PHD
PATHWAYS
Our Story
The story of PhD Pathways begins with my own journey through my PhD course.
Starting in January 2016, I was excited to be embarking on a course that before then, I did not think was ever in my reality. I had no idea that the PhD would be the single hardest, most testing thing I would ever do in my life.
I also had no idea that it would take me seven years to complete.
The thing they don't tell you about PhDs is that life still happens around you while you're focussed on one sole project. For me personally, I had to work alongside my PhD, which straight away limited the time and headspace I could dedicate to it. I also moved cities, went through the highs and lows of a relationship, saw little of my friends, changed my course from full-time to part-time, changed the focus of my topic several times, and struggled with my mental health; all of which meant I became more disengaged with the course and began to resent it.
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Crunch Time
By the time 2022 rolled around, we had been through a global pandemic, I had moved house and was now living alone, my friends were married and had babies, and I still hadn't written my thesis. My mental health was also the worst it had ever been, and so I contacted a therapist to help me.
That therapist changed my life.
With their help, I was able to operate more effectively, started experiencing the joy of life again without feeling constantly guilty about my PhD, I became mentally and physically healthier, and started looking after myself more. With my deadline looming my therapist oriented their sessions with me around productivity, motivation, confidence, and self-belief.
Within 6 months my PhD was written. But not just written, it was good.
The rest, as they say, is history. I had my viva 5 months later and passed with minor corrections. And in November 2023 I attended my graduation ceremony (as the only PhD candidate!)
Final Thoughts
What makes a PhD difficult is not the level of intelligence required (you wouldn't have got on the course if you weren't capable) but it is in making the sustained commitment for years to see your project through, no matter how long it takes and no matter what life throws at you.
The good news is that the chances are none of the issues you are facing are insurmountable. What you need is someone in your corner, who understands what you are going through, and who can give you the tools and confidence to get you to where you need to be.
And that is why PhD Pathways was established.
