Am I mad to consider doing a PhD when I have lots going on?

[newnameish]

Hi everyone.

I've been thinking about studying for a PhD for a while, but very reluctant to take the leap due to life currently not being quite ideal for it - I'm a solo parent to 6 year old DS. I work on campus 4 days a week and unfortunately I'm currently dealing with a couple of inconveniencies that I predict will take about a year or so to solve. So all around, I'm very busy. But, I'm at a stage where I'd really benefit from career progression and further job security.

In addition, one of my goals is to relocate when DS is 12/13. I'd need to have completed a PhD in order to be eligible to take up a lecturer position in the country we plan to move to.

I'm 30 and although I was very happy with getting married and having DS in my early 20's, but I now wish I had completed all my studies first - this would've probably been better for our present and future.

What would you advise me to do please?

Thank you.

This has scared me! I'm 40 and starting mine this autumn. I have young children and work part time! Please let us know how you get on!

Best of luck! I hope it goes well for you. 💐

I haven't really given it more thought. I have a lot going on at the moment. But, hopefully when the dust settles, I'll be in a better position to move forward.

I actually say go for it. You have a huge advantage of actually working on campus so going to meetings/seminars should be relatively easy. I live blinking miles away!

I am doing one part-time in my late forties and somehow I seem to manage. I have just completed my fieldwork. A lot of people will try to put you off, but they don’t have to do it, do they?!

The most useful thing that someone said on here was: ‘You’ll get there in the end’.

Pick a research methodology so that you will be able to fit in fieldwork alongside work/life (it really isn’t necessary to travel unless you want to) and you will be fine.

The next six years will pass anyway, with or without a PhD at the end of them.

@newnameish in case you’re no longer following the thread.

Started mine in late forties and just coming to an end now (part time professional Doctorate). Juggled with family, full time work and various life events including promotion, the pandemic, bereavement and a major operation.

It has been a time - consuming, all- consuming, infuriating, expensive, labour of love that gives a voice to a group of colleagues who deserve to be heard and has probably kept me sane while all the madness of life was whirling around me.

Would I have done it if I knew what would be involved?

No.

Has it been worth it?

Yes. In personal terms I am not the same woman who started this process. I am more confident, clear, a far better writer (although I have a long way to go) and have a strong sense of self worth.

I'm surprised by all the posts. You need to do it by the time ds is starting secondary, so you do have to do it some time, why not start now. Is there ever a good time?