Finishing MA this year, PhD next?

[Hecho]

I'm interested in others' experiences in moving on from a Masters. I work very much part time, I'm lucky in that I'm not looking for retraining or employment opportunities and I'm self-funded. I think I'll meet the academic criteria. The subject area would be linked to ancient history. I'm in my mid-50s (I'm resisting joking about ancient history here). I'd be so interested to hear of your experience, whatever your situation or age, of embarking on a MPhil or PhD. Positive stories, negative experiences, just advice and insight. Thank you.

I don't have experience as such, but I've recently completed a social science masters related to my job field and have thought a lot over the past couple of years about moving to a PhD in the same field.

I've decided against - I'm admittedly in a different situation to you as I also work full time and it would be related to work. But I wouldn't expect to get anything in terms of a career leg-up.

I've decided it might be a commitment too far - and that it might turn something I have a genuine passion for into an expensive millstone.

When I'm the right place, in 2/3 years, I'm going to look at another masters instead - in an arts field which is also an aspect of my profession. I'm hoping it'll keep interest and enjoyment alive while challenging me educationally in a more accessible way than a PhD.

I also know quite a few people who have started PhD study and for whatever reason, either extended it hugely or not completed it - I do think this is a thing.

That was a very 'me' answer - insights I suppose would be, talk to people who have started/completed PhD study.

I don't know but am following with interest.

I'm currently doing an MA and have applied for, and been offered a place to do a PhD in a creative subject. Whether I can do it or not depends if I get funding, or at least that is what I'm saying so far. Tho if I don't get funding I'm also tempted to self fund and do it part-time and get a part-time job. But I think it will be very tight if I do that.

Hi

i I started a self funded full time PhD in the social sciences at 53, and am so glad I did. It has opened up great opportunities, I’ve met some really interesting people and found out that I am capable of working at that level.

i had a student loan, and part time teaching work to pay for it. It was a financial stretch and I ended up working full time while writing up. Juggling home, work and studying was hard (plus the pandemic). My 20 something PhD friends didn’t have the same pressures as me and completed their PhDs much more quickly, as they didn’t have the responsibilities I did.

but I don’t regret it, am very very proud of myself and I’m about to start a really interesting job at a really good uni that I hope will lead to even more opportunities. I would say go for it, it’s an incredible experience, but hard.

Thanks for your replies, it's really interesting, and I hope to hear more! I'm currently thinking that when I finish the Masters in October, I'll take a few months to consider next steps, but if I get the grades I think I'll go for it. Nothing ventured .....

I had a few years between my Masters and my PhD. It’s important to have a strong research proposal when you apply. Above all, you need a topic that you absolutely love and won’t mind reading about to the exclusion of everything else for the next 3-8 years. I was working full time and completed in 5 years. I spent 12 hours a day every Saturday and Sunday working on it and did some reading most evenings.

I admire your dedication, Rocknrollstar, well done. I think I could invest that much, I'm lucky that soon I won't have so much on my plate, and I'm circling a couple of areas of interest that I could sustain, but I think my dissertation will help me solidify that. Thanks for the contribution

A self funded PhD is only worth it if you love the topic and have money to burn. It is not necessarily going to lead to a job or book contract or whatever.

Thanks parietal, I'm lucky in that I do love the topic, and while I don't have money to burn I can afford it. I'm not expecting it to lead to employment, maybe just some interesting opportunities.

Well as someone who self funded a PhD and then worked as a lecturer and a research fellow, I disagree.

@Hecho go for it.

Thank you LCM001a! That's great to hear. Well done on the PhD and the doors it opened for you. Do you mind me asking which area you work in?

I am in the social sciences