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Doing a Phd - impact on social life?

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  • 24-05-2009 4:59pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 9,579 ✭✭✭


    So it looks like I will be doing a PhD as apposed to a research masters since they "get more out of me" :)

    Sounds fun, well up for the challenge and love the area, hard worker (obsessed) BUT.....

    I'm worrying on how it will affect me mentally. For the past 2 years, I've worked very hard in college and have no had time to socialize properly. They're only a few in my class so interaction with "normal" non computing students is even strange for me at this stage.

    If I do this phd, I will have to ensure that I spend enough time away from work and have a normal life. Is this even possible? -

    I am just looking for people who've done or are doing Phds - does it impact your social life? - Is it possible to take time out every week for other things, even have a relationship with someone?

    Sorry if this isn't the forum for this, but I'll find people in here on similar boat.

    Cheers.


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 15 fussyhussey


    Am very strongly considering doing a PhD but am not surrently in the eductaion system. Finished my taught MA in 2007 so assume I'm going to be right back at square one. Wondering if it will be worth the effort. Would love to hear other stories!


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,483 ✭✭✭Ostrom


    Webmonkey wrote: »
    So it looks like I will be doing a PhD as apposed to a research masters since they "get more out of me" :)

    Sounds fun, well up for the challenge and love the area, hard worker (obsessed) BUT.....

    I'm worrying on how it will affect me mentally. For the past 2 years, I've worked very hard in college and have no had time to socialize properly. They're only a few in my class so interaction with "normal" non computing students is even strange for me at this stage.

    If I do this phd, I will have to ensure that I spend enough time away from work and have a normal life. Is this even possible? -

    I am just looking for people who've done or are doing Phds - does it impact your social life? - Is it possible to take time out every week for other things, even have a relationship with someone?

    Sorry if this isn't the forum for this, but I'll find people in here on similar boat.

    Cheers.

    Of course!

    It is not at all as some would have it appear, and those that do tend to immerse themselves in the 12 hour 7 day work routine are very much the exception (and will probably wind up going insane at some point).

    I have been at it for two years now, I put in a solid 8 hours a day which is more than enough for me. I take regular holidays as per normal work conditions, and almost every week, I take one morning off and put in the extra hours somewhere else.

    Despite what some may tell you, it should be no different to a regular job - except you are spending the time (and you will never have this freedom again - ever) engaged in something rewarding and interesting. I have encountered people who have tried to do the full-on-intense routine and it burns them out. Do your work, read something a little less technical in your spare time and everything will be fine!

    Your regular interests do not have to take a hit - the only negative, and this is often understated, is the isolation. Not so much socially as intellectually. You wont find too many people willing to discuss your work with you, especially at the later stages (except your supervisor, so proceed carefully....) which can be a bit trying.

    The xbox and guitars still get regular attention :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭deegs


    Hey Donal,

    You starting off with one year of a research masters then transfer to PhD?
    We can be friends out there ;)

    R


  • Registered Users Posts: 9,579 ✭✭✭Webmonkey


    efla wrote: »
    Of course!

    It is not at all as some would have it appear, and those that do tend to immerse themselves in the 12 hour 7 day work routine are very much the exception (and will probably wind up going insane at some point).

    I have been at it for two years now, I put in a solid 8 hours a day which is more than enough for me. I take regular holidays as per normal work conditions, and almost every week, I take one morning off and put in the extra hours somewhere else.

    Despite what some may tell you, it should be no different to a regular job - except you are spending the time (and you will never have this freedom again - ever) engaged in something rewarding and interesting. I have encountered people who have tried to do the full-on-intense routine and it burns them out. Do your work, read something a little less technical in your spare time and everything will be fine!

    Your regular interests do not have to take a hit - the only negative, and this is often understated, is the isolation. Not so much socially as intellectually. You wont find too many people willing to discuss your work with you, especially at the later stages (except your supervisor, so proceed carefully....) which can be a bit trying.

    The xbox and guitars still get regular attention :)

    Thanks! That was exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm a hard worker, and would easily put in 8 - 10 hours a day so should be ok. I just need to be sure I switch off when I need to though as I tend to think of things 24 - 7 work/college related and it not healthy.
    deegs wrote: »
    Hey Donal,

    You starting off with one year of a research masters then transfer to PhD?
    We can be friends out there ;)

    R

    Possibly that route yes. See how I get on first few months and upgrade then. PhD is my ultimate goal anyways.

    Yep need someone out there, bit depressing! Cheers.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭deegs


    Webmonkey wrote: »
    Thanks! That was exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm a hard worker, and would easily put in 8 - 10 hours a day so should be ok. I just need to be sure I switch off when I need to though as I tend to think of things 24 - 7 work/college related and it not healthy.



    Possibly that route yes. See how I get on first few months and upgrade then. PhD is my ultimate goal anyways.

    Yep need someone out there, bit depressing! Cheers.

    My same situation, apparently you cannot go directly to PhD from a honours degree or lower (in CIT).


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  • Registered Users Posts: 409 ✭✭burger1979


    Webmonkey,

    My wife did her PHD a few years ago straight after she got her degree and just treated it like a normal job but one that she was very interested in. She would work only from about 8-5/6 then take the evenings to relax and do something different. She is big into sports and going to the gym so i would suggest finding an outlet like that to take you away from it all. remember it is a marathon not a sprint, take holidays when you want, take breaks when you want also. towarsd the end of her PHd she got a bit stressed alright cos she was trying to get all the papers together but apart from that nothing really phased her through out the PHD. she even had time to have a relationship with me!!!!:D:D

    anyway good luck with it and enjoy it, imagine college life and getting paid to do it too, nice!!!!!


    burger


  • Registered Users Posts: 5,438 ✭✭✭livinginkorea


    This thread is very insightful. I have a kid, a full time teaching job and living in Korea. I was thinking about doing a PhD in a few months time after I finish my MA via distance learning but before I start looking around it's interesting to hear how tough and hard it's going to be. But I think it's the only way I can teach in an university in Europe.


  • Registered Users Posts: 147 ✭✭ulysses32


    Hi folks,
    I am currently working full-time, have one child and in the second year of a Phd. Is it hard work? Yes. Is it impossible? No.

    My life adapted to the study,etc. Routines and timetables develop through the process.

    I would suggest that it is important that your study area is one which you are deeply interested in and passionate about.

    As suggested above you must maintain leisure and pleasure outlets, otherwise what is the point of it all?

    I would also suggest that you talk it through clearly with family in particular. everyone (in a family situation) will make sacrifices for your Phd.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,483 ✭✭✭Ostrom


    Take care of yourself too, you cant prepare for the effect it can have on your body if you let it.

    I felt ill for many months before realising I simply wasn't remembering to eat lunch. It happens all the time; you get going on something and before you know it, its evening and youre past the point of hunger.

    Eat and rest well!


  • Registered Users Posts: 9,579 ✭✭✭Webmonkey


    ulysses32 wrote: »
    Hi folks,
    I am currently working full-time, have one child and in the second year of a Phd. Is it hard work? Yes. Is it impossible? No.

    My life adapted to the study,etc. Routines and timetables develop through the process.

    I would suggest that it is important that your study area is one which you are deeply interested in and passionate about.

    Wow that a lot to handle, cheers. I'm good for time tables, lists etc so hopefully be ok.

    The area is one I am very passionate about, that's for sure! - ever since I was in primary school. Couldn't imagine doing something I wasn't passionate about.
    efla wrote: »
    Take care of yourself too, you cant prepare for the effect it can have on your body if you let it.

    I felt ill for many months before realising I simply wasn't remembering to eat lunch. It happens all the time; you get going on something and before you know it, its evening and youre past the point of hunger.

    Eat and rest well!

    Cheers - was happening me too during my final year - I worked a bit too hard! -
    I am going to start going to gym and do proper eating when it starts.

    Does it take a few months before you get to that stage - before work gets heavy or is the first year just getting into it?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3,483 ✭✭✭Ostrom


    Webmonkey wrote: »
    Wow that a lot to handle, cheers. I'm good for time tables, lists etc so hopefully be ok.

    The area is one I am very passionate about, that's for sure! - ever since I was in primary school. Couldn't imagine doing something I wasn't passionate about.


    Cheers - was happening me too during my final year - I worked a bit too hard! -
    I am going to start going to gym and do proper eating when it starts.

    Does it take a few months before you get to that stage - before work gets heavy or is the first year just getting into it?

    Writing up seems to be the toughest, but even at that, it flows well from what I can see. The best way to approach it is to consider it as an apprenticeship. Your supervisor directs your course of reading as best they can (I'm coming from social sciences, it may be different for you), and you form your own approach to the topic based on noted deficiencies.

    In first year I spent about three months wondering what I was supposed to be doing, reading anything I though relevant, not really getting anywhere. The biggest lesson I learned over the past two years is to always listen to your supervisor - you will end up with the material and ideas, but only they know how to get a passable thesis from it :)

    The apprenticeship prepares you for all aspects of academic life - teaching, research, communication, and eventually, supervision of your own - it will be a much more pleasant experience if you incorporate all elements.

    The work will not, and should not become too much with sensible management - not too light, and not too excessive.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6 mini_ste


    I think it really depends on the type of person you are.

    At the beginning of mine I tended to keep the weird hours I had for my degree. Working overnight, mad week long stints and all that. After a few months of the PhD work I found this wasn't viable. Since then I work 10 to 6 (to avoid as much of the traffic) and I find it fine. I actually have more free time and am better organised as a result. Sometimes I work a few hours extra in the evening and/or weekend but it's only by choice and you definitely have extra options available if you want to put in some extra hours for a few weeks and take a few days off over a long weekend for example. Others in the office are much the same, 9 to 5 sort, but we have at least one person who does evening work, kind of 2 to 10 stuff and she doesn't seem to socialise at all with us or do much outside of the work - it really depends on your approach to it I think.


  • Registered Users Posts: 874 ✭✭✭Max001


    I'm currently only at research masters level, but will submit my thesis and am starting a taught masters in my professional area in Sept, then most likely will take my original research masters further via a Phd, starting in a couple of years time.
    I'd echo what Efla said about your supervisor. I've 'lucked out' with a great supervisor this year who knows the research process inside out, what to produce volume and quality-wise and helps keep me on schedule and pointed in the right direction. I listen very carefully to his advice.
    One piece of advice was that writing up the thesis in its entirety is often harder than the research itself and once you have a research focus and a reasonable amount of reading done, just start writing.
    You'll do redrafts no matter how careful you are at the start, so get stuff down on paper as early as possible. I think his point was that there's then a demonstrable sense of productivity. Like a creative writer aiming to do a page a day.
    As regards work rate, I'd agree with others. As an HR consultant working with multi-nationals, I could let work take over my life, as clients would like (sometimes!), but I've learnt to pace myself, maintain a balance and lessen the risk of burn-out. I've learnt that the better I balance, the higher the quality of the work I do, the less likely it is that I have to re-do work and most importantly, the more I enjoy it.
    Nobody really told me what university resources were mine to use/abuse/plunder to assist my research (aside from the library)
    nor what financial assistance was available and those two areas were learning curves.
    Good luck! :D


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