At some point in your program, it’s likely that you’ll have an existential crisis. When this happens, you’ll begin to question your sanity for even getting involved in this whole “PhD thing” in the first place.
For me, this was roughly the spring of 2009. At that point I felt like I was in a very long, very dark tunnel. I was right around the halfway point in my studies with two kids, a wife, and a full-time job. Who does this to themselves? I don’t need a PhD. I can do almost anything I want to do in my career without one! I mean, what do I want to do? Publish papers in journals no one will even read?
Had I been not so far along, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have quit. I felt like I was too far in to turn back but too far from the end to see the “light.” I reasoned that if I quit, I’d hate myself forever. So the only way out was through. I focused on my love of learning and the reason that I, personally, had decided to embark on this journey: The prospect of contributing to changing an aging system and being paid to learn and write. In truth, a job in higher ed is probably a long way off for me since I truly love what I do in my school, but I like knowing that when I’m ready I’ll have the option.
If and when you begin a PhD program, you can be almost certain that you’ll question yourself at some point (or points) along the way. Try to keep in mind that you’re in a marathon, not a sprint. It requires moderate, sustained effort over a long period of time. Heck, if it was easy everyone would have a PhD.
Here’s the thing: You can always find a reason not to get your doctorate. A corollary of this is that there is never a good time to begin. There will be kids, bills, mortgages, and a myriad of other things going on. But the time will pass, whether you’re in grad school or not.
When the doctoral doldrums hit, consider taking a semester off to rejuvenate. Change up your schedule. Take an online class or something outside of your college.
Most important: Stay focused on why you started on the journey. You had your reasons.
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My name is Travis Snyder and I read your “PhocuseD 3: I’m doing this, why?’ post. I think I can relate to you, though, I am not getting a PhD. I am shooting to get a masters. Will be the first in my family to do ALL of the following things: 1.) Actually go to college 2.) Graduate from college 3.) Get into Grad School and 4.) Earn a Masters. Could make excuses as to why college wouldn’t work for me, but I just keep pushing because I’m not doing this whole college thing for myself. I’m doing it for much much more than that. Mainly so that I can take care of all my family and make sure that they can live comfortably an all have equal opportunity to become a success. Though, I do not have a wife, kids or bills to pay. It is still hard for me. I’ve never really been very good at school. I’m much more of a hands on learner. It’s tough not having any money to pay for anything to have any fun on the side, but at least i’m in college with the chance to make the most for my future. It’s probably my parents that did a good job of making sure I knew what my priorities are supposed to be. This comment is actually an assignment I have to do for a class I am taking in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama.
I will be coming back to this page some time about 2 weeks from now. This is some of my information. http://snydertravisedm310.blogspot.com,http://edm310.blogspot.com/ I will also be summarizing my visits to this blog with a post in my blog
http://snydertravisedm310.blogspot.com http//edm310.blogspot.com/
I, too, am a student at the University of South Alabama. I felt a connection, while reading your post. I am not pursuing a PhD, only a bachelors at this point. Like Travis, who posted before me, I am the first in my family to go to college. I have already earned a degree, so I question myself regularly. Why am I back in school? The truth is exactly what you said, ‘it’s nice to have the option to do something else when and if the time comes.’ I will be visiting your blog frequently.
Mr. Elias, I too am s student at The University of South Alabama. I must say that I can totally relate to you here. I am only trying to get my Bachelors degree in elementary education, not a PhD. Although, I do have the kids, bills, mortgage, etc… It is a really difficult time for me, but I can only look to the future, and how this will positively effect my family in the future. Thanks for the encouragement!
Hello again! I agreed felt exactly what you were saying in your blog post. Although I’m not working towards my Phd at this point, I understood what message you were putting across. There have been many times when I just wanted to give up and asked myself why am I doing this. I love how you said you can always find a reason not to get your doctorate. The most important thing is why you are getting it. Thank you for your inspiration to keep pushing forward. Thanks, Jasmine Stevens
Mr. Elias, I am a student at the University of South Alabama, and I wanted you to know that this post is very encouraging not only for those who are working on getting there PhD but for everyone who is dealing with a situation in which they feel like giving up. I have been in that situation myself several times, and like you said, I have to remember the reason I am doing what I am doing and press on towards my goal! This was inspiring to me because you were able to admit your struggle and encourage others and myself to not let our struggles get the best of us and stop us from pursing our goals. Thank you for the inspiration! Alison Stacey Visit my blog at http://staceyalisonedm310.blogspot.com/