subject: Is A Phd Really Very Difficult? [print this page] 'How hard is a PhD'? Many PhD holders have been asked this question millions of times, but there is never any definite answer. We look at those who walk around proudly with a 'Doctor' title with their names and extensive knowledge about their field with great awe, wondering what it'd be like to walk along that path.
If you are thinking about pursuing a PhD, you must have thought about how difficult it would be for you and how would you be able to manage it. You may choose the best campus based university for your PhD, or you may pursue your doctorate degree from any affordable online college, but always remember these key points about a PhD so that it never feels difficult to you.
Like Anything in Life, Choose A PhD Topic That Interests You
You'll be spending a lot of time just reading and thinking about this one particular topic. Imagine it being something you don't even like. Rather than developing some novel ideas about your chosen topic, you'll end up brewing negative thoughts and feeling 'Why on earth did I get into this!?' if it is not even something you like. This is not something that you should even slightly like; you should be really passionate about the PhD topic you choose.
Don't Be In It For The Money
If you've spoken to a few doctorate holders, you probably know this: a PhD is hardly the route to a gold mine. In fact, many of these doctors are even paid below what an average employee in any well-paying industry would be getting. Here, an advanced degree doesn't equate to greater salary prospects. You'll probably be paid just enough to survive during your PhD and there won't likely be any magnanimous jump in your pay after your degree's completed either. If money is your only motivation, the PhD will never be easy for you.
Be Prepared For Rigorous Hard Work
PhD students spend three years or more researching about a particular topic. Sometimes, their advisor may not even approve the topic they choose and they have to think of something else all over again. Sometimes, developing a thesis and its related experiments can be quite drilling, especially since you may have to redo it again and again. Besides, doing the same thing for 3-4 years can get demotivating on some days. But if you are mentally prepared for this, it won't be difficult for you. Perhaps you've now understood the importance of selecting a topic that REALLY interests you.
Develop Yourself Intellectually And Emotionally
By now you must have a fair idea of what is expected of a PhD student, especially if you've been speaking to a few senior students and professors about it. Many claim that a PhD is actually a lifestyle choice! Brace yourself for some rigorous work on some days, know that you'll be reading and writing a lot, prepare yourself for some low and dreary days, and know that at the end it will all pay off.
Taking stress and tension about something is the easiest thing to do. There are many other things you need to consider about a PhD, it being difficult should be the last one on your mind.
