I Regret Doing a PhD
TLDRThe speaker reflects on their challenging journey through a PhD, highlighting the difficulties of balancing academic and professional responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of seeking help and overcoming the misconception that a PhD is a solitary endeavor. The speaker shares their realization that independence does not equate to isolation and the need to embrace one's identity as an academic. They express gratitude to their supervisor and sponsor, Squarespace, for their support and the platform to share their experiences.
Takeaways
- π The journey of a PhD is challenging and often involves making mistakes, especially when balancing it with full-time work and financial responsibilities.
- π‘ Realization came late in the process that asking for help is crucial, even after years of independent work and study.
- π The fear of not being a 'good researcher' and the pressure of self-imposed expectations can hinder progress and create unnecessary stress.
- π€ The importance of regular communication with supervisors and mentors cannot be overstated, as their guidance is invaluable to navigate through academic struggles.
- π Networking and interacting with the academic community, both online and in-person, is essential for growth and gaining new perspectives.
- π The process of doing a PhD is unique and personal, much like a fingerprint, and comparing oneself to others can be unproductive.
- π Documenting one's academic journey can provide a sense of reality and accomplishment, despite the fear of publicizing mistakes.
- π Embracing the title of 'academic' is a step towards self-acceptance and acknowledging one's worth and potential in the field.
- π οΈ Changing one's approach rather than giving up on the PhD journey can lead to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose.
- πͺ Overcoming insecurities and negative self-talk is a crucial part of personal development, especially in an academic setting.
- π₯ The use of platforms like Squarespace can aid in creating and maintaining a professional online presence for one's academic and creative endeavors.
Q & A
What was the speaker's initial attitude towards asking for help during their PhD journey?
-The speaker initially believed that asking for help was a sign of weakness and inefficiency. They thought that a PhD should be done alone and that if they couldn't find resources by themselves, they weren't a good researcher.
What changed the speaker's perspective on seeking help from their supervisor?
-The speaker's perspective changed when they found themselves overwhelmed and on the verge of quitting their PhD. They realized they needed to ask for help and emailed their supervisor for the first time, which led to a positive response and more support.
How did the speaker's approach to their PhD differ from their previous academic experiences?
-The speaker found that doing a PhD was a unique experience that felt like building their own academic institution from scratch. Unlike their undergraduate and master's studies, a PhD required a different approach to reading, writing, thinking, and relating to others.
What did the speaker learn about the importance of networking in academia?
-The speaker learned that networking is crucial in academia. They realized that talking to supervisors, sharing ideas, and connecting with other academics can provide new perspectives and insights that are beneficial for their research.
How did the speaker's social anxiety affect their academic journey?
-The speaker's social anxiety made them avoid social situations and networking opportunities, which led to isolation from their university and peers. This isolation made the PhD process even more challenging and highlighted the importance of overcoming personal barriers to seek help and connect with others.
What was the speaker's realization about the role of their supervisor?
-The speaker realized that their supervisor's role was not just to provide external validation but to offer guidance and support. They understood that they were paying for the supervisor's expertise and help, not just seeking their approval.
What are the speaker's plans to document their PhD journey moving forward?
-The speaker plans to document their journey through blogging on their website and vlogging their process for their Patreon members. This will help them make the experience real to themselves and treasure parts of it.
How does the speaker plan to change their communication with their supervisor?
-The speaker intends to email their supervisor more regularly and take up the offer for additional meetings outside the mandatory monthly supervision. This will help them manage their anxieties and improve their academic progress.
What shift in self-perception does the speaker aim to make?
-The speaker aims to start identifying and introducing themselves as an academic, embracing their role as a researcher and scholar. They plan to stop dimming their light to avoid negative judgments and take pride in their accomplishments.
What was the speaker's experience with social media in relation to their academic journey?
-The speaker had a negative experience with social media, feeling ashamed and avoiding it due to fear of criticism and judgment. They are now looking for alternative ways to document their journey without returning to social media platforms like Instagram.
How did the speaker describe their PhD experience in comparison to their previous academic degrees?
-The speaker described their PhD experience as completely different from their undergraduate and master's studies. They felt that a PhD was like building a complex structure that transforms their entire lifestyle and mindset, unlike their previous degrees which focused more on learning and relaying research.
Outlines
π The Challenges of Pursuing a PhD
The speaker reflects on the difficulties of undertaking a PhD, especially while working full-time and being financially independent. They acknowledge their past mistakes and the immense pressure they faced, which almost led to quitting their academic journey. The turning point came when they reached out to their supervisor for help, breaking the misconception that a PhD is a solitary endeavor. They express gratitude to Squarespace for sponsoring the video and discuss how they built their business websites using the platform, highlighting its user-friendly design and the ability to monetize content easily.
π Realizing the Uniqueness of a PhD Journey
The speaker delves into the realization that a PhD is a unique and personal learning process, unlike any previous academic experiences. They compare the intensity of a PhD to building an academic institution from scratch, transforming one's lifestyle and thought processes. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the PhD journey is highly individual and that comparing oneself to others can be unproductive. They also discuss the isolation that comes with independent research projects and the need to break free from this solitude by networking and engaging with the academic community.
π Changes and Commitments for Future Success
The speaker outlines the changes they plan to implement to improve their PhD experience. They commit to documenting their journey, despite initial reluctance due to fear of judgment. They also plan to increase communication with their supervisor and embrace their identity as an academic, which they had previously downplayed. The speaker acknowledges the need to overcome self-doubt and take pride in their accomplishments, rather than diminishing their potential to avoid criticism. They conclude by expressing a renewed commitment to their PhD and a determination to share their experiences through vlogging and blogging.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘PhD
π‘Mental Health
π‘Academic Struggle
π‘Independence
π‘Networking
π‘Supervisor
π‘Isolation
π‘Personal Growth
π‘Self-Identity
π‘Squarespace
π‘Regret
Highlights
The speaker reflects on the challenges of doing a PhD while working full-time and being financially independent.
The realization that doing a PhD is a difficult endeavor, especially when trying to manage it alone without a support system.
The importance of asking for help and breaking the misconception that a PhD journey is a solitary one.
The transformative nature of pursuing a PhD, which goes beyond academic learning and writing to a personal and lifestyle change.
The comparison of a Master's to a PhD experience, emphasizing the latter's long-term and intensive nature.
The unique and personal nature of the PhD process, which cannot be fully prepared for or understood until one experiences it.
The need to overcome the fear of judgment and criticism in order to fully embrace one's potential and achievements.
The benefits of networking and engaging with the academic community, even for those with social anxiety.
The decision to document the PhD journey as a means of making the experience more real and tangible.
The shift from viewing oneself as a student to embracing the identity of an academic.
The impact of social media on academic networking and the search for alternative ways to document and share research.
The importance of regular communication with supervisors and the benefits it brings to the PhD experience.
The struggle with self-doubt and the journey towards self-affirmation and taking pride in one's work.
The role of sponsorship and the use of platforms like Squarespace in building and maintaining a personal brand and online presence.
The value of perseverance and the willingness to change one's approach rather than giving up on the PhD journey.
Transcripts
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