unlike more structured academic programs, a PhD often requires long hours of independent work, distancing students from peers and social interactions.
• Imposter Syndrome : Many PhD candidates wrestle with self-doubt, constantly questioning their worthiness or fearing they’ll be exposed as frauds. This can be exacerbated by the high expectations and competitive environment.
• Time Management : Juggling various responsibilities – from teaching assistant roles to attending seminars and conducting research – can make effective time management a daunting task.
• Mental Health : The constant pressure to produce groundbreaking work, coupled with the challenges listed above, can take a toll on a student’s mental well-being. It’s not uncommon for PhD students to experience bouts of anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress.

In recognizing these challenges, it’s crucial to emphasize that they are as integral to the PhD experience as the research itself.

Addressing these external distractions and personal struggles is pivotal for a fulfilling and successful academic journey.

The Distractions That Impact the PhD Journey – more than time management

While the PhD journey is undeniably about academic rigour and deep research, numerous distractions often act as significant roadblocks. Understanding these distractions is pivotal to navigating the path successfully and ensuring a more holistic and healthier PhD experience.

A. Financial Strains

• The Sacrifice of Adult Life Luxuries : Embarking on a PhD often means prioritizing studies over many of the comforts and luxuries that peers in full-time employment enjoy. This can range from vacations to even simple pleasures like dining out or entertainment.
• Low Income During PhD Years : Most PhD students subsist on stipends or grants, which can be meagre. The income, often barely enough to cover basic necessities, can make financial independence a challenging endeavour.
• The Difficulty of a Self-Funded PhD : For those without scholarships or funding, the financial strain is even more pronounced. Self-funding a PhD means grappling with tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses, all while trying to focus on research.

B. Mental Health

• Imposter Syndrome : A common affliction among PhD students, imposter syndrome is the pervasive feeling of being a fraud, despite evidence of one’s accomplishments and capabilities. It can significantly impede progress and confidence.
• The Emotional Toll of Rigorous Research : The highs and lows of research, with moments of breakthroughs juxtaposed with periods of stagnation, can be emotionally draining.
• The Importance of Support During the Journey : Given the mental challenges, having a solid support system, be it friends, family, or mental health professionals, is paramount to staying grounded.

C. Supervisor Relationships

• The Ideal vs. The Reality : While every student hopes for a nurturing and supportive supervisor, the reality can be starkly different. Not all supervisors are a good fit, and some relationships can be more challenging than others.
• Personal Experience with a Supportive Supervisor : A harmonious supervisor-student relationship can greatly enhance the PhD experience. When guidance, mentorship, and understanding are offered, it fosters a conducive environment for academic growth and personal well-being.

The Compounding Effect During a PhD

The journey through a PhD program is akin to a marathon, not a sprint. At the heart of this journey lies the concept of the compounding effect: the power of small, daily progress.

Much like the principle where small investments grow exponentially over time due to interest, in a PhD, consistent effort and incremental advances in research can yield significant results in the long run.

The distractions we previously delved into can severely disrupt this momentum.

Financial strains or mental health issues can divert focus, causing days, if not weeks, of stagnation.

Such disruptions can delay progress and even demotivate students, making it harder to pick up where they left off.

The Real Skillset Needed for the Doctoral Journey

The skills that qualify someone to embark on a PhD journey aren’t necessarily the same as those required to complete it.

Getting into a PhD program often means mastering exams, understanding how you learn, and other academic hacks.

However, once in the PhD realm, these skills can feel inadequate.

Suddenly, you are plunged into the unknown, where cramming won’t help.

You’re tasked with literature reviews, experiments, and research, sometimes without having been thoroughly trained in these areas.

This gap in training and the realization that the previous academic accomplishments might not be directly applicable can be jarring.

And though foundational knowledge of a subject is crucial, navigating the uncharted waters of personal research is where the real challenge lies.

Every PhD is a Unique Journey

No two PhDs are the same. It’s an inherently individual journey where each student is uncovering something new.

Comparing oneself to peers, though a natural instinct, can be counterproductive.

Everyone’s challenges, pace, and outcomes will differ due to a myriad of factors, from the research topic to supervisor guidance and sheer luck.

This comparison often leads to feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. But the key is to focus on personal growth, measuring today’s progress against yesterday’s . Everyone has their unique hurdles; the goal is to surpass them one at a time.

Obtaining a PhD isn’t just about academic prowess but navigating a maze of personal and professional challenges. Recognizing and addressing these challenges, along with a clear understanding of the shift in skillset required, can pave the way to success.

Wrapping up – how to get a PhD even when it is hard

Navigating the tumultuous waters of a PhD program is no small feat. As we’ve discussed, this journey extends beyond mere intellectual challenges to encompass personal, emotional, and financial trials. It’s about perseverance, resilience, and adaptability, as much as it is about intelligence and academic rigor.

Key Takeaways :

• Acknowledge the Challenges : Recognize that you’ll face various distractions and hurdles beyond your academic responsibilities. By acknowledging them, you’re better equipped to tackle them head-on.
• Lean on Support Systems : It’s essential to surround yourself with a community of supportive peers, mentors, family, or professionals. They can offer guidance, emotional support, and sometimes even financial advice to ease your journey.
• Celebrate Small Achievements : With a PhD being a long-term commitment, it’s vital to celebrate small milestones along the way. These will act as reminders of your progress and fuel your motivation.
• Stay Adaptable : The PhD landscape is ever-evolving, and the challenges you face might change over time. Being flexible and open to new strategies or methodologies can make the journey smoother.
• Personal Growth Over Comparison : Remember that your PhD journey is unique to you. While it’s natural to gauge your progress against peers, it’s more productive to focus on personal growth and development.
• Invest in Self-Care : Your well-being, both mental and physical, is crucial. Engage in activities outside of your research, practice mindfulness, or even seek professional help if necessary. Prioritizing self-care can make a tremendous difference in your PhD experience.

Embarking on a PhD is indeed challenging, but with the right tools, mindset, and support, it’s a rewarding journey with invaluable learnings.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Is it a good time to be getting a PhD? We asked those who’ve done it

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Postdoctoral Research Associate, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

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The number of Australian PhD graduates reached around 10,000 a year in 2019, twice as many as in 2005. However, the number of PhDs has been exceeding the available academic positions since as early as the mid-1990s. In 2020, universities purged around 10% of their workforce due to the pandemic, and many university careers are still vulnerable .

Given these statistics, you might wonder if doing a PhD is still a good idea. Based on our discussions with PhD holders, there are still plenty of very good reasons, which is good news in 2021.

Read more: 2021 is the year Australia's international student crisis really bites

In June 2020 we interviewed 12 PhD holders from multiple disciplines for our podcast Career Sessions to investigate the question: why do a PhD?

Why do a PhD?

The PhD is a mechanism for developing high-level research skills, learning about rigours of science or the development of theory. It sets you up with project management, problem-solving and analytical skills that are meaningful within and beyond academia.

“It just taught me all those transferable skills, project management, and also now starting businesses. I’m amazed at how close starting a business is to doing a science project.” – Dr Andy Stapleton

For our interviewees, the PhD is an opportunity to dive deeply into a topic they are passionate about. They also considered contributing new knowledge to be a privilege. The process taught them to be better thinkers, critical thinkers, and to view the world through new eyes.

“The mental fitness to work at a high level, to be able to think at a high level, to be able to write it […] The topic is less important.” – Dr Gareth Furber

The PhD is a voyage of discovery to a better understanding of how things work. It gives them a credible platform from which their voice can be heard and respected, and they can contribute to change.

“I think it’s definitely like a springboard or something. It launches you into a whole other place and it gives you […] more of a voice. It’s a political act for me. It’s about making change.” – Dr Elizabeth Newnham

The PhD is a tough and sometimes painful journey, but ultimately rewarding. The extraordinary was tempered by frustration, and the experience shaped their lives, increasing self-confidence and leading to new self-awareness.

Read more: PhD completion: an evidence-based guide for students, supervisors and universities

When asked whether they would they do it again, no-one hesitated in saying “yes”.

“You will never stretch your brain in a way that a PhD forces you to.” – Professor Kate Douglas.

The PhD is not necessarily a golden ticket to an academic career, but the experience and skills you develop will be meaningful for your future.

“What I’d done in my PhD gave me a lot broader sense than just my own personal experience. There were a lot of people that have heard me speak and a lot of that’s been informed by the PhD. So it might not be direct, but it’s informed who I am.” – Dr Susan Close

Advice from our guests

Keep both your eyes and your mind open. Pick a topic you are passionate about. Speak to people both within and outside academia to find out where this could lead. Think about whether you actually need a PhD to get to where you want to be.

You’ll have to make some judgement calls about how a PhD can fit into your life.

And find the right supervisor! They are the most important relationship you will have throughout your candidature, and they are a solid reference for what comes next. Finding the right supervisor will always enhance your PhD experience .

Read more: Ten types of PhD supervisor relationships – which is yours?

A PhD isn’t right for everyone. Ask yourself, is it the right time for you and your research interests? Are you resilient? Mental health among PhD students is poor

Our podcast guests have witnessed PhD students’ struggles. The pathway of a PhD candidate is not linear. There are many ups and downs. You will meander in many unplanned directions and often take wrong turns.

When you have completed your PhD, the hard work is really just starting. It is a gateway, but there are a lot of PhDs out there. It is what comes next that really counts.

“It’s a gateway. You’re learning how to do research. But if you really want to be successful afterwards, you need to apply that, and be diligent about that as well, and have a good work ethic.” – Dr Mark Krstic

Read more: 1 in 5 PhD students could drop out. Here are some tips for how to keep going

A PhD in any field is an achievement. Even the most niche topics will contribute knowledge to a field that is important for many people. The reward is intrinsic and only you can identify how doing a PhD will contribute to your life. It gives you a great toolkit to identify the doors that are appropriate for you.

“The first paper was the most exciting thing. […] at that time I thought of papers as like a version of immortality. My name is on something that will last forever. I think this is my legacy.” – Dr Cameron Shearer

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• CAREER FEATURE
• 13 November 2019

PhDs: the tortuous truth

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Chris Woolston is a freelance writer in Billings, Montana.

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Getting a PhD is never easy, but it’s fair to say that Marina Kovačević had it especially hard. A third-year chemistry student at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, she started her PhD programme with no funding, which forced her to get side jobs bartending and waitressing. When a funded position came up in another laboratory two years later, she made an abrupt switch from medicinal chemistry to computational chemistry. With the additional side jobs, long hours in the lab, and the total overhaul of her research and area of focus, Kovačević epitomizes the overworked, overextended PhD student with an uncertain future.

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• Is Doing a PhD Worth It?
• Finding a PhD

Undertaking a PhD shouldn’t be a light decision. In fact, it’s one of the most challenging academic journeys you could embark on. This begs the question: Is a PhD worth it?

A PhD is the highest globally recognised postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award. The degree, which is awarded to candidates who demonstrate original and extensive research in a particular field of study, is not only invaluable in itself, but can lead to improves job prospects, a higher salary on average, and sets you up for invaluable skills and traits. If you are a graduate student considering undertaking doctoral studies, read our guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Career Prospects

Although a full time PhD takes on average three to five years to complete, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a long-term goal, especially with the possibilities that come with it. It’s a common misunderstanding that PhDs only open the door for educational based roles such as university lecturers and training providers. Although obtaining a PhD does lend itself to an academic career, the opportunities extend far beyond the traditional academic job. In fact, recent data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicates only 23% of PhD graduates take a position in educational roles. This low percentage is primarily because PhD graduates have a wide range of skills that make them suitable for a broad spectrum of roles. This is being seen first hand by the increasing number of PhD graduates who are entering alternative roles such as research, writing, law and investment banking.

Percentages aside, one of the most desirable post-doctoral fields is working within independent Research and Development (R&D) labs and new emerging companies. Both industries, especially R&D labs, have dedicated groups of PhD graduates who lead research activities, design new products and take part in crucial strategic meetings. Not only is this a stimulating line of work, but the average salaries in R&D labs and emerging start-ups are incredibly lucrative. In comparison, an undergraduate with five years of experience within their given field will, on average, likely earn less than a new PhD graduate taking on an R&D position. Completing an advanced degree programme demonstrates that you have developed a knowledge base in your research area which gives you a head start over other candidates who many only have an undergraduate degree or masters degree.

Pursuing your Interests

One factor to consider when asking ‘is a PhD worth it?’ is what your interests are. A doctoral degree is a fantastic opportunity to spend time learning about something that appeals to you. Having an interest in your research area as a PhD student is a massive advantage as you will always be motivated to push the boundaries of your research. Possessing an advanced degree in a field your are genuinely interested in can also help shape your career path and help you land your dream job.

Transferable Skills

PhD students are widely in demand for their wide range of skills they develop during their studies. Not only do these skills extend beyond that obtained by an undergraduate counterpart, but the transferability of the skills is what makes them stand out amongst employers.

Professional Networking

To successfully undertake a PhD, it’s paramount to have a good working relationship with your PhD supervisor and other students in your laboratory, workshop, or department. This relationship will also extend to undertaking short-term collaborative projects, delivering joint conferences and co-authoring research papers. The modern doctorate needs to demonstrate effective team working, collaboration and networking to be successful in their chosen field. This skill is highly sought by all employers, as open and effective communication is key to any project.

Publication

Although publishing isn’t a requirement of all PhD projects, all students will have the opportunity to produce technical or informative texts, regardless of whether it’s in the form of reports or academic journal articles.

The preparation, research, writing, and editing of such texts demonstrate your ability to amalgamate information and communicate complex ideas. Regardless of an employer’s field, the ability to record and summarise essential information is a fundamental skill they look for. Demonstrating you’re capable of delivering factual documents will help set you apart from colleagues, which will help make strides in your career.

Research Skills

One of the most valued skills you’ll gain during your PhD study is the ability to undertake original research. Not only does this demonstrate you are able to think independently, but also that you are prepared to take on responsibility and can contribute original ideas to the workplace. In undertaking a PhD, you will prove yourself as a professional expert in this area, making you a suitable candidate for research jobs.

Data analysis

A PhD programme, in particular a STEM PhD project, is likely to involve identifying, managing and analysing large amounts of complex information. In addition to this, you could be required to assimilate this information in an appropriate and understandable format. Because of this a data driven doctorate degree is highly desirable in numerical industries such as banking and engineering.

Public Speaking

In today’s industries, excellent oral communication skills are becoming more and more essential. Although many individuals struggle with this skill, as a PhD graduate, you’re more likely to excel in this area. This is because of the many public speaking opportunities you’ll be exposed to during your course. Through conference talks, presentations, and posters, you’ll learn to become confident and engaging when speaking to a broad audience. You’ll also showcase to future employers that you know how to present complex ideas and defend them.

Project management

Even if your career goal isn’t to become a project manager, all jobs require some project management. Fortunately, PhDs are a project management exercise. To complete your thesis, you must design a project, establish a realistic timetable, manage stakeholders and overcome failures. While attempting to achieve the long-term goal set out by the PhD, you must also set, manage, and achieve short-term goals to make progress.

This scenario accurately represents any modern workplace. You’ll be given the autonomy to manage your projects and workload and be expected to do so at a competent level. With this in mind, PhD holders can show they are more than capable of managing a team, and in doing so broaden their career options when entering the job market.

Critical Thinking

Every doctoral student will gain unparalleled skills in exercising critical thinking. This is due to having been trained to address problems, identify connections and analyse information to come to sensible conclusions. A critical thinker is exceptionally beneficial for any industry.

Co-operation

Nearly all careers place a strong emphasis on team working and interpersonal skills. Although producing a PhD thesis is an individual task, to complete your doctoral degree you’ll need to collaborate with others, whether it be to conduct experiments, collect data, operate as part of a larger research group or co-write manuscripts. To complete these tasks, you must know how to divide the task, share with others, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts. All these skills carry over to any workplace, not just those in an academic position. By demonstrating that you can work as part of a team, you’ll significantly increase your desirability for any role.

Many prospective PhD students see a future in academia. Strong communication skills are essential in this line of work as in addition to giving lectures you may be involved in the supervision of graduate students during their final year projects.

As a graduate student you will have spent the last few years in university and likely have some student debt. A doctorate programme is a further large financial commitment, in particular if you self-fund your studies which can take 3-5 years to complete as a full time PhD student. Even if you secure a funded PhD, the available living stipend will comparatively be less than you would potentially earn if you had gone into employment instead. Part time PhD programmes also worth looking at for PhD candidates, as they allow researchers to work during their PhD course who can then spend their earnings towards their living costs and tuition fees.

In analysing the career prospects and transferable skills gained in undertaking a PhD degree, it is clear that pursuing a PhD is an extremely worthwhile venture.

You will develop deep knowledge in your research area which gives you an advantage when applying to academic jobs (for example a professor or research advisor/PostDoc). During your doctoral years you’ll also gain many skills valued in any career path, from problem solving, to managing tasks and communicating complex ideas. Possessing a PhD correlates to higher median salaries, and can aid career progression as a PhD holder can use their specialist skills to seek out unique opportunities in industry. These skills, combined with the new roles that open up for doctorate holders, such as working within innovative Research and Development teams, presents an exciting and prosperous future.

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5 challenges faced by PhD students

As a PhD student, you'll likely be presented with many obstacles along your journey towards a Doctorate - discover how to overcome these five common problems

Owning your time

One of the most important aspects of PhD study is strong time management to achieve the optimal work-life balance. You should view your Doctorate the same as a full-time job, while also appreciating that a complete lack of leisure time can be damaging to your health and chances of success.

Following the COVID-19 lockdowns, there may still be times when you'll need to work off-campus. To ensure the quality of your work doesn't suffer, it's necessary to plan your time on campus carefully to get the most out of the opportunity - for instance, you may need to book study spaces or research facilities in advance.

In terms of the qualification itself, time management is particularly important when writing your thesis . 'One needs to be disciplined enough to get work out to supervisors, giving them enough time for critiquing,' warns Siddartha Khastgir, head of Verification & Validation (V&V) of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) at WMG, University of Warwick.

'Sending large chunks of work to supervisors is a common pitfall. Short and regular submissions are much more productive,' he adds.

Similarly, it's important to recognise when additional duties such as teaching undergraduates or becoming a student representative are taking up too much of your time - if the quality of your PhD is suffering, it's okay to reject the opportunity to do new things.

Discover our 7 time management tips for students .

Managing your supervisor

A positive student-supervisor relationship is paramount to your PhD's success. However, it's not uncommon for problems to develop. These include:

• Absence - Your supervisor may be frequently unavailable, perhaps due to other research commitments. If your second supervisor doesn't increase their level of support, you'll need to demand more regular contact - either online or in person.
• Conflict - If your research is interdisciplinary and you've been allocated two leading supervisors, they may give you conflicting advice - or even dislike each other. If so, you could meet with them separately - but whatever you do, don't take sides.
• Intimidation - Your supervisor may actually be playing a more active role in your PhD research than necessary, something that is particularly likely if they're attempting to compensate for their inexperience. Don't be afraid of asking them to take a step back.
• Leave - In some rare cases, supervisors may retire, change university or go on sabbatical with little notice. You'll need to discuss what happens next with your department.

If your situation doesn't improve after you've talked through any problems together, you should consider changing your supervisor .

Catching 'second-year blues'

A PhD's length and intensity makes an unwelcome dip in confidence, motivation and morale almost inevitable. This usually happens once the initial excitement of being a Doctoral student has died down and is commonly known as the 'second-year blues'.

Siddartha emphasises the importance of remaining optimistic and discussing your feelings with other PhD students and your supervisor. Second-year blues are often cured by strong support, encouragement and constructive feedback.

You can boost your confidence by presenting at conferences or online seminars and help to alleviate any lack of motivation by pursuing varied, interesting and rewarding tasks. Always remember that training courses and other methods of support are readily available to PhD students to help strengthen any weaknesses you may have.

Siddartha believes that the second-year blues can be mitigated by setting realistic expectations from the outset. 'At the start of the PhD, every student has the aspiration of changing the world,' he says. 'Students need to manage their expectations to do something really in-depth with great rigour.'

Starting your thesis

Getting started on your thesis can be extremely difficult. 'One must examine work of the previous three or four years and find a coherent, cohesive narrative,' explains Maz.

It's advisable to begin work on the aspect you find the easiest. You can also help yourself by doing plenty of advance planning. 'Learning to critique is important,' Maz continues. 'Articles are written to be watertight, and an inexperienced researcher struggles to identify what the shortcomings of a given research work are. Learning to identify what is not being described or what is missing is an important but challenging skill to master.'

Remember that some sections you write won't make the final cut, but don't let this discourage you - ultimately, it's part of the learning process and these segments may provide useful material for future academic articles.

Feeling lonely or stressed

A Doctoral researcher will often work alone or with limited collaboration, which can lead to them feeling isolated and lacking in motivation.

For this reason, you should aim to accept any support that's offered to you and remain in contact with as many PhD students as possible. You can achieve this by joining relevant clubs and societies - growing your network of Doctoral students will help you to improve your thesis, especially if your new friends are working at more advanced stages. Blogging your research is another fantastic way of reaching out and making valuable new contacts.

Finally, you may need to explain your busy schedule to your friends and family, as they may not truly understand the intensity of PhD study. You shouldn't be afraid to reject any opportunity to socialise but remember that discussing your PhD with a layman can help to improve it.

If you ever feel under particular strain from any of these PhD challenges, consider our 5 ways to manage student stress and the importance of looking after your mental health at university .

Find out more

• If finances are an issue, explore funding postgraduate study .
• Discover our 5 tips for passing your PhD viva .

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Studying a PhD: don't suffer in silence

D oing a PhD has always been seen as a long and lonely business since the early 19th century when the idea of the postgraduate research doctorate was first formally recognised at Humboldt University, Germany. It is probably the toughest test anyone can face in academic life. In the past, there was a very low completion rate of PhDs throughout the world. This meant a lot of wasted time, money, much personal heartache and psychological distress .

Since 2000, particularly in the UK, USA and Australia, there has been an increase in skills training , support and stricter guidelines of good practice to support PhD students through their research.

There are patterns, such as that science students mostly complete quicker and in higher numbers than social science, arts and humanities research students. Factors helping to contribute to this include less isolation, greater levels of team work (although that brings its own problems), more involvement with supervisors and more of a regulated work ethos, with a requirement to attend daily laboratory sessions.

Arts, social sciences and humanities students can have a more isolated and less structured experience. This means they have to be far more self-regulated and motivated, but also more resilient to the inevitable disappointments and confusion of exploring what can feel like an overwhelming area of research.

Good supervisors can help advise their students but can't teach them like undergraduates. It is odd that students are selected for PhDs usually on the basis that they are good at passing exams, while doctoral research requires a completely different set of educational and psychological skills. Many PhD students find this very difficult, as long periods of isolated study (or paralysed procrastination) can induce obsessive rumination. It is inevitable that some students will focus on all the negative aspects of their work and experience, which can create the conditions for depressive and anxious symptoms.

The percentage of students accessing the counselling service at Oxford is approximately 7.5%. This is within the normal range of access at UK universities and by no means the highest figure of students accessing counselling services.

What is different at Oxford (and other research-focused universities such as Cambridge, Imperial and LSE) is that there is a much higher proportion of students doing doctoral research compared with most universities. Out of the 22,000 students at Oxford, approximately 42% are postgraduates, either doing taught masters or doctoral research. 42% of all students accessing the counselling service are postgraduates, giving an exactly proportionate representation.

Typical challenges PhD students face – and how to cope with them

Perfectionism.

Being a perfectionist is setting oneself an impossible standard to achieve. If you are always trying to do an impossible task it can be demoralising, demotivating and ultimately could cause depression. A PhD thesis is something realistic to achieve; it doesn't have to win the Nobel Prize. It can be excellent but will never be perfect.

Perfectionism can feel like a friend who you think is encouraging you but is actually the enemy within, the perfectionist bully inside your head, undermining all your achievements. If you are an absolute perfectionist you will always feel disappointed in yourself , others and your experience of life.

Procrastination

There are lots of traps that can catch you out and turn you from a normal functioning procrastinator to being a paralysed one. Research students often have the misguided idea that they work best through motivation alone. This does not get you through the many years of academic hard slog when the work is not going well. This is why it is important to have work and life structure , treating your PhD like a job with set working hours and targets on a short, medium and long term basis.

Having a good work and life structure can help alleviate the pervasive anxiety of an internal nagging voice saying you should be working. Break down your work into manageable tasks rather than constantly feeling overwhelmed by the enormousness of your research. Make sure you have your priorities right . It is easy to become distracted by many other things, not just Facebook but things that seem to be work such as being a departmental student rep, teaching, helping with others' research and various welfare and peer support roles to name but a few. All of these are important but not the main task for a doctoral researcher.

Doing a PhD can put pressure on all our sensitive spots. For many people, there is a fear of being a fraud , or in psychological speak the "imposter syndrome". This often stops PhD students from being honest with themselves and others when they are finding their research a struggle. It is important to have honest and supportive relationships with other researchers to provide valuable encouragement and reality checking. Raise concerns and get support from your supervisor, your department or support services rather than wait until things get into a crisis. Inez von Weitershausen gave helpful advice in her blog , especially about choosing what works best for each different PhD student.

You also need to actively engage in the support that is offered . There is much support for PhD students, but it will not be able to take away all the fears, confusion, hard graft and sometimes feelings of despair that virtually all PhD students go through from time to time.

Unfortunately this is one of the hidden and necessary parts of learning to become an independent academic researcher. Building up the resilience and skills to cope with the uncertainty of researching a new area of academic knowledge is a great strength for all future academics, researchers and very useful for life in general.

It is important not to deny that there are many and varied difficulties and problems in doing a PhD, however, the risk is to make over-simplified explanations or causes. This can lead to a blame culture which in the end can be unhelpful and harmful to finding real support.

Alan Percy is head of counselling at the University of Oxford and spokesperson for BACP UC ( British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Universities and Colleges ). Share any advice you have in the comments below.

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This is your brain on PhD

Steven franklin lays bare the questions and doubts that go through his mind as he sits down to work on his thesis.

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When you start a PhD, the first words you hear are: “It’s going to be hard.” As someone just starting out on an academic journey, your natural response “Pah! I’ll prove them all wrong, I’m the exception, not the rule.” But there's a reason they say these things – it’s because a PhD is difficult and sometime torturous too.

Thinking logically about the process, it shouldn’t be difficult at all. You have four years (eight if you’re doing it part-time), and so by my poor maths, it works out at roughly 65 words a day. Easy! We can all do that. I mean I’ve written more here already! Sadly, it’s not that simple – what a pity. That logic doesn’t factor in any time for conceptualising your idea into something achievable, the research, the manipulation of that research into argumentative prose and then the inevitable rewrites.

Still, let’s be generous and say 200 words a day for less than two years and your project will be complete. In fact, you’d have almost written two.

Of course, there are other pressures that every PhD student must deal with. There’s an expectation for us to take some baby steps into the world of academia. We must present our work at seminars and conferences. Get used to our work being criticised and come back stronger from that. After all, no piece of work is ever the finished article. No one, to my knowledge, is yet to write the last word on any piece of history – although there are plenty of academics who’d be disturbed by the thought of their word not being the last.

Conferences are another way to introduce yourself to the academic world. Make a name for yourself. Socialise in the correct circles. These are the people that might one day examine you, become colleagues or write you a reference. We need to make the most of these exchanges. At the end of the day our future depends on it.

Then, if you’re like me, you don’t have funding, and so you must work to make ends meet. Mummy and daddy might be able to support you, but this 28-year-old would prefer some form of independence. I may be a student but I refuse to be seen as the stereotype. I work, undoubtedly more than I should, and I do my work well. One finds that if you work hard and do it to a high enough standard more doors open. People see your use. Before you know it you have an invite to the department Christmas meal. Not a bad achievement given you were employed on a short-term basis to help with some admin.

Factoring in those things, I’m now needing to write in the region of 400 words a day. Thinking about it, maybe a little less. It’s still achievable. Isn’t it? Well of course it is.

But our list does not end there. If you’d like to get anywhere in academia it’s desirable that you've taught. Published an article or two prior to thesis submission. Write a few academic book reviews. These, sadly, suck time. Time we, perhaps just I, do not have.

Let's also pause for a moment to reflect on the poker game that you play with your PhD peers. It’s an unspoken truth, but academia is essentially a game of “my fish is bigger than yours”. It’s not necessarily about quality of produced work. It’s all about quantity. The more you have, the better you are. What “have” can be anything, too. Scholarly works, academic prizes, research scholarships and media contributions are all ways of physically displaying that you’re on your way to greatness.

PhD students play the game as well as anybody else. Why blame them? The very nature of the profession dictates that you must sell yourself at every possible moment and be opportunistic, too. Don't get me wrong. I love my PhD peers but there are times when the game gets tiresome.

So, where am I left now? Ah yes, 500 words a day over 200 days and the job’s done!

But the truth is, I don’t think I'm clever enough to do it. After all, everyone who has a PhD is clever – it’s a sign of immense intelligence, isn’t it? Academically speaking, I’ve never been the best. Haven’t tried the hardest. It’s easier to take when you get poor marks knowing you haven’t really tried – easier to shrug the whole thing off.

I have ideas. I have a great PhD project, too. I’d go as far to say that it’s one of the most imaginative and intellectually challenging out of all my peers – but show me a student that doesn’t think or feel the same. Am I the correct person to do this, then? Will I do it justice? The pressure is on! It becomes rather self-fulfilling, this type of mindset.

Unlike this free-wheeling prose or stilted stream of consciousness (I’ll let you be the judge), sitting down to write my PhD is hard. Sometimes paralysing. The big, empty white screen looms. The cursor blinks with depressing regularity. It’s writing time. Why aren’t you writing? I'm not writing because I’ve been told my writing isn’t good enough. “Steven, it needs to be better, more engaging and passionate. The reader doesn’t need to feel like the process of reading your work is an insult to the English language.”

Maybe I’ve exaggerated there, but you get the idea. I’m too focused on sounding academic. Thinking where the correct place to insert that comma is. Remembering not to split the infinitive. Attempting to sound engaging, passionate and intelligent. Now I’m just overthinking things!

But the truth is, unlike this insight into the deeper workings of my mind, you do need to sound academic, adhere to academic styles and structures. Is the power of the prose I exhibit now simply constrained by the above? Should I be less like everyone else and more like me? Perhaps the question is how can I harness the confidence and readability of my writing currently?

This wasn’t really written with any agenda. I just got my iPad out and started typing. This entire splurge of words has been constructed on the train. My thoughts and typing flow being momentarily suspended as I had to change trains. I wonder if anyone could tell. At no point have I paused to think “crap, where does the comma go?” Or even think “I've failed to incorporate a semicolon or colon, isn’t my command of the English language poor?" Just a collection of sentences, with the occasional paragraph break and full stop. It may be simple. People may not like it. But this is how I write best.

As I wrote this I thought, would the people I aspire to write like be able to write like this? Be honest about the process and honest with themselves? For many, the very action would be sickening. Thoughts, laid bare on a page – an uncomfortable proposition for many, I’d imagine.

Despite what some have said, I am a writer. I can be engaging and more than capable of replicating what people deem as good prose. Maybe the very act of needing to see the success of my prose through the opinions of others is symptomatic of the issue itself.  I'll sit down with my supervisor and talk this through – I’ll even let him read it. I'm sure he’d be able to assist in redirecting this creativity into something positive.

Tomorrow I’ll write about why I am doing a PhD. I imagine it will be an enlightening read. It will be entertaining. At the end of the day, history is fun. That's why we subject ourselves to this.

Steven Franklin is a visiting tutor in the history department and a PhD candidate at Royal Holloway, University of London .

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What’s the hardest thing about doing a PhD?

Jul 7, 2020

PhDs are hard. That’s just common sense.

In fact, it feels odd to even be saying it. Of course they’re hard. They’re just about the hardest thing you could ever set out to do (remind yourself of that next time you think you’re an idiot). 

But there’s one part of the PhD journey that is harder than all the others. I’ve noticed it not just from my own experience doing my PhD, but also in my day-to-day role of  coaching  others as they complete theirs. 

It’s this: the hardest part of doing a PhD is flexing your academic muscles and speaking with authority. 

Let’s unpack that. First, what is ‘flexing your academic muscles’? Let’s consider what the purpose of a PhD is: to offer an original contribution to knowledge. Part of that involves asking questions that haven’t been asked before and, perhaps, overturning existing orthodoxy or contradicting existing findings or literature. 

In short, you’re pushing the boundaries of what we currently know. Not by much, admittedly, but you’re doing it nonetheless.

That in itself is tough, largely because you’re venturing into uncertain, unchartered waters. It’s you putting yourself out there and saying, ‘This is me and this is what I think’. 

But the real reason it’s so tough to flex your academic muscles in this way is that you’ve never really had to do it before. 

You see, during your undergraduate and master’s degree, the emphasis, by and large, was on learning what other people had already found out. Sure, you learnt critical reading, thinking and writing skills along the way, but you always did so within the confines of existing knowledge. You never had to push the boundaries of that knowledge. 

So, during your PhD, when you absolutely have to, you are left scratching your head wondering how. 

You’ll learn it eventually, through trial and error and incredible perseverance, but it’ll be incredibly tough. It’s meant to be. 

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Preemptive Action

10 biggest struggles of phd students.

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Starting a PhD is an incredibly daunting task. Normally at least 3 years, there are some challenges that you are almost certainly going to have to face during the program. Below we look at some of the biggest (and most common) problems that PhD students encounter.

If you are considering a PhD program , or just beginning one, advanced awareness of these stresses may help you overcome them if you ever have to make their acquaintance (don't worry, we have our fingers crossed). Plus, knowing that they are frequently experienced and nothing out of the ordinary will hopefully provide you some comfort. Okay, let's begin.

1. Isolation

One of the  most common problems for PhD students is the feeling of isolation. PhD candidates often work alone, having few or sometimes no other people on their project. This happens while friends may be working in offices and in teams, enjoying a far more social side to the 9-5. Predictably, this can lead to loneliness, lack of motivation, and the fear that no one understands, or can relate to the problems you are experiencing.

As an antidote to this, it is advisable to make an effort to get into contact with other graduate students. There are many ways of doing this, for instance, through journal clubs, conferences, or networking. Being in contact with other PhD students will give you someone to talk to, complain to, and will help alleviate these disruptive and negative feelings. Simply breaking up the routine of studying can do you a whole world of good!

2. Stress

With looming deadlines, large scale projects, and a huge amount of personal investment, a PhD can be extremely stressful. This is compounded by the fact that everything is always riding on you and you alone - making the highs higher and the lows, well, let's not go there. It has been found that PhD students have high levels of mental disorders  - likely related to high levels of stress they have to endure.

For this reason, it is imperative that one finds healthy ways to decompress, whether through exercise, meditation, the arts, or anything else. Any university worth its salt will also have mental health services which can be sought if things get particularly difficult. Regardless of how bad you're feeling, its always helpful to talk it through with someone. No problem is too small.

3. Conflict with your supervisor

Another common problem can be issues arising between PhD students and their supervisors. Supervisors are part-boss, part-mentor , and occasional friend. It's an odd combination, the balance of which sometimes can be hard to maintain.

When disagreements surface - and of course, over 3 years it is only natural that they will - some students can feel that they have to defer immediately to the wishes of the more senior and experienced supervisor. Again, here a supportive network of PhD students around you can help navigate these challenges.

Additionally, familiarity with the faculty in a broader sense (which is encouraged) will allow you to canvass more opinions. This may help you clear up a point of particular contention. Who knows, maybe you were right all along!

4. Funding issues

Most PhD students rely on external funding to support themselves while studying. Unfortunately, this too can be a source of concern. Funding can, at times, be insecure. It has been known, for example, for funding to be reduced while still in the middle of the PhD.

This is a precarious position to be left in and it can be extremely stressful to secure new funding. Ideally, supervisors should be on hand to help with this. One should never think twice about approaching them for advice - it's what they are there for. Still, it's also recommended that students at least have some money saved in case of emergency.

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5. Time management

So much to do, so little time to do it! This is probably the mantra of our age. Learning when to jump at new opportunities and when to say no to extra tasks is a skill which every academic should develop if they are to avoid going mad. This can be honed by knowing how to prioritize. What is absolutely essential that I finish today? What, at a push, could I postpone till tomorrow? 

Setting aside enough time in your day to fulfil these tasks will help this process and enable you to, when necessary, say 'nope, I literally do not have the time for that'. Rather obviously, it helps to be organized and to calendar your appointments carefully. And remember, it is better to do a few things well, than a number of things badly.

6. Work/life balance

It sometimes seems like PhD students are expected to study all the time; to be in the office every weekend and to work late every day. But this is not sustainable. You also need time for hobbies, friends, and family in order to function at peak level. This may seem a really obvious point to make, and yet, many students still suffer from the effects of having an incredibly lop-sided schedule.

Students should always remember: making time for activities outside of the PhD is vital for long-term success. A healthy social life, regular exercise, and cultural activities will be stimulating and fun. And, they're likely to make you happier. Even though you might not think about “happiness” when considering your goals for studying, you surely deserve some every now and then.

7. Lack of institutional support

Some universities are better than others at supporting PhD students. The best universities have extensive programs for helping them, through mentoring, workshops, and social events, while at other universities students are left to fend for themselves.

Graduate schools can be helpful here, as they are geared towards meeting the specific needs of PhDs. Try to find out what kind of support is offered by your institution – there may be more than you think!

8.   Lack of personal support

Another challenge for PhD students is dealing with a lack of personal support. Friends, partners, and family members may not understand the worth of a PhD, and may not be supportive of the choice to pursue one. Many a PhD candidate has been distressed by a well-meaning relative asking when they will be finished with their PhD and get a real job.

This is another reason to get in contact with other PhD students, who can understand the stresses you are experiencing and give you the support you need. Sharing these commonalities also helps to make light of them. Nothing builds camaraderie like shared experiences.

9. Concerns about the future

In addition to worrying about their current projects, many PhD students feel concerned about their future too. In an uncertain job market , and with academic positions being intensely competitive, there is no guarantee that getting a PhD will lead to a desirable job (we hope it will!).

That said, research does show that having a PhD under your belt hugely increases your chances of getting one. It also increases your chances of being paid better and enjoying greater job satisfaction. Economics PhDs in particular have excellent job placement rates. To help ensure you get to enjoy all of these benefits, it's sensible to start the job hunt early.

Remember, too, all the transferable skills you develop during your PhD studies could help you to get an industry job ,  if you feel you have had enough of academia.

10. Problems with motivation

When things are not going so well, and motivation is low, you should consider giving yourself a break. A few days or even a week away from your project can sometimes be really helpful, allowing you to come back to your work invigorated and able to look at it from a fresh perspective.

Maybe when you come back, you see something that before you had missed? Or even better, maybe you realize that the work you've done is actually a whole lot better than you had previously thought. THIS can be brilliantly motivating. Plus, you probably deserved a break anyway!

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Why You Shouldn’t Get a PhD

The road to a doctorate is long, arduous, and paved with abandoned scholarship. Don't start the PhD process before you consider all the obstacles (and rewards). Here's what you need to reflect on before making the leap.

1. What is your motive for getting a PhD?

Examine your true motivation for wanting to earn a PhD and how the degree makes sense within your larger plan. Despite the obstacles, people stay in doctorate programs because they enjoy learning for learning's sake. They relish the opportunity to tackle intellectual problems and explore new areas of knowledge. For some there is the added appeal of taking time out from the traditional job market as you pursue what you love. But if it's your ambition to become a professor you should be aware that the PhD track is no guarantee of a life in academia .

2. Have you thought realistically about your job prospects?

Many PhD students hope to find a tenure-track position at a good college or research university after graduating (although others do pursue satisfying careers outside of academia). The reality is that academic positions are increasingly difficult to come by. Many PhDs have to settle for temporary or non tenure-track teaching positions, which can be just as demanding as full-time work but without the salary. Be prepared to follow jobs to colleges on the other side of the country or to adjust your career expectations.

Read More: Graduate School Application Timeline

3. Can you live frugally?

Getting a doctorate is intellectually rewarding. Unfortunately, it doesn't tend to be financially rewarding, at least not in the short term. Most PhD students live on their earnings from teaching and research assistantships or other low-paying employment. So, your starving student days may not be behind you.

4. Are you ready for the workload?

Graduate courses are far more rigorous than those you took as an undergrad, and first-year PhD students usually take around three classes. Many grad students also serve as teaching assistants (TAs) and must learn how to juggle their needs along with their students. And of course, in the final three years of the PhD program, you'll mainly focus on writing the dissertation and preparing for oral exams.

5. How do you handle pressure?

Each year, some PhD candidates do not meet the requirements of their graduate programs and are asked to leave. Others choose to leave because they are burnt out, or their interests have changed. Some students who don't complete the PhD leave with a master's degree; others leave with no degree at all. You should be prepared for these scenarios by making a back-up plan.

Successful PhD students thrive in a highly intellectual environment, are willing to work very hard with only a possible payoff, love their field of study, and don't mind forgoing impressive paychecks. If this sounds like you, forge ahead!

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Is a Doctorate Degree Worth It?

Know before you read At SNHU, we want to make sure you have the information you need to make decisions about your education and your future—no matter where you choose to go to school. That's why our informational articles may reference careers for which we do not offer academic programs, along with salary data for those careers. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Earning a doctorate takes time, money and discipline. Like many things worth doing, the process is challenging but also rewarding. Becoming an expert in your subject area and immersing yourself in your chosen area of study makes the process of earning a doctorate important to many people. Certain professions require or value a doctorate for promotion potential.

In fact, career advancement, love of the subject matter and personal satisfaction are three of the top reasons why Dr. Bridgitte Kiprop '23 , Dr. Jennifer Barry ’23 and Dr. Torialyn Draper Crook earned their doctorates.

• For Kiprop '23, part of her motivation for earning a doctorate in International Business was setting an example for her six children.
• For Barry, ’23, who earned a doctor of education degree in educational leadership, part of her motivation was to prepare for success in meeting her long-term career goal to become a university president.
• And for Crook, earning her doctorate in education was a commitment that she undertook to honor her family’s legacy of valuing education.

How Difficult is Earning a Doctorate?

For Kiprop, time management was her key to success. With six children, she had to make the most of any time in the day that she could find. “If I had … five minutes, I would use the five minutes,” she said. “Other times, I was luckier (and had) two hours.”

Despite the time-management  challenges of earning an advanced degree while raising her family, Kiprop feels that the process of earning that degree was a way to inspire her children to work hard to meet their own goals.

“I really hope that my children will ... know that whatever it is they feel called to do, whatever their ambitions, their goals are achievable,” she said.

To manage the challenge of advanced studies, having the right people around you as you work on your degree is essential, according to Crook. “Surround yourself with family, friends, colleagues and mentors who can provide encouragement during challenging times,” she said.

Crook stresses that everyone’s journey to earning their doctorate is unique. She recommends being prepared for the unexpected, and remaining flexible in adjusting your path as you work toward completing your degree.

How Long Does a Doctorate Take?

Students may have family commitments, health challenges or need to work full or part-time while attending school . Many students face all of these circumstances. Crook managed to complete her doctorate in 5 years, though it wasn't easy for her. She faced a significant personal health challenge and was raising two children while also attending school.

For Barry, earning her doctoral degree is part of an educational path that started with her bachelor’s degree at SNHU (formerly New Hampshire College) in 2000. She then continued her education to earn a master's degree throughout several jobs and geographic moves.

Barry views her entire educational journey as part of the process that led to meeting her ultimate goal of earning a doctorate.

What Skills Are Needed to Earn a Doctorate?

While every academic program is different, Crook finds certain skills and competencies necessary for success, regardless of field. These skills include:

• Building relationships
• Organizational skills
• Self-motivation
• Writing skills

Crook finds building relationships particularly important. While working on her degree, the strong relationship that she developed with her dissertation chairperson proved essential. She also built positive relationships with other doctoral students, which led to a strong peer support network throughout her program.

Kiprop echoes the importance of building relationships in her field as well. For her, building new relationships is a way to open your mind to new experiences and opportunities.

Find Your Program

What types of jobs can you get with a doctorate.

While a doctorate is helpful for working in leadership roles at colleges and universities, there are many opportunities for doctoral degree holders to work at the highest levels in their profession outside of higher education as well.

Some of the top professions that require a doctoral or professional degree and have a faster-than-average predicted growth rate, according to the BLS, are:

• Astronomers* (SNHU does not currently offer graduate degrees in astronomy or physics)
• Biochemists and biophysicists* (SNHU does not currently offer graduate degrees in biochemistry or biophysics)
• Clinical and counseling psychologists* (SNHU does not currently offer doctorates in psychology, but you could start with a bachelor's in psychology , followed by a master's in psychology )
• Higher education teachers and professors — particularly business, computer science and engineering teachers*

Two more examples of areas where a doctorate can help prepare you for advancement in your career are educational leadership and international business.

A doctorate in educational leadership can be a Doctor of Philosophy degree, known as a PhD, or a Doctor of Education degree, known as an EdD. The PhD in Education Leadership typically leads to higher education roles in teaching and research. The EdD in Educational Leadership , which Barry earned, typically leads to leadership and strategy roles in an education setting that may be at the higher education or secondary school level.

A PhD in International Business  may include addressing a gap in an existing body of knowledge by conducting research. Kiprop, who earned her doctorate at SNHU, plans to use her degree to research entrepreneurship in small business finance.

Motivated by being from a developing country — Kenya — she has a personal interest in helping grow small businesses in similar developing areas. “I can also use that same knowledge at the New Hampshire level because the issues there perhaps are different but still … relevant,” she said.

Regardless of your program field, the process of earning a doctorate can help you explore ways of applying your newfound and existing knowledge that you may not have considered prior to starting your program.

Is it Better to Have a Master’s or Doctorate?

Both a master’s degree  and a doctorate offer opportunities for career advancement. Choosing which to earn, or whether to earn both, is a highly personal decision based on your personal and professional goals and aspirations, according to Crook.

Before deciding which degree is right for you, consider your goals. Speaking with a career counselor  or graduate admissions counselor to learn about career options and pathways toward earning the degree can be a helpful step toward making this decision.

In many fields, a master’s degree is enough  to move forward in your career. But, earning a doctorate is an opportunity to take your career a step further, according to Crook. That step “gives one the opportunity to direct their career trajectory specifically through research and other specialized skills and knowledge,” she said.

How Valuable is a Doctorate?

A doctorate isn’t for everyone, but it can be right for you depending on your chosen field and career path.

For many people, earning a doctorate is just as important as a personal accomplishment as it is a professional one. “I (always) understood the significance of progressing in my career and staying connected to my field of higher education,” Crook said. “My doctoral journey was worthwhile as it aligned with my career goals  and personal aspirations,” she said.

For Barry, the doctorate was worth it because she believes strongly in the power of education . “You see how (education) transforms people’s lives and … gives people opportunities that they didn’t see before,” she said.

She has seen many people earn degrees only for their family members to then continue in their footsteps. “I just think that generationally, (education) is creating pathways for people,” she said.

Deciding whether to pursue a doctorate is ultimately a very personal decision, but one that can lead you to build new relationships and a new knowledge base while helping you reach or exceed your career goals.

A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU doctorate degree  that can best help you meet your goals.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill. 

A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli  is a career educator and writer. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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Is doctor of philosophy (ph.d.) is easy or challenging to do, by www.universitykart.com , posted on may 21, 2022.

Is Ph.D. is easy or challenging to do?

Yes, Ph.D. is difficult to do in many aspects. While the academic level of a Ph.D. is not, particularly hard, the time commitment it entails is considerable. You can expect to devote years of your life to the degree. One of the biggest challenges a Ph.D. student will face is dealing with criticism. Managing time is another challenge that Ph.D. students face. Ph.D. programs require a lot of time to complete, and Ph.D. students often end up burnt out when they've finished. As a result, you must maintain your passion for the program. A Ph.D. program requires six years of commitment. Many Ph.D. holders have chosen a topic unrelated to their field of study. 

While challenging to address, these problems impact their careers. They can even hinder a student's productivity. They opted for a topic that they weren't entirely comfortable with. A Ph.D. is a long journey, and choosing a case can be tricky. There are many resources available to help you with your studies.

See the list of   India's Top Ph.D. Colleges & Universities

List of difficulties and solutions while doing Ph.D.

Lack of research knowledge..

The lack of research knowledge that a Ph.D. student experiences is a common problem students face. As a result, students often feel unsupported and like they are burdens. A Ph.D. student can't get much help from their supervisors if they cannot define their project. While it's difficult to say 'no' to a colleague who offers to help you complete your research, it's necessary to ask for help. In addition to seeking advice, Doctor of Philosophy   Ph.D. students should also seek feedback from others who have completed similar projects. If you've gotten feedback from other Ph.D. students, it's more likely that you will find a way to improve your project.

Lack of support from the Ph.D. guide.

While it can be hard to study alone, a doctoral program can help you achieve your goals. Students need to learn to take the initiative and stand independently in a doctoral program. Their learning environment should be constructive and goal-oriented. There should be meaningful interaction between supervisors and Ph.D. students. The background should also be socially supportive so that they can build relationships and become part of the academic community. Getting the right Ph.D. guide is the best way to find a mentor who can help you navigate the complexities of the Ph.D. program .

Highly routine and toneless life.

To avoid leading a highly routine and toneless life, Ph.D. students should try to establish their work rhythm. This rhythm varies widely between students. While some students are better suited to having a regular schedule, others may prefer to work irregular hours and have no set workday. Part-time Ph.D. students may also opt for a flexible schedule, which may not be compatible with the program requirements.

Long time journey

A Ph.D. journey is long and frustrating. However, it is also full of beautiful experiences. You will gain so much knowledge and be able to help the world at large. The journey to a Ph.D. degree can be challenging and rewarding. PhDs take three years to complete. Many students find that they are dissatisfied with their project at the end of the long journey. To avoid burning out, take a break, or work on another project. Taking a break will give you a fresh perspective and re-energize your project. Taking a break is essential if you hope to progress in your Ph.D. However, it is also necessary to balance work and personal life.

Mental stress while doing a Ph.D.

According to Bazrafkan et al. (2016) , stress is " emotional exhaustion ." Anxiety is characterized by a reduced sense of personal goal achievement. Research suggests that one-third of all Ph.D. students suffer from mental stress during their studies. The best way to deal with these symptoms is to address them early. If you feel that you are suffering from mental stress, get help.

Not able to participate in outdoor life.

Many students pursue their subjects out of love, and many don't consider the career prospects that a Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. will give them. Students who regularly work in groups are more likely to complete their Ph.D. promptly than those who work alone. A stand-alone Ph.D. project will limit the amount of peer learning that a student will experience and may leave a student feeling isolated. In addition, Ph.D. students who don't regularly participate in outdoor activities are more likely to drop out due to the lack of interaction with their peers and faculty members.

Lack of institutional support

institutional support exists within Universities for doctoral candidates and doctoral graduates employed as staff. The need for researchers in the economy has also impacted Universities as they realize that more and more of their graduates will not remain in academia but will move to industry. Universities need to ensure that doctoral graduates are trained to develop the skills required for work in academia and those skills required to work, research, and generate knowledge as part of the innovation and development process within the industry from a European and International perspective.

Looming deadlines for large projects of Ph.D.

A common complaint about the Ph.D. is looming deadlines for large projects. While there are legitimate reasons for this, many students are under tremendous pressure to produce deliverables. Fortunately, there are a few strategies to help avoid being rushed by looming deadlines. Read on to discover some tips for managing your time during the Ph.D. and postdoc stages.

If you want to keep your Ph.D. on track, it is helpful to establish running deadlines. Your advisor can provide running deadlines or give you a weekly meeting. However, keep in mind that it is up to you to take the initiative to finish your dissertation. While you will need some guidance from your supervisor, it should not be micromanaged. Using the Ph.D. deadlines as a guideline is helpful, but you should avoid micromanaging your supervisor.

Funding problems for Ph.D. students

The Funding problem for Ph.D. students is a genuine concern for many graduate students. The amount of money that students borrow to complete their studies can be large, making the time it takes to earn a Ph.D. extremely stressful. Luckily, there are ways to mitigate this problem. Here are some tips:

Start with your current supervisor if you're considering a Ph.D. in an area that does not have many funding opportunities. Ask them if they know of any studentships or scholarships available. Many students are surprised to learn that some universities offer some funding for Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. studies. In some cases, universities also fund PhDs through government grants and larger charitable grants. If you cannot get a commission from your supervisor, consider looking for funding from a more prominent university. If the funding you need is not available there, you can look for studentships or fee waivers from smaller charities and trusts. In a multi-institutional study, the National Science Foundation-funded a larger project to explore the funding needs of graduate students.

About Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) and why would you want to do a Ph.D. ?

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‘There are no jobs’: PhD graduates struggle to build careers in academia

For the first time in decades, Ian Corbin has dental insurance.

Over the past 15 years, Corbin has been a doctoral student, an adjunct professor, and a postdoctoral fellow. And trying to scrape together a living has been tough. “I was always hustling,” he says.

When Corbin — who holds a PhD in philosophy from Boston College and works at the intersection of ethics and medicine — was a postdoc at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2019, he earned about $50,000 a year and had kids to support. “So I was always teaching classes in the evening and publishing articles as fast as I could. Just taking on really anything that anyone would give me,” he says.

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Corbin’s story isn’t unusual. For many of those with doctorates, who typically spend between four and seven years in graduate school, the employment picture is increasingly bleak, especially for jobs in academia.

Maren Wood, who founded a firm that helps those with doctorates find jobs, says that the market for full-time professors has collapsed. Between 2007 and 2020, the number of openings in philosophy dropped by roughly half. The number of openings in English fell by about 60 percent .

Universities staffed up to accommodate millennials, she says, and now they’re trying to cope with declining enrollments, which are predicted to continue indefinitely . “There’s nothing wrong with a PhD,” says Wood, chief executive of Beyond the Professoriate, whose platform is currently used by Harvard and BC . “The problem is there are no jobs.”

Wood holds a PhD in history, and her breaking point was in 2011 when she came in second place for a job thousands of miles away. The gig was a one-year position. In Reno. And she was told the pay wouldn’t even be enough to live on.

The woman doing the hiring encouraged Wood. “You came in second place!” she exclaimed.

“For what?” Wood asked.

Wood had hoped to be a professor. She had been a top student and earned her PhD from the University of North Carolina. But it didn’t take long to realize: Despite the fact that she had a prestigious degree, there were virtually no decent jobs in universities.

Often, those with doctorates serve as adjunct professors — sometimes while they look for a more permanent gig. To students, adjuncts and tenure-track faculty may appear to be the same. They have PhDs. Students call them “professor.”

But when it comes to stability, they’re worlds apart. Adjuncts rarely get health care. They’re generally paid between $3,000 and $7,000 per class, and you might have to drive considerable distances to get from one job to another.

Over 30 percent of nontenure-track educators in higher education make under $25,000 a year, according to a 2019 survey by the American Federation of Teachers . Another 30 percent make between $25,000 and $50,000 a year. But over the past few decades, the number of adjuncts has grown much faster than the ranks of full-time faculty.

The dearth of jobs has been particularly tough on those in the social sciences, humanities, and some sciences, including biology. Richard Larson, a professor of data, systems, and society at MIT, has noted that many professors churn out lots of doctoral students over the course of their careers — and a good chunk of those students would like to be professors themselves.

But the math simply doesn’t work. Only a few of those grad students — fewer than 20 percent — can get the sort of job that their advisers have. (Though there are certainly disciplines — including chemical engineering and computer science — in which graduates can find jobs fairly easily, often in industry.)

Kristina Aikens, who earned her PhD in English from Tufts University, initially tried to piece together a living as an adjunct. For a year and a half, she says, she was teaching four or five classes in two or three locations, which is a common — though brutal — workload.

Aikens doesn’t believe that doctoral students — particularly in humanities — understand the real threat of finding themselves in an unstable position. “I think people think it won’t happen to them,” she says. “It’s not because they think that they’re better than anyone else. It’s just a denial that they’re in.”

But the threat of job instability is considerable. Massachusetts is not only the state with the highest percentage of people with undergraduate degrees; it also has the highest percentage of those with graduate degrees . And while many of those degree holders are thriving, too many live in precarious situations — situations made all the more precarious by the extraordinarily high cost of housing in the Boston area.

So if the supply of academic jobs has waned, why don’t doctoral programs simply slim down and admit fewer students?

Most of the people I spoke with noted that professors may be loath to give up their graduate students because they genuinely enjoy working with them. Grad students can talk about esoteric areas of scholarship, built on years of deep study.

“I think that faculty want to believe that they’re doing good,” says Wood. “I think that graduate deans generally believe that graduate education does good. And the fact that universities have paid so little attention to career outcomes means that they don’t actually have good data to work with.”

It’s also possible that schools’ reluctance to admit fewer graduate students is financially motivated. Universities often run on the work of grad students, as the Boston University strike has demonstrated . Grad students teach sections of large classes. They work in labs. They perform in-the-field research.

“The business model only works with a lot of cheap labor,” Corbin says. “I think it’s bad. I think it’s bad for students. I think it’s bad for the classroom. I think it’s bad for the grad students and the perennial adjuncts.” But, he believes, doctoral students represent an enormous pool of untapped talent.

Corbin is now a tenure-track researcher in neurology at Harvard Medical School, with a secondary appointment in bioethics. It’s a job he likes, and life feels much more stable. “It’s becoming less desperate,” he says.

Aikens — who now serves as the program director of writing support at Tufts — says she doesn’t regret getting a doctorate, and she doesn’t think we should preclude people from pursuing that sort of intense study.

Coming from a working-class background in West Virginia, she had wanted to see if she could do it. And the six years she spent getting a PhD were hard. But she knew that success wouldn’t necessarily lead to employment:

“At my graduation, literally at the ceremony, I turned to my friend and said: ‘Should I apply to law school? Because I don’t think this is going to work out.’”

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Being a Mother Is Hard Work. Is It Actually Harder on Millennial Moms?

Mothers have been exhausted since the beginning of time, but some difficulties are specific to the millennial generation.

By Hannah Seligson

Hannah Seligson is a millennial and a mother to a daughter, 6, and a son, 4.

There was dog urine on the carpet, vomit on her blouse and a queasy 7-year-old to look after, but Dr. Whitney Casares had just a few spare moments to clean up and change so she could resume the keynote presentation she had been giving when the school nurse called.

Dr. Casares, 42, a pediatrician in Portland, Ore., tried to clean up both messes and race back to her computer. “But I was completely unnerved and underperformed,” she said. “When my husband” — who hadn’t picked up when the school called — “and younger daughter came home a few hours later, the first words out of their mouths were ‘Didn’t you get anything for dinner?’ and ‘Why does it smell so bad in here?’”

In that moment, said Dr. Casares, the author of “Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You’re Meant to Be,” she related to a Taylor Swift lyric: “I did all the extra credit, then got graded on a curve.”

It has always been exhausting to be a mother, but each generation has had its particular pressures and ways of coping. Boomer moms didn’t expect motherhood to be anything but difficult, though the lack of social awareness around anxiety and depression meant most would never openly discuss it. Generation X moms had to prove that they could do everything men could do — and then come home and work a second shift. Some Gen Xers were children of divorce, manifested an ironic detachment from their troubles and were prescribed Prozac to deal.

And then came millennial moms, the women raised on “You go, girl!” in the 1980s and ’90s and who today are in their 30s and early 40s. On average, they enrolled in college in higher numbers than men , married later and delayed having children, sometimes to prioritize careers and other times because — with student debt and less wealth than previous generations — it felt impossible not to .

Still, it seemed like some things had worked out in their favor. Perhaps they could juggle work and motherhood more successfully. Maybe their male partners, if they had them, would be more attuned to gender imbalances at home.

“No one had these hard conversations with us about just how difficult it is to be a parent, have a career and a partner,” said Brandale Mills Cox, 38, the mother to a 4-year-old and a 15-month-old in Silver Spring, Md. “No one really talked about the burden social media plays, where a huge part of what we see of other people’s experiences makes us feel we are lacking as mothers. And no one talks about the real day-to-day, such as the friction between you and your partner regarding how you raise your children.”

Dr. Mills Cox, a professor of communications at Howard University, said she wished that her boomer mother had sat her down for a frank conversation about the moments when “you’ll just want to go into a room and cry.”

The Millennial Mother Midlife Crisis

Lately, some millennial mothers — particularly those who are middle- to upper-middle class — are finding themselves at a crisis point. While many Gen X moms confronted the middle of their lives as children were leaving for college, millennial moms are doing so with much younger children, many more years of mothering ahead of them. Some are struggling to reconcile the vision they had of motherhood with a harsher reality they didn’t feel totally prepared for.

Call it the millennial mother midlife crisis, or M.M.M.C. The hallmark of an M.M.M.C. isn’t going off the grid, à la Rachel Fleishman, the strung-out mother in the novel (and hit streaming TV series) “Fleishman Is in Trouble,” or meeting up with other moms to release primal screams.

After all, rage and angst are out, and wellness, equanimity and mental health are in. For lots of moms, the M.M.M.C. is about maintaining a chipper facade, the appearance of having it together while quietly imploding. If the M.M.M.C. had a mascot, it would be a swan, an animal gliding easily on the surface while paddling furiously beneath the water.

Jean M. Twenge, the author of “Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents — and What They Mean for America’s Future,” said there was more of a bait-and-switch for millennial mothers than for Gen X mothers.

“Women are graduating at much higher rates, young women are accomplishing so many things, and then who is the one who still has to work when they aren’t feeling well during their first trimester?” said Dr. Twenge, 52, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and the mother of three preteen and teenage children. “There is still this gender expectation.”

This is just one of the stinging realizations that can plant the seeds for an M.M.M.C. While millennial women might have expected a more equitable home life, they still, in most cases, do a larger share of the domestic work and household worrying — What camp will the kids go to this summer? Do we need dish soap? — than men.

The expectations for modern parenting have grown alongside the pressure on women to have careers, Dr. Twenge said, making the standards for achievement in every arena feel stratospheric for millennial moms.

The Self-Improvement Treadmill

Gen X moms were expected to do better, too, but millennials were the first to step into parenthood with social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, which made it easier than ever to compare just how well they stacked up against other mothers.

“It’s hard not to internalize, even though I know it’s all curated, that you could be doing it better,” said Sophie Brickman, a 40-year-old mother of three, whose forthcoming novel, “Plays Well With Others,” follows a frazzled New York City mother, Annie, navigating the competitive landscape of 21st-century parenting.

Recently, Dr. Twenge was looking at a picture on social media of an influencer who had just had a baby and was posing with perfect makeup.

“I feel bad for millennial women who have to look at this,” she said. “I had my first child in 2006, and now it has become this whole thing that you have to have these glamorous pictures right after you’ve given birth, which is crazy.”

With the internet at their fingertips, millennial moms can also fall down a rabbit hole of searching for the perfect stroller and endless — and often contradictory — advice about breastfeeding or sleep training. Rinse and repeat for every other parenting quandary.

“When we had questions about parenting, we went to a book or called the doctor,” said Margie E. Lachman, a baby boomer with millennial children and a professor of psychology at Brandeis University. “We got an answer, and that was it. Millennial parents have immediate access to unlimited information.”

Millennials are more likely than previous generations to think about these mounting pressures in terms of therapy speak and to seek actual therapy to try to cope with them. But the drive to become a more mindful, less reactive, more positive parent — a kind of mantra among many millennial moms — can create its own kind of pressure cooker.

Natasha Jung, a 37-year-old founder of a digital media company in Vancouver, British Columbia, said that while her immigrant parents worked very hard to put food on the table and give their children a better life, “there wasn’t enough of an opportunity to support me on the emotional side.”

Ms. Jung said she tries to focus on her 3-year-old son’s emotional development and accommodate his sensitivities.

“Through therapy, journaling and working with a life coach, I’ve learned how to re-parent myself so I can be a better parent and have patience,” she added.

In many ways, this introspection has been worthwhile, Ms. Jung said, but the self-improvement treadmill can be exhausting. She recalled times when she had “adult breakdowns” and “spent days and weeks ultra-depressed” because she found it difficult to cultivate the more thoughtful, emotionally evolved parenting style she expects of herself.

“It’s so much easier to default to yelling and threats,” she said.

Forging Ahead

One of the crushing realizations of the M.M.M.C. is that there is little choice but to forge ahead.

I found myself in the midst of my own mothering crisis a few months ago, after my 6-year-old daughter lashed out at me and my 4-year-old son had a meltdown because he didn’t like that “water is wet.” It was in many ways a mundane scene that many mothers would recognize, regardless of their generation. There were emails to send to school, play dates to arrange, empty weeks of the summer to be filled with enriching activities I needed to research, and lingering work tasks to complete.

(When I talked to my husband for this article, he said: “I’m trying to be helpful, but I’m having my own midlife crisis, largely precipitated by the financial and career imperatives of raising kids in New York City.”)

All of this was compounded by millennial-tinged circumstances: Like many in my generation , I was also taking care of an elderly parent. My second child was born just a few days before the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, and my career hadn’t bounced back the way I thought it would. I haven’t even touched the soaring costs of child care , which counterintuitively makes working expensive.

For the most part, millennial moms aren’t blowing up their lives. The divorce rate is lower for this generation, and the stereotypical trappings of a midlife crisis — like buying a flashy car — are more closely associated with men, anyway. Rather, millennials are testing what is possible at a moment when more is demanded of them and they are demanding more of themselves.

The M.M.M.C. is about grappling with the notion that for all the strides made by previous generations of mothers, motherhood is just as difficult as — and perhaps even more conflicted than — before.

“I think the core question for the current 30- and 40-something mothers is whether they are going to do anything about a society that continues to overburden them,” said Leslie Bennetts, the author of “The Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much?” Otherwise, she added, more and more women are going to “feel like they are going to explode.”

Maybe, in typical millennial fashion, we are all too deep in our own heads and too fixated on the particularities of our own situations.

“Millennials are very much about the self and the mentality that, ‘If I have problems, it’s up to me to solve them,’ as opposed to looking at it from a more societal point of view,” said Barbara J. Risman, the author of “Where the Millennials Will Take Us: A New Generation Wrestles With the Gender Structure” and a professor of sociology at the University of Illinois Chicago.

There is no Instagram parenting hack or self-care practice that can lift my generation out of the M.M.M.C. — and our culture has some serious work to do to be more accommodating to mothers. But right now I need to pick my daughter up from the bus and nudge an elderly parent about taking a walk.

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