To do a PHD just to be able to use Dr?

[Confortableorwhat]

Unfortunately, I don't really think that's an option for me, but I need a title to use.

I currently use Mrs, have done for 30+ years, alongside late DH's surname. I married very young and TBH it never crossed my mind not to take his name and use the title, although I wouldn't do it now.

Anyway, I've been a widow for several years, I don't like using Mrs because I'm not married, I'm not a "Miss" and whilst I understand Ms is a solution for some, I don't actually know anyone who uses it IRL and find it awkward.

Is there a good option?

DB did one for that very reason. Why not if you want to, you might even find your topic stimulating whilst you're at it. Who knows what other doors might open after that? DB thoroughly enjoyed his but what he loved most about it is the title .

You’re putting far too much worry and thought into a title. It doesn’t define you or make your personality or who you are change.

You want to do an entire phd for a title? Nobody cares about titles? Where do you use it enough that if affects you?

I am married and use Ms. I don't find it awkward personally and know many people who also use it.

I'm sorry for your loss but I said YABU as Mrs is fine even if widowed. I mean I know Dr sounds cool but doing a PhD is a long hard expensive thing to do just for a title. Do it for a job or interest in the academic area.

It is unfair. Why is it easier for men?!!

Gender fluid people now use Mx. Your only alternative is Ms.

I use Ms too, if have have to, on a form but other than that, it never crosses my mind. Are you a teacher or someone who needs addressing by title?
I know a woman with a PhD who uses Dr (not medical) in her name on WhatsApp, face profile etc. I think it looks silly when it's not work related or necessary.

Just use ms

There was a thread the other day where most posters thought it was a ridiculous idea to use the title Dr if you have a PhD, as apparently you are not a real Dr.

Doing a PhD is very hard. I’m glad I have done it in my 20s. I don’t think I can do it again. Mine is in engineering and it involves many many weekend and evening work. A lot of travel to conferences. And a lot of attempts to get published.

A PhD is bloody hard work! Anyone who just does it for a title is bananas

I'm widowed and use Ms late husband's surname. My son's wife uses Ms with his surname. My sisters use Ms with their maiden name. I think it's common in real life. My widowed mother uses Mrs as do her widowed friends. I don't think it matters at all what title you use.

I don’t think I could tell you what title any of my women friends have opted for, because it’s not really something you address somebody with in day to day life and on the rare occasions I write to them it’s first name last name. You can ask e.g. banks and utility and insurance providers not to include a title at all when sending you correspondence by mail: some women opt for that for safety reasons. For the sake of selecting something occasionally on a drop down list, is it that meaningful?

I use Ms, as do all if my female friends whether married or not. It’s very common now.

It seems crazy to me to do a PhD just for the title. 😅

Nah get ordained instead. Rev is cooler as a title and it’s a more sociable process

How do you plan going about it? For many you need sponsorship. Unless you get a fellowship, it is very expensive.

Have you looked into the detail yet or is it just an utopic thought?

You've got that the wrong way around! 72% thought it was absolutely fine to use the title Dr if you have a doctorate.

Why not, if there's also an area you like and you think you'd enjoy the research?

Bonkers

I can't think of any situations where I still use my title now? And when I write letters I just address them as "First Name Surname"

However men don't change title based on their marital status so I don't see why women have to.

I'm widowed and use Mrs. But I'm not looking for a new relationship and that's the only reason I could think using the title might cause misunderstanding. I'm quite sentimental about retaining my married title and surname.
I couldn't even think of anyone doing a PhD for the reason you suggest. I'm not saying for one minute you aren't capable of doing one but I'm left wondering if you have a real grasp of the hard work and commitment involved.
Not meaning to be harsh but there are an awful lot of valid reasons for embarking on a PhD but your reason seems very strange.

Ok so I might be wrong here and I'm sure the Mumsnet police will correct me if I am, but when my friend parted from her DH a few years ago her legal advice was that she could call herself whatever she wanted (Dr, Miss, Rev!!) as long as she wasn't going it to break the law!!

I know more people who use Ms than Mrs. I'm married and I use it.
Bit I also know plenty of divorced and widowed women who use Mrs.
Your overthrowing this.
If you want to do a PhD then do it!

I thought I'd made it clear the Dr idea wasn't entirely serious....

I seem to fill in multiple forms a day where I have to tick a title box and it makes me wince a bit every time.

I also work in school, so my title is used all the time. No one uses Ms and in the odd case someone prefers it, it rarely actually gets used - mosy staff and students will use Miss for someone young and Mrs for someone older, but we do have a couple of Drs and that is respected.

Your brother did a PhD because he didn’t feel like a Mrs, Miss or Ms? 🤨