Juggling a full-time job with a part-time PhD often seems a herculean task, especially when you are doing a PhD in entirely a different domain. You might be anxious about how you will be able to manage both the demanding things. Studying a part-time PhD programme can be a lonely experience as you will not have enough advice on the topic.
However, it can give you benefits; you will not only have a PhD degree but experience of a few years. Part-time PhD programmes are not going to be easier than full-time PhD because you have to pay equal attention to your studies. Further, if you are into a demanding job that requires you to stay back in your office, your study time will be sacrificed. If you do a job that is related to your PhD programme, it will be helpful and easier to carry out research. You will be able to emanate new innovative ideas. Things become convoluted when you start your PhD that is not related to your work. Here are some tips for you. Some mandatory ingredients can make your recipe of a balanced routine well in place!
Choose a topic of your interest
A part-time PhD takes six years to finish. It can be very difficult to carry out research on a topic that is not of your interest. The topic of your interest will keep you motivated throughout your programme. It will help you stick to the topic and stay away from stress.
Choose the right supervisor
Before you take the plunge, you should acutely decide on your supervisory team. Finding the right supervisor is crucial to stay motivated during your course. Choose the one who can appreciate your work and support you, who can understand your study pattern and end goals.
Set the ground rules
Take out time for your research. Do not put it off with a lame excuse that you are all in. Be in contact with your supervisor for regular feedback. You can choose either face-to-face or remote communication such as emails. Make a clear plan of your work and follow that strictly.
Do not hesitate to take support
As a PhD scholar, you should not only look out for supervisor support. You should not be reluctant to embrace it, no matter where you are getting it from. Be more open about what you are doing. Seek help from your colleagues and other scholars. The more you try to accept support, the more help you will get.
Be clear with your goals
Doing a PhD does not mean that you can do everything. Target your end goals make your all efforts to accomplish those goals. You should be clear about the reasons for pursuing your studies. If you are not ready for your exams, do not need to give papers. Similarly, do not teach unless you want to. Why put under the pressure of doing something if that does not fall under your goals?
Clarity in rules, planned schedules and keen interest are key to a good job-PhD balance for you.
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