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Any PhD students out there?
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Right...so I'm thinking about doing a PhD. Not really because I've always wanted to do one, more because I've been offered a funded one in an area of research I'm interested in, that will give me a good chance of getting the career I would like.
I'm just wondering what it's like really from someone who has completed one or who is in the process. The thing is, I'd never really considered postgraduate study, to be honest I just wanted to finish my degree and get the hell out of uni. This is why I'm not entirely sure about embarking on it - 3 years of continued study isn't really what I'd aimed to do.
Without sounding negative and pessimistic, there's a few things holding me back. Firstly I have extreme academic anxiety, I'm constantly fretting about work I've done, I huuugely panic around exam time, and I've been on beta blockers and sleeping pills throughout my final year at uni because I stress myself out so much about it. Although I'm really interested in the area of research I'd be doing; this is making me think that I'm just gonna experience more of the same. I don't really want to waste my early 20's worrying myself sick about academic work.
I guess it's because it's a good opportunity, and I feel I'd be silly to not take it, but I'm just not sure if it's right for me.
Anyone got any experiences?
I'm just wondering what it's like really from someone who has completed one or who is in the process. The thing is, I'd never really considered postgraduate study, to be honest I just wanted to finish my degree and get the hell out of uni. This is why I'm not entirely sure about embarking on it - 3 years of continued study isn't really what I'd aimed to do.
Without sounding negative and pessimistic, there's a few things holding me back. Firstly I have extreme academic anxiety, I'm constantly fretting about work I've done, I huuugely panic around exam time, and I've been on beta blockers and sleeping pills throughout my final year at uni because I stress myself out so much about it. Although I'm really interested in the area of research I'd be doing; this is making me think that I'm just gonna experience more of the same. I don't really want to waste my early 20's worrying myself sick about academic work.
I guess it's because it's a good opportunity, and I feel I'd be silly to not take it, but I'm just not sure if it's right for me.
Anyone got any experiences?
Post edited by JustV on
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There's loads I could tell you, but I'll try and keep it quick.
First off, doing a PhD is hard. Really hard. It's lonely, you're constantly 'on', it's arduous, it can be boring, tedious, and dull.
BUT, it can also be fantastic. You're more or less your own boss, you can organise your own hours, and if you're doing something you love then it's great when things are going your way.
The academic anxiety you speak of never goes away. I know tenured professors who feel exactly the same way. The best you can do is learn to manage it. You're never expected to know everything, and the more you learn the more you realise how little you do know. Doing a PhD in the UK is a very specialised thing, and after 3 years you're a specialist in a tiny little field.
The way I look at it, spending 3 years to have Dr. before your name isn't a waste. You'll be recognised professional, have the opportunity to go into academia if you like, and if you go into the public sector you'll be a specialist in your chosen field.
It isn't for every one, and right now I'm finding it tough going. But, I think it's worth it in the long run.
If you have any more questions, PM me
KOG - thanks for the info, it's helpful to hear it from someone who is experiencing it. I'm going to meet the potential supervisor next week, so will probably pm you some time when I've had more of a chance to think about it!
a MINIMUM of 3 years study. most people who embark on doing PhDs take longer than 3 years to complete it.
Few years have passed since we last met, so I'd imagine you're almost there, sunshine. Ha.