To even think about a PhD?

[QuestionableMouse]

Having a minor crisis of confidence right now and could really use some advice.

Background: I graduated summer 2020 with a first and I'm currently a third of the way through a MA with an average grade of 75% (predicted final grade is a Distinction) Both in English and Creative Writing.

I've been thinking about a PhD since I started my MA but not seriously, if that make sense?

Had some spare time today to look into it a bit more and now I'm wondering if I'm mad for thinking about it. I'm a published author currently, I'm bloody good at research but I'm not the most academically gifted person in the world and the thought of writing a massive thesis is scaring me a bit! (most seem to want ~creative writing project and ~20k thesis linked to your creative writing project)

I'm the first one in my family to get a degree, let alone anything past that and most of my friends did more practical qualifications so I don't really have anyone to talk to in real life and I'm having a bit of a wobble.

My top advice: get some work experience first. It's not now or never with a PhD. People do them at all ages and stages of life. Several years of experience in the work place is extremely valuable for a PhD.

Thank you! I've done this every time, had a major wobble. I did the same with my MA 🤨😂

It's more for me than a job - I don't want to teach, (formally at least, I have an idea for a writing workshop that will be amazing if I can get the details to shake out)

@Cindersrellie

My top advice: get some work experience first. It's not now or never with a PhD. People do them at all ages and stages of life. Several years of experience in the work place is extremely valuable for a PhD.

Thanks. I'm 36 this year and have been working since I was 16 so that's not a problem 😂😁

@ForeverAintEnough12 my MA has been online only with no timetable so motivation and such isn't an issue. I know I can do that bit. 😊

I would spend some time thinking about what you want to do after the PhD and how you are going to finance it. Getting started in academia is hard, there are many more people who want jobs than there are jobs. What other options are there for work and do you need a PhD to do them? Secondly, PhDs are time-consuming and expensive. How are you going to fund it? If you are going to get into debt, will it be worth it in the long run (see point about what job you are likely to want afterwards)?

I see lots of great PhD students graduate from my institute every year, and despite producing great work and being very bright and capable, there are no jobs for them, and it seems to take them by surprise how very hard it is to actually get a stable career going academia. I think potential students maybe sometimes get so caught up in the idea of applying for the PhD that they don't spend enough time thinking about what comes afterwards.

So my advice would be to think about these points before you apply. Or as another poster said, maybe spent a few years working and see how you see your career progressing and come back to the PhD later if you want.

@Cindersrellie

My top advice: get some work experience first. It's not now or never with a PhD. People do them at all ages and stages of life. Several years of experience in the work place is extremely valuable for a PhD.

Um, no, it really isn't.

ForeverAintEnough12
this is a really good post. Two of my DC and several of their friends have PhDs albeit in more scientific fields (and one in History) My most academic DC was OK with the academic side of it but found it really isolating and intense and it did affect his mental health. On the whole, from listening to them all discussing it and talking through their experiences, I feel they have needed a lot of resolve and resilience and all of them went through a really tough period when they were questioning whether to carry on.
However, it’s hugely rewarding when it’s achieved and it has helped with job opportunities for them all, although it’s certainly not a guarantee to get you on the career ladder. There were many times when I had to remind my DC that if it was easy, everyone would do it. You’ve got to have good support, inner grit and a real love of your field of study.

Thanks everyone. Currently working on my PhD proposal and have contacted a few unis to enquire 😁

I would only do a funded PhD... Funded PhDs also usually have a pathway to employment as well, so that's helpful.

Thank you! Basically throwing out feelers right now but will keep that in mind. 😊