VRKM – Starting a PhD in Your Thirties

Beginning a PhD programme later in life can be an exhilarating experience, but it is not without its difficulties. In addition to having a young child, Emma Burnett has a master’s degree and has been the CEO of a startup for the past four years. She highlights the reasons why she believes that it is the right moment for her to pursue a PhD degree.

Recent past events included my birthday. Thank you so much, both of you, and you’re right, today was a beautiful day. Kilocakes, to put it more plainly. Gifts. Excellent companions.

My doctoral studies are going to get underway very soon. What possible relevance could this possibly have to my birthday? In addition to the fact that it was two really interesting occurrences that happened so quickly after each other, it also inspired me to do some elementary mathematics. It seems that by the time I finish my PhD, I will be at least 37 years old. If I’m fortunate, that is. If it’s only extremely part-time or if I need to stop and take a break at some point along the route, I might not start till I’m 40.

In the grand scheme of things, it is not an especially advanced age, but in comparison to the majority of my fellow researchers, I will be more than ten years older. Despite the fact that you may have seen me out partying till dawn the other day, I would still classify myself as a mature student.

But why at this time?

I did not immediately pursue a doctoral degree after completing my master’s degree. Co-founding a local food firm in Oxford, which sounds like a lot of fun, kept me really busy for a while.

Despite the fact that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, working for a startup for four years was quite taxing. You have very little to no time for self-reflection since you are continuously responding to change or putting out flames (both literally and figuratively).

This affords me the opportunity to examine what it was that we were doing, why we were doing it, and the degree to which our actions had any kind of influence on society at all. I’d like to think that we were successful. However, I won’t know for sure until I check. This is the right time to do that.

Parenting and obtaining a PhD

In the years that passed in between, I also gave birth to a kid. However, she is now two years old, attends a nursery, and I’m sure that she enjoys listening to stories about how there has been a revolutionary societal transformation in agriculture.

Due to the fact that I only intend to have one child, I believe that now is an excellent moment to go headfirst into research. I am aware that this is a sensitive topic, as we have only recently become acquainted.

Her formative years will include exposure to women working in academics, the realisation that physicians are more than just medical personnel, and participation in research whenever she has the opportunity. In the meantime, I will be held to rigorous working hours, and the fact that I’d quite like a nice paycheck once more will serve as motivation for me. Everybody wins.

Challenges

When you’re in your 30s and very close to finishing your PhD, you can’t help but reflect on some deep and meaningful questions, such as, “Did I waste time when I was younger?” Is it possible that I won’t be able to keep up with these youthful upstarts? Will I have a long enough career to make a meaningful contribution to the field I work in? After I earn my PhD, will anyone hire me, or will I be considered an old hag?

And here’s a tricky one: is it fair for me to do this at all when I should be contributing to the payment of a mortgage, covering the costs of daycare, or being a responsible adult who contributes to society while also consuming its products?

Are we both in the same boat?

I really wish I could say that I had simple responses to these questions (or even answers at all, for that matter). If you’re experiencing something similar, know that I empathise with you.

And if you’re a vivacious young thing trying to figure out what to do after this, know that although I encourage you to go out and gain some experience in the “real world,” coming back into the academic atmosphere can be really challenging.

You’ll be required to do tasks according to a specific order, which is not a simple task.

Carpe PhDiem means “live life to the fullest” in vintage lingo.

After having a lengthy conversation with a buddy, I came to the conclusion that despite the fact that it is more difficult today, I will only live to regret the fact that I did not pursue this opportunity when I still had the chance. Therefore, in agreement with my partner (and with the implicit assent of my two-year-old), I’ve decided to go with the strategy of “screw it, I’m doing it anyway.”

I’ve only got the one life, so I might as well make the most of it by doing things that I enjoy. And to put the cherry on top of it all, I’m pretty pleased with myself for making it this far. I aim to put in a lot of effort, I want my career to go on for a long time, and I’m not going to let fear or inactivity stop me.

So, you’re a mature student waiting in the wings, mum (or dad) who wants to go back to school, and you’re considering getting a doctorate degree? Don’t hold back! In addition, it is a well-known fact that admission is not guaranteed to anyone who does not submit an application. Have courage. You’ve got it, man!