Any Phd students - I need advice!!!

[Nosher]

Hi,I'd like some advice because I've got the chance to do a Phd - something I've always wanted to do, but it suddenly became possible a few days ago and now I have to have a think about it as a realistic prospect. Is anyone out there juggling motherhood with a doctorate and how do you manage? I've got a ten month old - so it wouldn't be right away - but I could start within a year. Those of you doing doctorates - are you part time or full, do you get funding and how many hours a week do you find you need for your work.
Please advise me - what do I do?

Hi - I did a PhD before having dcs but I now supervise PhD students who have kids. I think success might depend on your ability to manage your time in such a way that the PhD is as much a 'job' as any other employment. You have to make the PhD a priority in the same way that you would a high paying job in the 'real' world. And most importantly, those around you have to see it that way too, and not expect you to be the one to have the most slack in your schedule just because you are a student. Oh, and you need your own space to work in where you won't be interrupted by others. You should go for it, and try to get as much funding as possible. Search the web for odd sources of dosh. good luck

Hi Nosher,
I am currently a full-time PhD student, trying to write-up before baby no.2 arrives!

I started off doing a part-time PhD while I was working as a research associate at a university, and had DS in my 3rd year. I used to juggle work & PhD by working in the eves on the PhD & working full-time...But once DS came along that was not possible. After much deliberation as my PhD is a priority for me I opted to go full-time. I only did this in February, after working for a year full-time and not getting any PhD work done! Thankfully DP earns just about enough to pay for childcare for 4 days a week, so I work on my PhD 9-5 during these days, and try to do a bit in the eves too (not every night though!) as DS is now 23 months old as sleeps fairly well. My funding only pays for my fees, conferences etc. and so I top it up with the odd bit of consultancy work for the uni, and rely on DP a lot! Ideally I would agree with puddlejumper- try to get full-time funding and treat it as a job. Be warned childcare costs can be a lot but some unis provide discounted childcare/nursery places for full-time students- worth asking about! The annoying this is as a student you are not entitled to more tax credits/childcare vouchers as it is not officially a job. Definitely ask the postgraduate office at the uni about funding sources & help with childcare. Full-time studentships are fairly generous these days so it is easier than it was even 5 years ago.

Like puddlejumper said though it is also important family & friends treat you doing a PhD seriously... I still have to explain to my MIL that I do actually work on the days DS is at nursery- she can't just call in for an hour!! It can be stressful at times but if you love your subject very worthwhile. Really make sure though that you think you will fall in love with your PhD as you have to be fairly self-motivated! I do enjoy mine, which is what I think it is all about as well as furthering my career. Also to a certain degree it is more flexible than a normal job, so if things do conspire against you & you have to look after DC during the daytime occasionally you can sometimes make up the hours in the evening. Make sure you have a supportive supervisor though who understands you are a parent also, as sometimes if DS is ill etc. all deadlines go a bit out of the window, though somehow we usually manage!

Good luck making your decisions!