Those interested in getting a PhD but are dreading the several years of menial wages may consider getting a part-time or even full-time job. That way, they can get experience in the field, have a little more change in their pockets, and have a non-academic outlet. After all, if you have made it to the PhD level, you clearly are amazing at time management and have proven yourself to be a motivated and dedicated student.
It sounds like a good plan to many, but it is maybe not quite as good an idea as you might think. Take it from many PhD grads and students who warn it is a slippery slope from a part-time PhD to no PhD at all.
Before you make your choice, consider a couple important things.
The Things You Should Consider Before Trying to Complete Your PhD Part-Time
- Know Your Program.
Some PhD programs, especially the ones offered by online universities and distance learning schools are suited to part-time schoolwork. Some PhD programs are not as rigorous or time-consuming as others, and in some fields a PhD is not as important as work experience. In these programs, a part-time PhD is a far more feasible option and the instructors are more used to working students. However, for most PhD programs the work is a full-time workload – and then some. Also, in some programs you are not eligible for financial aid or funding if you are a part-time student, which may make part-time work not worth it.
- Know Your Job.
If your job is in related to your field of study and your employers are understanding of the requirements of your PhD and support you, you will have a much less stressful few years. Say upfront that you are doing a PhD and your studies will have to come first. If they are unwilling to offer you flexible hours or are not supportive of your studies, it is best to let the job pass you by.
- Know Your Situation.
If you have young children, a sick parent, or generally anyone or anything that will require hours of your time, it is better to stay a full-time student. If your field requires a couple publications or heavily relies on who you are expected to socialize with around the department it will be disadvantageous if you can’t be there because of a job.
- Know Yourself.
Even the best time-managers are not prepared for the work-load of a PhD. Make a time chart and be truly honest with yourself about how much time you have in the day, making sure to keep in mind all those minutes that slip through the cracks. Know if you like a little free time to relax in front of the TV at night or get overly stressed in a deadline-after-deadline driven world. If you thing you are up for it, than a job while getting your PhD is feasible. If not, than it is better to let something go – the job or the degree.