Edition # 2 Wait, What’s a PhD Really Like?
A reality check on the roles, rhythms, and resilience required for the long haul
Hi Reader,
Thank you for being here, for being part of this tender beginnings of this newsletter- it means a lot.
Whether you’re a returning reader or just joined the journey, welcome to the second edition of Decoding the Doctorate:)
This space was born out of countless conversations, late night quiet reflections, and a desire since long to make the PhD path a little less lonely, a little more honest.
Today, I’m writing to you not just as a researcher, but as someone who’s lived the highs, the doubts, and everything in between.
So before you plunge into this journey called a PhD, there are some things you should know to help you navigate the ride ahead. These are not warnings but just friendly guideposts to prepare you for what’s to come and do your groundwork better:)
Know ‘Why’ you want to do PhD: Choose purpose over prestige. A strong reason will carry you through the rough patches. Take the time to ask yourself why you want this and write it down. You’ll return to that reason more often than you think.
The Right Supervisor means a lot. Consider their expertise, style of working. Ask current or previous students about their experience. Your supervisor is not just a guide, they can be a lifeline.
The journey can be half a decade or more. Be prepared for intense work phases. Deadlines, fieldwork, revisions - they’ll test your limits.
Comparison will creep if. Let it go! Seeing your friends climbing corporate ladder…comparison hits hard. Stay grounded in your own timeline.
Choose a topic that interests you but is also doable and feasible. Overly Ambitious projects may be quite unmanageable. Ambition is great, feasibility is greater
Regular check-ins and communication with your guide is key to survival. This can prevent confusion, frustration, and derailment.
Expect phases of loneliness and self-doubts. Build a robust support system. Whether it's family, friends, or fellow researchers, having people who remind you of who you are beyond your thesis is vital.
Full funding won’t always be available. Be prepared for periods with limited income and plan accordingly. Budget carefully, and explore part-time work or fellowships early on
Be prepared to wear many hats. Teacher, researcher, writer and teacher and sometimes do administrative tasks too.
Academic Critique & Feedback will feel different. It’s not always gentle. It is always evolving. It’s rarely final. Learn to separate yourself from your work.
Motivation will fluctuate. Discipline, routine, and rest will keep you going.
Doing a PhD is like going for half a decade long transformative adventure. Full of thrill, terrifying moments, loads of life lessons and occasionally questioning ‘What was wrong with you that you took this journey’!
Embarking on a PhD is no small decision. It’s a path full of questions, growth, detours, and quiet victories. While no list can fully prepare you for the ride, knowing what lies ahead can help you move through it with more clarity and confidence.
If this resonated with you or made you think of someone who is about to begin their own research journey, I’d love for you to share it with them.
Also, got questions, doubts, or just need to talk it out? Reach out anytime:)
Warmly,
Mridul
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