Anybody done a PhD?

[Irmagerd1]

I'm contemplating it, I'd like to work at university level but I know that the work is scarcer these days. I'd be happy to do it just for the enjoyment of learning and researching.
My father has a PhD and works in academia, and I suppose I previously never considered myself as capable but now I'm thinking that I should at least try.
I have a thesis topic I'd like to work on, in humanities, and I think it's a topic that generates a lot of discussion, has plenty of evidence to work with and it's something I'm genuinely passionate about.
However I don't have a Masters, I have a PGCE. I also have a 2.2 degree from a RG university. I'm 31 now.
I haven't chosen my university yet but I'm fully aware I'd never make it into Oxbridge or anything more competitive/prestigious, nor do I want to really.
I don't want this to be taken the wrong way but I'm wondering if I'd stand a better chance of being accepted at a much lower ranking university. I honestly don't mind where I do it as long as it can be local/distance learning.
I know I'll most likely have to be self funded too, and I'm intending to do the PhD part time alongside working.
Just interested to hear from other people doing them or contemplating it.
Maybe this is just a pipe dream and I'm completely deluded for thinking I'd even get a place.

I have an Mphil, half self funded and half funded by work. It was offered as an option at work and I grabbed it with both hands. I think I could have progressed onto a PhD but I fell pregnant and decided to write up for an Mphil.
So pleased I completed it. I've worked with people who have studied for PhDs for years and it can be your life so you need go be really passionate about it. Would definitely recommend an Mphil if an option for you.
Incidentally, I had a 2:2 and no masters but I did have extensive experience in the field which is why I was accepted.

I’m a professor at a leading university in the UK. I haven’t read the other replies but here’s my honest, honest answer -

1. Permanent jobs in academic, particularly in the humanities - are scarcer by day, and the pay is nothing particularly great.
2. progression and promotions can become frustrating beyond measure.
3. Humanities are seeing massive funding cuts and redundancies - and as I wrote many entire departments are receiving awful news.
4. a PhD is an absolute slog, and requires enormous devotion to what is often a very hard process. Really solid good grades and a bloody mindedness as a scholarly person helps but isn’t always enough.

Please have a very solid, thorough think before embarking on this.

@JunoTheJellyFish doing a second PhD is the surest sign of madness, just write a book! 😁