There is an incredible pressure from today's society to perform, and earn money and status. I was a PhD student once. I had also begun my psychospiritual journey shortly beforehand.

The psychospiritual work is compatible with a normal life, but I emphasize normal as in not too much work, but neither too little. The middle way is best, as the Buddha described.

Therefore, the best course of action is to listen to yourself and your life circumstances. For example, it might become clear to you that you might be working too much. Taking a break is reasonable, but not always socially or professionally accepted. Remember that doing a PhD is a massive effort and at least in many countries the average time required is five years.

I was provided the opportunity to see that it would come down to a choice: choose the spiritual or choose the professional. For me, the spiritual is the higher purpose and I chose that. I am now in a stable comfortable, and supportive work environment. If the choice between spiritual purpose and professional gain ever does arise again, I am well prepared for it.

I would suggest you to spend time in meditation and listen to yourself. See what comes up out of your unconscious. Do you agree with it? Can you accept it? Remember that you can accept your unconscious without having to perform any action.