10 Brutally Honest Lessons About Doing A PhD | Real PhD struggles and PhD Stress

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  • Опубліковано 23 тра 2024
  • Embarking on a PhD journey? Feel like your PhD struggles are real and overwhelming? You're not alone.
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    This video dives deep into the heart of PhD student life, unveiling the raw and unfiltered truths behind the prestigious degree. From the initial excitement to the daunting challenges, we cover it all. Whether it's navigating academic expectations, dealing with PhD stress, or juggling the demands of grad school, our comprehensive PhD student advice is designed to support you through every hurdle.
    We don't just stop at the academic struggles; we also explore the critical aspect of mental health in the PhD journey. Understanding the importance of well-being, we provide practical tips and strategies to manage stress and maintain balance.
    Whether you're a current or prospective PhD student, this video is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the realities of a PhD and how to successfully manage them. Let's face it together: your PhD struggles are real, but so is your strength and potential to overcome them. Dive in for an enlightening journey through the highs and lows of PhD student life.
    ................................................
    ▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Lower your expectations
    01:24 Praise
    02:27 A**holes
    03:39 Don't fixate
    04:37 Don't Wait Around
    06:10 Be Stupid
    07:42 Take Control
    08:57 Kiss Ass
    10:00 Don't Worry
    11:11 PhD's are Hard
    12:42 Wrapping Up
    ................................................
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 229

  • @DrAndyStapleton
    @DrAndyStapleton  3 місяці тому +5

    Unlock the secret formula to thriving in your PhD: turn the toughest challenges into your biggest triumphs: ua-cam.com/video/5tfEqh74BPY/v-deo.html

    • @chunnaiyamspo5062
      @chunnaiyamspo5062 2 місяці тому

      Please do a video on supervisors (often senior professors) who claim first authorship on every paper from their research lab. And how it can possibly impact his/her PhD students' future? And how to remedy if the student is already in the midst of it? author some single authored papers? Please do a video on it.

  • @stiggofthedump
    @stiggofthedump 3 місяці тому +78

    I'm 6 months in - honestly, this should be required viewing for every new PhD student at about the 6 month mark. Thanks Andy!

  • @rainydayz7
    @rainydayz7 2 місяці тому +5

    I was treated like crap by PhD candidates and professors. I was a nice person...and I was a naive person to boot.
    I saw how chronically exhausted PhD candidates always were, and it was always about kissing the butts, schmoozing the right people, cloistering themselves in their own little, self-centered worlds, stomping on and using other "lesser" people all in that holy quest of publishing and getting ahead, and spending years researching and working for a pittance of a stipend,
    only to get that PhD.
    Life is too short to slave away for a PhD for most people, at least it is for me anyway.
    I've got years of living and earning power over my former "colleagues" who had to pursue their PhDs.

  • @starfish258852
    @starfish258852 3 місяці тому +76

    I am just applying for a PhD and this feels important to know

    • @Psyaii
      @Psyaii 3 місяці тому +2

      What field are you in?

    • @emilyt3737
      @emilyt3737 3 місяці тому +2

      Same here…

    • @br7693t
      @br7693t 3 місяці тому +2

      Good luck starfish and Emily! Took me several cycles to finally get admitted. Don't give up.

    • @starfish258852
      @starfish258852 3 місяці тому

      Thank you :) I am already working to say with my potential supervisor, I am very excited!@@br7693t

    • @kevinrams
      @kevinrams 3 місяці тому +4

      I withdrew from my PhD. This is basically everything you need to know from the psychological point of view.

  • @cesargcedeno
    @cesargcedeno 2 місяці тому +8

    I have a PhD and, in no small part due to bad advicing and other life choices, i am working an entry level job. Spare yourself the drama and think twice about it

  • @Nevy21
    @Nevy21 2 місяці тому +8

    I'm a big proponent of doing a PhD later in your career after you have some experience in your field and more financial ressources. You'll have a much clearer view of what you want to do.

  • @SoufyAsth
    @SoufyAsth 3 місяці тому +53

    I can't help but be so disappointed by my supervisor's lack of support and guidance and it is definitely affecting my mental health.

    • @strayorion2031
      @strayorion2031 3 місяці тому +10

      Oof thats one of the hardest one, try to find support in other people, but generally not getting enough support from the supervisor is one of the worst case scenarios you can be in

    • @diaryofagraduate
      @diaryofagraduate 3 місяці тому +2

      me too

    • @KaiwenTeh
      @KaiwenTeh 2 місяці тому +1

      I’ve been there.

    • @JupiterThunder
      @JupiterThunder 2 місяці тому +1

      Well I wouldn't allow it to do that. The situation is quite normal. When I started my PhD my supervisor said "There's the lab. Get in there and do some top science. Get a couple of papers published, and stick my name on them. See you in 3 years time for the viva."

    • @diaryofagraduate
      @diaryofagraduate 2 місяці тому

      @@JupiterThunder how? I put pressure on my supervisor, but he but the regeants and materials.

  • @Daxx88888
    @Daxx88888 3 місяці тому +23

    Being your own cheerleader is great life advice in general

  • @chrisjfox8715
    @chrisjfox8715 2 місяці тому +8

    A PhD is something one has to do for themselves as a further road towards edification

  • @k0185123
    @k0185123 Місяць тому +3

    Hello Andy, I have been following your channel since around one year ago. In the beginning, I was intrigued by how you interpret and explain what PhD is, because at that time I just got my PhD offer from an international research center was was really excited about my future. Later on, I gradually lost the interest in watching your videos, because I couldn't relate to it anymore. I wondered perhaps I need more realistic PhD experience to really understand your point. Now it's one year into my PhD. All you said in this video totally match what I have been feeling in the past few months. I am developing a simulation tool in a team where 95% of people are experimentalist. I was jealous how "easy" it is for them to do experiments and generate papers, because those equipment is already set up completely and continuously maintained by vendors. As for my research, I have to code all by myself and no one in our team has any clue about what I am doing. It's like explaining calculus to normal people outside academia. But perhaps like you said everyone has their own difficulties. In addition, my relationship with supervisor is also interesting. He is really nice and kind, but I started to think he is not capable of supervising me, because he is not an expert in this field. This makes me doubt his profession and even start complaining him in my mind. But after watching this video, I realized he is just a human. Just like me, we don't know everything, so I shouldn't care that too much. Instead, I should take the ownership of my research. One thing that I've been thinking is what counts as a good Ph.D. student / researcher? Like you said, I set a really high expectation of me in the beginning, and after realizing the realities, I started losing my confidence, thinking perhaps I couldn't accomplish this and that. But then your words remind me that no one is perfect and we just need to follow some specific steps to get the PhD, and that is it. PhD is nothing more than some specific research and administrative steps. Don't set our expectations too high.
    Anyway, I just want to say your video really helps me a lot! Thank you so much for sharing these invaluable tips and advice! Sorry for my limited English.

  • @TheSamuanelS
    @TheSamuanelS 3 місяці тому +33

    I am in my second year of PhD, and only lately have I managed to learn and understand all these invaluable lessons. I am still stunned by the staggering difference between my experience as undergrad and master's, compared to that of a PhD student. I was convinced like many that the path before a PhD would serve as preparation to research, but my world was instead overthrown! Utterly flipped inside-out. Up was down, left was right. I am left now wondering why people are kept ignorant of such catastrophe, and are not educated and prepared accordingly (or at least, I wasn't). Secondly, although I am finally coming to terms with all these harsh truths, I can't but think that things could be better, and that a lot of all the struggle a PhD student has do endure could be alleviated. It really feels like it has to be this way and no other, and I fail to see the causal relations determining this conclusion.

    • @webiorg6147
      @webiorg6147 2 місяці тому +2

      "Up was down, left was right. I am left now wondering why people are kept ignorant of such catastrophe, and are not educated and prepared accordingly"
      Could you please tell me a bit about that? What was the most shocking to you, and how do you think this could be prevented?

  • @MrCliverlong
    @MrCliverlong 2 місяці тому +2

    The advice goes way beyond attempting a PhD. Can apply to life outside academia especially how people defend themselves by hitting out when they feel vulnerable.

  • @62Deepblue
    @62Deepblue 3 місяці тому +27

    What you are saying is in an actual fact the reality of life!! You are in control of your own destiny.

    • @noelgillett346
      @noelgillett346 3 місяці тому +1

      I'm not sure that this is a correct synopsis of his argument. Having to suck up so as to get thru gate-keepers sounds like hell to me.
      and as myself am being put through an initiation ritual at present, it seems to me that much of the control lies in the hands of others.

  • @alje311
    @alje311 2 місяці тому +4

    PhD's might also get you turned away from many jobs because you are deemed way overqualified, its better to leave it off your resume if you really need the job you applied for.

  • @jean-bosco729
    @jean-bosco729 3 місяці тому +15

    You are # 1 Andy! Recently got my doctorate, yes you're telling the brutal truth. Keep it up!

  • @cedargrace
    @cedargrace 2 місяці тому +5

    I really value your content for bursting my illusory fantasy bubble of what I hoped a PhD would be for me. It’s really saving me from a lot of future heartache.

  • @paulineelisabetholsen
    @paulineelisabetholsen 2 місяці тому +16

    Andy, thank you! At the end of my doctoral journey but just lost my daughter, so diving back in has been excruciating. “I am doing all right.” Thanks for the push

    • @theeternalgus9119
      @theeternalgus9119 2 місяці тому +3

      Sorry to hear about your daughter.
      When I was a kid I lost my brother and this was during the time my mum was doing her thesis for her phD. Sadly she never continued to complete it.
      Wish you all the best. ❤

    • @Nevy21
      @Nevy21 2 місяці тому +2

      This... freaking sucks terribly. I'm sorry about your loss.

    • @glitcharcing
      @glitcharcing 2 місяці тому

      Wow, I’m so sorry. I commend you and understand your motivation to push through a period of suffering. I will share my story with you in the hopes that it makes you feel even slightly less alone in the pursuit of research through a difficult time. I will hopefully never know the pain of losing a child, I simply cannot imagine how painful it is. However, I can relate to feeling grief and loss from the unexpected severance of a familial connection. In 2020, my mom started going into psychosis (she has had bipolar I my entire life) and disappeared in 2021 as a result. My mother was never the greatest person, definitely lots of trauma to unpack still, but it is still sad for very obvious reasons. I tried to help her but I was only 19-20 years old at the time and very lost myself. I was hopeless because I had no family at that point. I had many mental health withdrawals during that time, and I honestly completely lost myself for a year. I have no memory of that time. While I cannot say I have fully recovered, I can gratefully say that I’ve been able to find myself again and live a full life again as of last fall. I remember listening to this one band El Ten Eleven last September around 6 A.M., pretty much alone in the library, and walking outside to a refreshing and beautiful brisk wind. I took a deep breath and I felt like my soul had been renewed, and at that moment, I knew there was hope for me. I was so motivated that I befriended my instructor and asked him to discuss some research papers. He was kind enough to believe in me despite my lackluster academic transcript and he let me join his lab. There have been quite a few struggles… particularly with anxiety and depression… but I am still doing it, and so are you. The pure love and joy you feel when you’re in the flow of research is unparalleled. It really takes away all the pain for a few moments. I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you for powering through this time and I wish you the best.

    • @notreallydavid
      @notreallydavid 2 місяці тому

      Condolences and best wishes, Pauline. Do everything your daughter would want to see you doing - especially, being happy.

  • @hoangphucpham2182
    @hoangphucpham2182 3 місяці тому +8

    going through my first month of PhD. Gonna binge your hold channel now Andy!

  • @sohumkapadia4740
    @sohumkapadia4740 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for this! It is very relatable and feels relieving to hear from you.

  • @pabloreed7717
    @pabloreed7717 3 місяці тому +3

    Thank you Andy!!! Your videos are always so inspirational

  • @Vale08131
    @Vale08131 3 місяці тому +5

    I’m writing these down, thank you so much Andy ❤

  • @dmitripopov8570
    @dmitripopov8570 2 місяці тому +1

    Brilliant advice and expertise! Thank you!

  • @oyingwenya
    @oyingwenya 3 місяці тому

    I really needed to hear this...thank you so much!!!

  • @jonathansonnenschirm8535
    @jonathansonnenschirm8535 2 місяці тому

    one of my most favorite videos that you made lately! 🙏🏻

  • @NDM0613
    @NDM0613 3 місяці тому

    Thank you so much for this valuable advice!

  • @BenjiShock
    @BenjiShock 2 місяці тому +2

    Honestly I am so glad I didn't try to do a PhD. I think in general doing research is just really harsh for your mental health. Because most research is really boring or has disappointing results, which are of course still valuable but I can't fathom to spend 5 years on something that would just be thrown into a book shelf and never looked at again. In contrast I've started to work now as an engineer and I can see the value of my work really fast really often. And that has been so refreshing.
    Big respect to everyone that takes on this challenge and good luck to you!

  • @Mountaineer170
    @Mountaineer170 3 місяці тому +13

    Amazing video man!
    Would love it if you do videos for post-PhD career building, resume, the transition, etc.

  • @womenscvresearch
    @womenscvresearch 3 місяці тому +1

    You are ON POINT Andy.

  • @joeh212
    @joeh212 3 місяці тому +1

    Wow spot on. This is profoundly accurate, and I'm glad you made this.

  • @csbc92
    @csbc92 3 місяці тому +3

    As a PhD student in the final year, I can relate to every point 100%.

  • @bmimagining9415
    @bmimagining9415 3 місяці тому

    I haven't seen all of your videos, but I think this could certainly be one of the best 🎉

  • @Universe728
    @Universe728 2 місяці тому

    Lots of GREAT advice! Thank you

  • @amanda-clairebennett6132
    @amanda-clairebennett6132 3 місяці тому +1

    You just described my undergraduate course, best wishes from Perth Wa and many thanks for a very entertaining video.

  • @TheJourneyofAugustine
    @TheJourneyofAugustine 3 місяці тому

    Amazing video for someone who is at the beginning of their journey. Thanks a lot

  • @DrPinayLoves
    @DrPinayLoves 3 місяці тому +2

    This is just too frank and I love it. I'm writing these tips and putting the note in my notebook to remind me. Thank you, Andy.

  • @emigonzalez9765
    @emigonzalez9765 2 місяці тому

    This is one of the most helpful videos I've seen in a very long time… and just what I needed to hear today! Thank you so much for this pep talk!

  • @amberlawes-johnson300
    @amberlawes-johnson300 3 місяці тому +3

    Andy! you have helped me to see through some of the deep struggles I've had throughout my PhD so far. I'm indebted to your wisdom and your ability to empathise and be real about this journey. So much of what you preach goes beyond PhD to the wider sphere of life! Massive thanks always

  • @MikesLeague
    @MikesLeague 3 місяці тому +21

    Great video. As a fifth year PhD I can't emphasis how important it is to kiss ass. I have learned its the only way you can survive. You have to beg, bullshit, and suck up every year and if you don't you'll be like me who is struggling to finish because I have to work a job to pay the rest of the way. I am speaking from a position in the social sciences and I will say that unless you have some sort of foundational or trendy research you wont receive outside funding. Internal funding then is just a game of kiss-ass and who begs the most.

    • @noelgillett346
      @noelgillett346 3 місяці тому +2

      Yep. I am in a crazy kind of initiatory process and the matter of kissing up and my fiailure to do so has just resulted in another delay.
      So sucking up and enduring the abuse is the winning combination, like it or not.

    • @poornimanair2986
      @poornimanair2986 3 місяці тому

      Do you mind if I ask what exactly your research is on? I'm preparing for a PhD in social sciences and would love some insight.

    • @MikesLeague
      @MikesLeague 3 місяці тому +2

      @@poornimanair2986 I am an archaeolgoist and I work with artifacts collected from a historic majority white and male group of people. Research in my field has trended to go to non-white groups like African Americans and women, which I don't think is necessarily wrong. Every discipline has trends, but the reality is I won't ever be able to compete with someone who is within the trends unless I can somehow bullshit like crazy. Trends look different in every discipline but anyone who acts like "all research is valued the same" is extremely naive.

  • @alicecarle_1941
    @alicecarle_1941 2 місяці тому

    So true … you put words on my feelings … you’re awesome, thank you!

  • @elifcliff
    @elifcliff 3 місяці тому +5

    Just when I needed this. Thank you!

  • @Three-Chord-Trick
    @Three-Chord-Trick 2 місяці тому +5

    I wanted to do a PhD so I could feel superior to everyone else. It had nothing to do with any money or a job.

    • @rainydayz7
      @rainydayz7 2 місяці тому

      At least you're honest about your true motivation. Sounds like a huge amount of time and money spent just to feel "superior" to others.
      Um, okay.

    • @drts6955
      @drts6955 2 місяці тому

      Well at least you're doing it for the right reasons!

  • @lycaenops
    @lycaenops 2 місяці тому +1

    Not easy but not impossible !! Thanks Andy , and to all of us who are struggling in our research, good luck and success!

  • @marohs5606
    @marohs5606 3 місяці тому +1

    Maybe the best video ever about PhD... thank U

  • @Slide61
    @Slide61 2 місяці тому

    Awesome!!! You nailed it - especially academic egos!!!

  • @MaicMayer
    @MaicMayer 3 місяці тому +7

    I have experienced all of them in master LOL and I will face them AGAIN in PhD.. LoL

  • @jeng4867
    @jeng4867 26 днів тому

    Well, this was spot on and fantastic. Thanks for putting together the great content Andy! Helping me through the final year :)

  • @qookiemonsta2557
    @qookiemonsta2557 2 місяці тому +1

    I am not doing a PhD, however I thoroughly enjoy your enthusiasm, energy and humour in your videos; plus of course the occasional useful tip regarding research and AI. Great work Andy!

  • @marlo512
    @marlo512 2 місяці тому +8

    I have my first PhD interview tomorrow!!!

  • @albondar
    @albondar 2 місяці тому

    This is the best video out there ! Really shows the hard truths more and cuts thru all tbe glowing glitter of your 1st year “i’ll come in and kick ass”.

  • @breathlessMay
    @breathlessMay 2 місяці тому +1

    Very nice, real, and useful.

  • @Vullfy
    @Vullfy 2 місяці тому +1

    Im writing up my dissertation and have experienced all of these problems! I feel like I should acknowledge the shittiness of university process and culture in the acknowledgments section of my dissertation! I love your tips Andy. Thank you. Although the reality they reflect does take the shine off PhD or even academic qualifications in general.
    If I didn’t feel so strongly about my own research topic I would have quit a long time ago.

  • @daydaykeyis
    @daydaykeyis 2 місяці тому +1

    You are so bloody helpful mate

  • @jessicahenning
    @jessicahenning 2 місяці тому +1

    I really appreciate your insights!

  • @kuenzangdorji5628
    @kuenzangdorji5628 3 місяці тому +1

    Appreciate your inputs. Would you mind making video on how to prepare a candidacy exam? Thanks!

  • @cocs88715
    @cocs88715 2 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for confirming that hardships and difficulties are CERTAIN events in academia. So many PhD students were simply not prepared when they signed up…

  • @annipurple
    @annipurple 29 днів тому

    this speech is so good it fixed my life. literally. every line can be easily applied to life in general. i feel healed

  • @siyabongapatrick2257
    @siyabongapatrick2257 3 місяці тому +1

    Great video. I'm in my first year PhD focusing on fuel cells, metal air batteries and water splitting and every point you mention are 100% true. This applies to everything in life, you are your own motivation

  • @LUXi125
    @LUXi125 2 місяці тому +1

    This is so funny and real I love it, I did not start yet. I can imagine that these points are so important.

  • @chrisogonas
    @chrisogonas 2 місяці тому +1

    Can't agree more! You wrap it up, and you realize you still got lots more to do to penetrate the industry, and work with countless others with lesser degrees but often in key strategic positions. However, all said, a PhD well done is still worth your time if you can make time to get it done. It stretches you into a greater resource in so many aspects. Stay stupid, stay hungry, keep learning, keep growing 👍

  • @greensombrero3641
    @greensombrero3641 2 місяці тому +1

    My expectation was to leave the university a bit better than when I entered. I wanted to leave better and I want the university to be better when I finished. I learned a lot - especially about hard work and coffee - and was fortunate to contribute to a couple of high profile papers - luck contributed as much as hard work. In order to stumble (into something interesting) - one must be moving.

  • @user-om7mk4xf2f
    @user-om7mk4xf2f 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for the video. Lots of great points in it. I'd say that while most of this applies to PhDs in the Humanities too, the writing up process can be a bit different in that the crafting of an argument as well as presenting your data can be important. Very useful though overall. I wonder how many people eventually quit academia because they decide they don't want to be jerks

  • @annika8877
    @annika8877 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for your video! I just reached half of your points but there is so much truth in it! I am so happy I finished my PhD last year and it was honestly the hardest thing I did in my life until now. Honestly, I am still not sure if it was worth all the struggle. 😅

  • @yeahdudex
    @yeahdudex 2 місяці тому

    I'm not sure how I ended up here, but: thank you; these lessons generalize surprisingly well to someone starting a new career in software development (working in an organization with a lot of recovering academics, no less)

  • @mlpb
    @mlpb 3 місяці тому +19

    I'm stuck in my thesis. I liked listening to this. Thank you Sir.

  • @RyanCaesar
    @RyanCaesar 2 місяці тому +1

    I wish i had access to this advice when i was doing my phd! i will now be sharing this with all my students who are considering going for one. thanks for your work!

  • @user-nj3qm2dh4s
    @user-nj3qm2dh4s 3 місяці тому

    I enjoy your videos, Andy 😇

  • @noxiousdow
    @noxiousdow 3 місяці тому +3

    I wish I had had videos like this available to me when I was doing my PhD. Back then this was not talked about at all. You were just expected to shut up and get on with it. And yeah, nobody gave a shit.
    I mean, I'm glad now that I did it, but I feel like I lost something in my life. I think it might have exacerbated existing mental health problems and I may suffer from lasting effects to this day. Who knows? I can't know how my life would have gone if I hadn't done it.

  • @psp_online
    @psp_online 2 місяці тому +2

    Oh... I've seen ALL 10 😂😂 On point Andy 👍

  • @anirbandas4201
    @anirbandas4201 3 місяці тому

    Video with all real facts covered. Plz make this type of video frequently.

  • @TimTeatro
    @TimTeatro 2 місяці тому +2

    Well, where the hell were you ten years ago when I needed you? ;) Great advice.

  • @foodie8779
    @foodie8779 2 місяці тому

    Facts spilled❤

  • @engineering_guy
    @engineering_guy 3 місяці тому +3

    Man Andy...I'm doing a PhD now(2nd year and still no paper)..and all of this is real..I know..I used to watch all of your videos. But every time I see one..I feel more and more dejected. I know you're speaking truths..but I have to believe that things will work out. I really like my project..it's just taking way more time. Make some cheerful videos once in a while

  • @filipposaatkamp6337
    @filipposaatkamp6337 2 місяці тому +1

    I think that everything you said applies to life in general...not just academia, let alone PhD programmes

  • @wmpmacm
    @wmpmacm 2 місяці тому

    I got one. It helped with pay at the community college. The only research I did was to get it. It may have been a waste of money, but it was something I wanted for myself as a way of reaching a difficult goal academically.

  • @jakubburnos7095
    @jakubburnos7095 3 місяці тому +9

    Man I am so glad I left after one year. Best decision of my life.

  • @eli_here
    @eli_here 3 місяці тому

    Andy this was useful even for my thesis haha

  • @suheylkarakaya4238
    @suheylkarakaya4238 Місяць тому

    wow, that's worths a re-watch

  • @riianiu
    @riianiu 3 місяці тому

    Good video 😊

  • @incememed55
    @incememed55 3 місяці тому +1

    You are basically suggesting us to be a machiavellist :) I believe one needs to do whatever it gets; otherwise, nice people can not have fun with their lives and get their PhD at the same time. I am doing my PhD and I mostly agree with your suggestions but it is such a pity. I hope one day the system will change.

  • @skreppeknekker
    @skreppeknekker 2 місяці тому

    I work at an occupational health service at a university and forwarded this to my colleagues

  • @OlgaTsygankova
    @OlgaTsygankova 2 місяці тому +2

    I don't think it's the most productive thing to tell people to be assholes and engage in ruthless flattery. This kind of cynical approach can (and probably will) work in the short term, but it will undermine your sense of self, personhood, and integrity, so you might end up with a tenured job, but without knowing who you are anymore. I see such people around, and they are never happy, no matter how many papers and books they have published. This is another brutal truth - you are going to live with yourself for the rest of your life, this is your tenure. There is no "getting away from toxic people" if you become one of them.

  • @user-qs5yb7co3m
    @user-qs5yb7co3m 3 місяці тому +5

    I have just completed my Master's degree and already know *somethings* about academia. One strategy I am preparing to use is to list my minimum expectations as specifically as possible. One is to put my mental/physical health first. Two is to get the PhD at the end and stay away from toxic people at the beginning and along the way. Three is to start exploring other career oppertunities at the beginning (like, I am a good babysitter). Four is to do honest science. And the list goes on and on. I have also listed many things I can let go of, such as a prestigious school, good publications/citations, etc. I also lower my expectations on my expectation list by knowing that they may not all be met due to this and that, so I have to navigate myself from time to time.

    • @OlgaTsygankova
      @OlgaTsygankova 3 місяці тому +3

      Going to grad school and staying away from toxic people is a contradiction in terms.

    • @user-qs5yb7co3m
      @user-qs5yb7co3m 2 місяці тому

      hahaha you are kind of right, but I did find good people/labs twice in the past (not by luck). I believe there are good people at a lower ratio. So my strategy is to carefully find them/identify the toxic ones IF I decide to go to grad school/take a PhD position.@@OlgaTsygankova

  • @MrWolynski
    @MrWolynski 2 місяці тому +1

    Originally I thought it was about making more money. Now there are so many, that the market is flooded, that they are not as valuable, except for inside of academia, where the market is even more flooded.

  • @h.vie.363
    @h.vie.363 3 місяці тому

    So true❤

  • @ambrosekola4011
    @ambrosekola4011 3 місяці тому +1

    There is need for a revolution in doctoral studies. I think we need to focus more on writing impactful journal articles than this bunch of theses that other people will barely read.

  • @profconklinkusel
    @profconklinkusel 9 днів тому

    True ALL that!

  • @cfc730
    @cfc730 2 місяці тому

    need similar video on masters!

  • @paulduff3555
    @paulduff3555 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for this! It’s hard to keep going sometimes. I’m almost done with classes and some days I just want to say, why am I even doing this?

  • @pranashakti4161
    @pranashakti4161 22 дні тому

    took me 5 years to get mine. To be frank, I could've done it in 1-2yrs if I was focussed and disciplined. Those 5 years were one of the worst periods of my life. By the time of my viva [UK system] I hated it so much that if the examiners had said change one word I wouldn't have done it!! Thankfully, there were no rewrites. I then ran away from academia as fast as I could ;) My sympathise to anyone going through this right now - make sure you have a life outside of your research - hang out with good, kind people who aren't in academia and have fun. Good luck

  • @Vullfy
    @Vullfy 2 місяці тому

    Andy, do you (or does anyone!) know where I can pay a competent person in my field to do the job my supervisor is supposed to do? I just want some guidance, rather that the long term guessing game I’ve been playing for several years now.
    I get that PhD is a journey for one … but a basic map and a torch would really help me out.

  • @jamesdenofantiquity
    @jamesdenofantiquity 29 днів тому

    I'm doing a PhD in the humanities and I am very much alone in this process. I have lately not only begun to question what I am doing but also my topic. I have faced pressure to change my topic from non-academic people and I have noticed that a lot of people don't share my enthusiasm for the topic. I am struggling right now, I guess it is a part of my general life struggles and trying to hold on in other ways. I often derive a lot of my motivation from doing my research but I am at a low ebb right now. By the way I don't have a supervisors so I am shooting around on my own and so it is hard not to give into peer-pressure or even non-peer pressure to change my topic and my pursuit but I don't know..Yesterday I nearly cracked because I wondered if I was worthless and whether my PhD was worthless. I have another semester beginning around the corner and I am working right now to keep in the fight.

  • @YangMills
    @YangMills 3 місяці тому

    I came to know about how academia works and the postdoc issues through UA-cam videos, quora, reddit, some articles, etc. ( only during the final year of my undergrad). I find particle physics extremely interesting ever since high school and decided to become a physicist. What are your suggestions for me, guys? Should one focus on becoming an academic by pursuing a phd or should pursue some other route which I also find interesting ( I like electronics too). I would like to my prospects if I end up picking the academic route as I'm only about to finish my undergrad and I have only a very vague idea of what lies ahead of me upon choosing the academic route. My question is WHETHER IT IS GOOD TO PURSUE A PHD ONLY WITH THE INTENTION OF BECOMING AN ACADEMIC AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER JOB THAT REQUIRES A PHD. I'm really confused guys. So any suggestions from you are warmly welcomed. Thanks in advance!

  • @javiercamacho3259
    @javiercamacho3259 3 місяці тому

    I am currently experiencing most of the situations described. Thank you, @DrAndyStapleton, for your helpful advice. Please continue providing your valuable insights.

  • @abdelkaioumbouaicha
    @abdelkaioumbouaicha 3 місяці тому +2

    📝 Summary of Key Points:
    📌 The first brutally honest lesson about doing a PhD is that it will fall short of your expectations. While you may aim for the best PhD, any PhD is worthwhile as long as you produce novel and interesting results.
    🧐 Expectations of constant support and recognition, like in undergraduate studies, are unrealistic in a PhD. Academia is focused on results and progress, not constant praise. Self-motivation and acknowledgment of your own progress are crucial.
    🚀 Academics can be selfish and self-centered, and at some point, you may need to act in your own self-interest as well. This is a reality of surviving in Academia.
    💡 Additional Insights and Observations:
    💬 "You only need to convince some crusty old people in a lab somewhere that you have produced novel interesting results."
    📊 Academia is driven by publishing peer-reviewed papers, which is crucial within the academic world but may not have real-world impact outside of it.
    📣 Concluding Remarks:
    The journey of a PhD is filled with challenges, from managing expectations to dealing with the realities of Academia. Self-motivation, resilience, and adaptability are key to navigating the ups and downs of the PhD process. Embracing the difficulties and focusing on progress rather than perfection is essential for success.
    Generated using TalkBud

  • @user-zb3op6vz3c
    @user-zb3op6vz3c 2 місяці тому

    This apply to all PhD in STEM fields. Whenever you see your supervisor, be it either he or she is an assistant professor or an associate professor or a full professor or an emeritus professor, always remind yourself this that government research funding made or nurtured your supervisor to become who he or she is now. The true slayer of all the university professors (Nobel laureates included) , presidents and chancellors is none other than the head of the government: a president, a prime minister, a King or a Queen.

  • @diaryofagraduate
    @diaryofagraduate 3 місяці тому +1

    In my case I cannot progress because I do depend on my supervisor buy what I need. When I talked about my progress he took it personally,

    • @workingmoodleclass5925
      @workingmoodleclass5925 3 місяці тому

      Kiss ass always..in fact, when you have an idea, make sure to make it seem like it came from the supervisor. Suck up!!

  • @aeroeng22
    @aeroeng22 2 місяці тому

    My #0 (first things first!). The destinations/careers of your advisor's previous students are the best indicator of the careers he promotes. I wanted to be a univ. prof; I found out near the end that my advisor doesn't do what advisors are ethically (morally even) required to do--network with professionals in the field (in my case, universities) to assist in placements of his students. He didn't "believe in helping." I found out after graduating from a professor at another school that this attitude of his was 'almost unethical.' If I would have known that he has only one university placement in that last 20 years, I would have moved on to a more suitable advisor.

  • @dottedrhino
    @dottedrhino 2 місяці тому

    Cheers! 😁

  • @JK-vc7ie
    @JK-vc7ie 2 місяці тому +2

    The world needs 67% fewer phd students.

  • @robw1927
    @robw1927 2 місяці тому +4

    PhD = Permanent head Damage