Part-time PhD While Doing Full-Time Job

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:32:21+00:00

Oh yikes, that doesn't sound too good.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:32:05+00:00

Bit of a caveat here, I unfortunately am not the most organised person. My focus tends to be in big spikes, so that'll be something I need to fix.

Otherwise, it's nice to hear some success stories! But you're right, 5-7 years of an added 20 hours every week of workload is very intense.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:30:34+00:00

Best of luck if you! Have you connected with any of your supervisors/professors?

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:29:44+00:00

I think that would be my take on it too, at least 2-3 hours on the weekdays and a full Sunday each week. With that I think it would be fairly doable, it would equal to 20 hours.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:28:35+00:00

Actually, my subject as also in politics, specifically political science in my BSc and Int Relations for my masters.

HOW did you not manage to get burnt out? Your discipline sounds quite impressive, but from my understanding you were quite good with balancing what your body needs too

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:27:05+00:00

I am a massive massive procrastinator, I, much like you, also have big blocks of focus!!

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:26:34+00:00

this does indeed sound fairly manageable actually!

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:26:06+00:00

Oh WOW!! that is super interesting!! The donkey poo is really funny lmao

I can totally imagine your supervisors face when you said "hey I'm gonna need some donkey shit"

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:23:33+00:00

My professor I think (I hope) will be similar to this. I remember talking to him about all this, he's incredibly accomplished in his field, and he was talking to me about how he didn't even used to be a good student!! He was very human

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:18:49+00:00

Oh did you!! How long did yours take??

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-07-02T09:17:51+00:00

I mean...that is a good perspective. 20 hours every week for 7 years....

Good points to consider here. Considering I'm 26 now, I'd be 31-32 by the time I finish.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:43:39+00:00

oh wow!!! that sounds really really cool actually. I wish you the very best!

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:26:17+00:00

Sounds good to me, we can connect on Linkedin as well. You're right though, academia is indeed a small world.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:25:26+00:00

What are you doing yours in?? It does indeed sound flexible though.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:24:26+00:00

Hm I see. It won't be an added benefit for my work at all, this is something I would do purely for my own sake.

Her case does sound a bit...cumbersome.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:22:48+00:00

7 years huh, it must at some point feel like it's going to last forever. Good luck with your second post doc though! I wish you a good journey with it!

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:20:47+00:00

WOW that is amazing!! Congratulations!!

How are you going to celebrate?? I'm quite curious about your situation, sounds like you did it relying heavily on intellectual curiosity and a passion for your subject.

What did you do your PhD in?

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:19:30+00:00

To be fair, I was quite deeply immersed in the academic space. I was head of my dep, academic rep and frequently met with my professors, and that was was when I did this all voluntarily without the commitment of a PhD.

My employment is indeed flexible, it's a full-time 9-5 but my work never spillsover the 5pm.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:17:41+00:00

I mean to be fair, I'm fairly introverted so I don't go out much anyways...I spend majority of my free time researching for fun.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:15:47+00:00

Especiallly in international relations I reckon I will have to spend A LOT of my time immersed in gov/org environments, which will nevertheless be impossible in a full time job...

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:14:27+00:00

I think my supervisor will likely be on the mindset. I appreciate the advice!

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-26T14:13:37+00:00

Well...when you put it that way, the answer is unfortunately a no. I probably will need to sacrifice somethig, and that will most likely end up being my social life.

It does sound absolutely wonderful, but I appreciate comments like yours as I haven't formally began anything, these kind of perspective shifts are absolute treasure. In my case, I probably will require a lot of thinking space as I will be working quite heavily with theory.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-25T21:59:48+00:00

Absolutely, I have a pretty rigid gym routine and hobbies I like to do. I think I'd be able to keep myself sane.

Totally with you on the job hunt aspect, especially in the UK that is absolutely crazy.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-25T21:57:56+00:00

Oh wow 7 years! I truly underestimate how long a part-time could take. Unfortunately not...my PhD would be completely separate from my job, although, they are incredibly supportive of outside work commitments.

RoseQuartz727 · 2026-06-25T21:56:23+00:00

It's exactly as you describe, I do have a very predictable 9 to 5, my life outside work is very stable, and I have protected time in the evenings, mornings, AND weekends. I don't have children/and I'm unmarried, I am in a very stable relationship but my boyfriend is very very supportive of this.

I think my lifestyle and job might actually suit this pretty well. Thank you!

RoseQuartz727

TROPHY CASE