I tell everyone that a PhD is not hard, it's just a lot of work. If you do the work, you will get there. Everything is vying for your attention, so you have to continue to make incremental progress toward the finish line. I'm in my mid-40s, married, and a parent of three teenagers and in the tail end of my dissertation. It's do-able, but it's not easy to manage time.
dooood you don't know how useful, helpful and motivating this content is!! please keep it up! I am sure a lot of us Phd students appreciate your weekly videos! 4:26 hahah that's me every week!! :'D
YOU ARE JUST RIGHT! It is so true that not intellectual abilities or lab skills matter the most, but all those other things you mention…money, mental health, supervisors, contributing to new knowledge stuff etc. It can be challenging not to focus on them as for many of those aspect you don’t have full control over. It all can be so frustrating that it pushes you away from your goal and finishing PhD program. I’ve seen many incredibly talented students completely broken cause of all those issues. There is saying that not the smartest obtain PhD title, but those who are the most determined . Cheers!
Thank you! Yes! I start my dissertation in January, and this is exactly on point, at least for me....5 years on MFA and 5 years on this crazy degree...it's been mostly about focus, flow and self-discipline, in my experience. My IQ is strictly average :). I'm also a full time associate professor....here's a tip PhD students. Mediate, every day :).
I am going through a tough time of my PhD time . Last 3 days sleep wasn't sound , overthinking, anxiety, depression... however, your video makes me good .
This video was super helpful! I appreciate your candor. You have a lot of insight, and the way you communicate really works for me. I start my PhD in a few weeks, and watching your videos helps me think clearly and has reduced my anxiety. Thank you! Also the your shirt + beard in this video is a badass combo!
Having the right motivations for doing a PhD will also determine whether you have a hard time or not. If you're passionate about your subject (or at least seriously interested) it will be easier to stay focused. If you're doing something you're not that interested in just for prestige it will be hard to keep up the stamina for 3-4 years. It's definitely better to be honest with yourself before starting than to suffer for years.
Props for the vid, big help thanks. This comes under financial: I live out of a storage unit that has power. Single car garage sized equivalent space. 7m x 3m roller door front. I leave before office hours and i'm the only one wiser. Have my microwave stacked on my bar fridge, stacked on my dishwasher. Big desk, great stereo system. Plenty of space, absolutely love it. I own property but rent it out. Am here by choice. This also comes from being ex-military, so this is easy. I would say, spend some time in the bush before hand if you haven't already. Like go for a few days. Identifying the comforts which aren't actual "needs". If there are any pinch points then there's no stress or confusion in weighing it up whether you can deal without it or not. Because you already know you can.
Thank you so much for making these videos. After listening to your words, I'm rewarded with a little bit of reassurance that my own approach - equities/options-trading to build up adequate financial resources to sustain years without having to earn money to support myself - is sound. Haha, my principal challenges now are acquiring EU citizenship & ensconcing myself in a comfortable setting outside the UK ...
Hi Andy, thanks for another wonderful video!! Can you please make a video on finding relevant literature and documenting them in an efficient way. It would be of great help 🙏🏻
I think one of the reasons why doing a Ph.D. is difficult is because before you really read into a narrow subject, you won't be able to know if your research plan will work out in the end or not. Hence, a supervisor with good knowledge in this particular field will be helpful to guide you to the right track, but in some cases, things don't go this way...
Hey Andy .. Really like your videos. I just needed a bit of advice. In my Masters I couldn't conduct a masters thesis due to the pandemic. Which is really a big obstacle to apply to PhD program. Do you think instead of applying to a PhD program directly should I do a Master's by research or an integrated phd, since I don't have a masters thesis?
I really have been going back and forth about whether or not to pursue a PhD :( I'm studying in Sweden, which makes a big difference financially speaking (Sweden actually PAYS PhD students), but also means I'm separated from my friends and family back in the states while I'm working on it :( I just want to do more science man, I don't really care how that happens, but the paths are so fixed... I just want to SCIENCE
Andrew, I am an older PhD student in Theoretical Physics. How can I seek a mentor, friends, or people outside of family that can be supportive? Sometimes classmates are not supportive of an older student. If I need to learn some programming skills in C, C++, Python, and Matlab, for research, how do you suggest I start?
Here are the struggles of phd: lonelyness, lack of money, you make your relatives sad when they see you sad, the constant feeling of not having done enough or that you have fallen behind, the feeling you dont have what it takes, and then come the rebutals where every idiot reviewer says the most idiotic things and then you get panic attacks because of the very close deadlines. Then you spend 6 months, day and night to make additions to your software and when you solve one problem them comes another one, and another one and another one, until it has been two years being trapped in what it can only be described as a cell, suffering from a lack of vitamin d because no sunshine, and then you hate your life. And then you suffer constanly from dunning kruger effect and impostor syndrom, one week you are really happy that you accomplished something and the next week you are so sad because now you need to do ten more things and you are so tired so FUCKING TIRED. All the time.
This may be a stupid question, but is there a difference between a phD program and simply researching a topic and writing a 260 page book about it that includes your own original thoughts? It seems like you work so hard for a phD when all you ultimately get out of it is a publishing credit. I'm still working on my Bachelor's with an eye on getting at least a Master's, but I have considered going for a phD in the past.
Social Science student here. In my 4th year and have done field work and interviews, but am very depressed because I haven't done many of the things you mention and I feel like it is too late... Is it possible to save my PhD? I don't know...
This content is very helpful as I consider doing a PhD. I would love to know how people, specifically first generation, overcome the financial aspect of the PhD? Are there programs to help fund your ed at this level?
Not sure what country you live in or what subject you would be doing your PhD in, but in the US most STEM PhD programs are fully funded (and you shouldn’t even consider a non-funded program at all). From my understanding , humanities PhDs tend to be funded less frequently and usually have a lower yearly stipend. But many grad students in that position make that up by TAing. In addition you can apply for fellowships and grants, which are competitive but if you win them, it looks great on your CV as well
It's more about your program specifics vs. how you come in. For instance: the country of the programs you are applying to, how much the average stipends are if they provide them (remember to separate STEM vs. Humanities), and whether you are allowed to have a side job or drop to part-time if needed.
I am just starting my Ph.D., currently doing a literature survey, but due to the covid situation in India, I have to work from home. Can you please make a video about how to go along with it. I know that literature survey is a very important part of my Ph.D., and I feel like I am missing out on a lot. I don't even know by lab mates😭. I just got to know some Ph.D. scholars, over email and calls.
Oops I’m starting a self funded phd in Oct. but I’m an obstetrician so not worried about a job at the end and can do some oncall shifts for the cash. So not the average self funder I suppose
I tell everyone that a PhD is not hard, it's just a lot of work. If you do the work, you will get there.
Everything is vying for your attention, so you have to continue to make incremental progress toward the finish line. I'm in my mid-40s, married, and a parent of three teenagers and in the tail end of my dissertation. It's do-able, but it's not easy to manage time.
I'm starting a phd this fall and these videos are really alleviating some anxiety ❤
I’ll be applying for phd next year this is so helpful
Me too!
Same here!
Same here ,this fall ❤️
Same here! Let's do this 😊
dooood you don't know how useful, helpful and motivating this content is!! please keep it up! I am sure a lot of us Phd students appreciate your weekly videos! 4:26 hahah that's me every week!! :'D
Thank you! It's comments like this that keep me posting videos!
These videos are great, lots of congratulations!!! ❤
YOU ARE JUST RIGHT! It is so true that not intellectual abilities or lab skills matter the most, but all those other things you mention…money, mental health, supervisors, contributing to new knowledge stuff etc. It can be challenging not to focus on them as for many of those aspect you don’t have full control over. It all can be so frustrating that it pushes you away from your goal and finishing PhD program. I’ve seen many incredibly talented students completely broken cause of all those issues. There is saying that not the smartest obtain PhD title, but those who are the most determined .
Cheers!
Thank you! Yes! I start my dissertation in January, and this is exactly on point, at least for me....5 years on MFA and 5 years on this crazy degree...it's been mostly about focus, flow and self-discipline, in my experience. My IQ is strictly average :). I'm also a full time associate professor....here's a tip PhD students. Mediate, every day :).
Sometimes allow yourself to cry too😉
100% agree, love your talks, incredible insights of PhD life
I am going through a tough time of my PhD time . Last 3 days sleep wasn't sound , overthinking, anxiety, depression... however, your video makes me good .
It is true that most skills which get you to the PhD level are not sufficient ... they don't help .... Thanks for sharing
This video was super helpful! I appreciate your candor. You have a lot of insight, and the way you communicate really works for me. I start my PhD in a few weeks, and watching your videos helps me think clearly and has reduced my anxiety. Thank you! Also the your shirt + beard in this video is a badass combo!
Applying in a few weeks. Mastered degreed molecular biologist here. Thank you for the great advice!👍
Having the right motivations for doing a PhD will also determine whether you have a hard time or not. If you're passionate about your subject (or at least seriously interested) it will be easier to stay focused. If you're doing something you're not that interested in just for prestige it will be hard to keep up the stamina for 3-4 years. It's definitely better to be honest with yourself before starting than to suffer for years.
Thank you Andy! Your advice is always spot on to my current challenges! What I need to hear
Thank you for your content Andy! I have applied for my PhD and am waiting to hear back from the university.
Props for the vid, big help thanks.
This comes under financial: I live out of a storage unit that has power. Single car garage sized equivalent space. 7m x 3m roller door front. I leave before office hours and i'm the only one wiser. Have my microwave stacked on my bar fridge, stacked on my dishwasher. Big desk, great stereo system. Plenty of space, absolutely love it. I own property but rent it out. Am here by choice.
This also comes from being ex-military, so this is easy.
I would say, spend some time in the bush before hand if you haven't already. Like go for a few days.
Identifying the comforts which aren't actual "needs". If there are any pinch points then there's no stress or confusion in weighing it up whether you can deal without it or not. Because you already know you can.
I think intelligence definitely helps, especially in creating original ideas under pressure, but intelligence itself is not enough to graduate.
This is a really good one, I'm experiencing exactly the same situations as you mentioned in this video. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for making these videos. After listening to your words, I'm rewarded with a little bit of reassurance that my own approach - equities/options-trading to build up adequate financial resources to sustain years without having to earn money to support myself - is sound. Haha, my principal challenges now are acquiring EU citizenship & ensconcing myself in a comfortable setting outside the UK ...
This is so helpful! Can't thank you enough.
I am very grateful for your videos. I am applying for programs right now, and trying to understand the ropes a little.
Hi Andy, thanks for another wonderful video!!
Can you please make a video on finding relevant literature and documenting them in an efficient way. It would be of great help 🙏🏻
I think one of the reasons why doing a Ph.D. is difficult is because before you really read into a narrow subject, you won't be able to know if your research plan will work out in the end or not. Hence, a supervisor with good knowledge in this particular field will be helpful to guide you to the right track, but in some cases, things don't go this way...
thank you ! ifeel you answer so much questions that no one does (in the Univ)
Your channel and your contents are amazing and extremely informative!!!
Excellent Analysis for PhD Student
You are the best. I needed to hear this. Thank you.
Hey Andy .. Really like your videos. I just needed a bit of advice. In my Masters I couldn't conduct a masters thesis due to the pandemic. Which is really a big obstacle to apply to PhD program. Do you think instead of applying to a PhD program directly should I do a Master's by research or an integrated phd, since I don't have a masters thesis?
I really have been going back and forth about whether or not to pursue a PhD :( I'm studying in Sweden, which makes a big difference financially speaking (Sweden actually PAYS PhD students), but also means I'm separated from my friends and family back in the states while I'm working on it :(
I just want to do more science man, I don't really care how that happens, but the paths are so fixed... I just want to SCIENCE
I totally agree with all what you have said.
10:35 Oh Andy! You're adorable 😻.
Hardly concur. Great lessons Dr.
Very true. Thank you.
Lovin' this content, Andy!
Glad you enjoy it! Thank you!
Awesome advice as always...)
For me it was the supervisor who didn't have any background in the field, it was the horror, I felt lonely all the time.
Andrew,
I am an older PhD student in Theoretical Physics.
How can I seek a mentor, friends, or people outside of family that can be supportive? Sometimes classmates are not supportive of an older student.
If I need to learn some programming skills in C, C++, Python, and Matlab, for research, how do you suggest I start?
Here are the struggles of phd: lonelyness, lack of money, you make your relatives sad when they see you sad, the constant feeling of not having done enough or that you have fallen behind, the feeling you dont have what it takes, and then come the rebutals where every idiot reviewer says the most idiotic things and then you get panic attacks because of the very close deadlines. Then you spend 6 months, day and night to make additions to your software and when you solve one problem them comes another one, and another one and another one, until it has been two years being trapped in what it can only be described as a cell, suffering from a lack of vitamin d because no sunshine, and then you hate your life. And then you suffer constanly from dunning kruger effect and impostor syndrom, one week you are really happy that you accomplished something and the next week you are so sad because now you need to do ten more things and you are so tired so FUCKING TIRED. All the time.
Can you talk about the importance of having a romantic partner during PhD? Is it too personal for individuals?
Oh boy, that is definitely what will consistently keep me going :)
@@Rainstorm121 your partner support?
Without my partner I couldn’t stand it.
@@palomavoava1 Pardon me for this personal question. Did you meet him before your PhD or while you started your PhD?
@@Rainstorm121 alright, alright, that's too much of details. 😂 I start my PhD in 1 or 2 years, hopefully, some good stuff happens then.
When should a person give up to enter in a PhD?
10:35 🎶A whole new world🎶 😆
Andy: don't do a self-funded PhD
All universities in Greece: we do NOT fund PhDs
Me: I live in the wrong country
Χαιρετισμούς από εμπ
how do you think outside the box...? Is there a clear cut way or is it just trial and error?
This may be a stupid question, but is there a difference between a phD program and simply researching a topic and writing a 260 page book about it that includes your own original thoughts? It seems like you work so hard for a phD when all you ultimately get out of it is a publishing credit. I'm still working on my Bachelor's with an eye on getting at least a Master's, but I have considered going for a phD in the past.
Social Science student here. In my 4th year and have done field work and interviews, but am very depressed because I haven't done many of the things you mention and I feel like it is too late... Is it possible to save my PhD? I don't know...
This content is very helpful as I consider doing a PhD. I would love to know how people, specifically first generation, overcome the financial aspect of the PhD? Are there programs to help fund your ed at this level?
Not sure what country you live in or what subject you would be doing your PhD in, but in the US most STEM PhD programs are fully funded (and you shouldn’t even consider a non-funded program at all). From my understanding , humanities PhDs tend to be funded less frequently and usually have a lower yearly stipend. But many grad students in that position make that up by TAing. In addition you can apply for fellowships and grants, which are competitive but if you win them, it looks great on your CV as well
It's more about your program specifics vs. how you come in. For instance: the country of the programs you are applying to, how much the average stipends are if they provide them (remember to separate STEM vs. Humanities), and whether you are allowed to have a side job or drop to part-time if needed.
I am just starting my Ph.D., currently doing a literature survey, but due to the covid situation in India, I have to work from home. Can you please make a video about how to go along with it. I know that literature survey is a very important part of my Ph.D., and I feel like I am missing out on a lot. I don't even know by lab mates😭. I just got to know some Ph.D. scholars, over email and calls.
Hey!!! From which lab uh are doing .. I'm preparing for csir net..but pretty confused whether I should go for it or not???
Can I get your email I'd ..I would like to discuss about it ..if uh are doing phD in india
Can anyone suggest me a channel for graduating students
Great
Oops I’m starting a self funded phd in Oct. but I’m an obstetrician so not worried about a job at the end and can do some oncall shifts for the cash. So not the average self funder I suppose
thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank you :(
A part time PhD is ofcourse self funded
You really should have made these vids years ago
It's time consuming & require lots of details analysis.
I think you need to change your TH-cam profile picture....looks creepy lol