Diving into the taxing world of research without taking advice and precaution might seem like folly. But no matter the pep talks and practical tips, you are bound to face unanticipated hurdles. Those are the times when no amount of counsel, except your course of action, saves the day. And then, there are certain assumptions about wearing the hat of a scholar that intimidates non-scholars. If you are a scholar reading this article, your struggles are empathised with. And if you're an aspiring scholar, may you find something worth noting.
On that note, this article features factual aspects of scholarly life.
Toiling 24/7 is a myth
The unrealistic assumption that once you secure a PhD seat, you will slog every single day without proper sleep for the next three to five years is a myth. Of course, there are periods that demand intense work and dedication. However, there is significant room for other interests and secondary goals given that your priorities are well-sorted. More importantly, one needs to remain sane by taking breaks no?
Struggling with procrastination
Who doesn't procrastinate? But when it comes to PhD life, one cannot stress the struggles of breaking free from procrastination enough. Even the most diligent student is prone to the binding grip of procrastination. It is important to identify the cause of your prolonged delay of tasks (sometimes it's underlying depression) and try to break the cycle of unproductivity.
Feeling hopelessly stupid is okay
"If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room."
That particular quote never rang truer. You are there to learn and there's a reason you are placed under a supervisor for guidance. How would you wholesomely contribute to your research if you do not experience doubts and navigate your way out of uncertainty? There may be instances where you feel embarrassingly stupid but it is okay to feel insecure about not knowing everything. Only then would you grow.
Inconsistency makes your journey harder
As much as procrastination is dangerous, inconsistency is the root of many troubles that plague scholars. Missing deadlines and getting bogged down by massive pending assignments stem from having inconsistent work schedules. PhD life may require sacrificing some of your leisure time and enduring long nights of study. However, inconsistency is a sure guarantee of more sleepless nights and stress that can be avoided with a balanced routine. But aren't we all guilty of walking into the maze?
Failures are normal
Having your proposal or paper rejected is absolutely normal in academia. One's value is not measured by one or several failures. The hard fact is that sometimes mediocre papers may get the green signal while good works do not make the cut. Idea clashes are bound to happen in the world of research. From experience, failures are bitter to swallow but help build your perspective.
The highs and lows of your mental health
The joy of securing a seat in a university of your choice is proportionate to the anxiety of presenting a paper before a jury of intellectuals. From facing burn-outs and break-downs to the excitement of finishing a chapter, PhD life comprises a whole mental journey. The light towards the end of the tunnel is what keeps you going. And also, having a solid support system in the form of a relatable fellow scholar or two.
PhD degrees are not limited to prodigious minds
One may possess a gifted mind and an aptitude for grasping information at a speed like no other. The completion of the arduous degree, however, demands consistency in hard work and dedication. Even seemingly intelligent minds fall prey to stagnancy during the process. The point remains in the fact that it is easy to get lost without diligence regardless of your mental prowess. Anybody with a zeal for research coupled with conscious effort can enrol for a doctorate degree.
False romanticised ideas of scholarly lifestyle
Many young scholars or aspiring intellectuals over-romanticise the idea of the burned-out scholar surviving on caffeine. There is no beauty in suffering burn-outs and the mental blocks that follow. Blame popular culture or whatever. Idealising that image is toxic, unrealistic, and an insult to scholars suffering from actual mental afflictions. Perhaps, some students portray that lifestyle in a true Pinterest-worthy aesthetic to revel in the notion of making a PhD degree seem unattainable to others.
The Verdict
As a full-time PhD scholar, I am now coming to terms with the dynamics of academic life. I believe that you can never be fully prepared for anything because unprecedented waves are bound to push you to unknown shores. Things can get challenging, sometimes for days on a stretch but there are good times too. And needless to say, the sense of fulfilment that comes with completing a task. What has helped me is being a part of a strong support group of fellow scholars and the consolation that there is a bigger world outside the realm of research.
Much needed read. Especially the last line.
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