Balancing Research and Paid Work During Your PhD

Hey wonderful humans! Today we're talking all about balancing PhD research with paid work, especially as a humanities student! Hopefully you find it useful!
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My name's Lucy and I'm a humanities student focusing on queer romance novels of the 21st century, so obviously this won't be the same as science people. Also, everything I say is my own opinion! If you have any questions about PhD life or studying at UoB feel free to leave a comment or contact me on social media.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Instagram: / phdlifewith. .
Twitter: / phdlifewithlucy
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This video was developed in collaboration with my role in the University of Birmingham Student Team. You can find out more about the Student Team here: www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/st...

[@chloe_steward]

Omg! So hard to stand up to a supervisor and advocate for my need to balance paid work with the PhD. Definitely something I need to practice.

[@meganburnett6835]

Really interesting video!! I am starting my PhD here in Birmingham next week and it's good to know you can still fit other commitments around it. I have heard horror stories of the PhD really taking over your life :D

[@rayob5524]

Great Video, I too am starting my PhD in Birmingham next week and have work and holidays planned for this year :)

[@LucyHargrave]

Amazing! You sound super organised and on-it already 😊

[@sobiak92]

Hi Lucy, love the video - just found you though Holly Jane and will now commence my binge watching :D I have a quick question if not too personal to ask but how many hours do you work? Just so I can get an idea of what would be realistic with a full-time PHD - Thank you :)

[@chloe_steward]

It's more about outcomes than hours. Your supervisor will tell you a full-time PhD is 40 hours a week, but so long as you're meeting the deadlines you've agreed, if it takes you less time, don't feel bad. There will be months that you work 25 hours, and months where you work 50 hours. That's pretty normal, but make sure you prioritse self care and never let the PhD get in the way of healthy eating, exercise, and adequate sleep.

[@sobiak92]

Thank you do much Chloe! :) @@chloe_steward This has really helped as my potential supervisor is adamant I can't keep my job AND do a PHD but I just wasn't convinced (plus I have to eat to survive sadly!)

[@marlo512]

Hi, I am a full-time lecturer in FE but want to do PhD full time, is this possible? I don't want to wait 6/7 years to complete it.

[@chloe_steward]

A full time PhD takes 40 hours a week on average. If you can for in 30-40 hours of creative, deep thinking, go for it. But I'd suggest dropping down to 20 hours a week paid work (MAX) so manage a full time PhD.

[@five8107]

I've started a part-time PhD in June and work full-time as a teacher but I took out a doctoral loan - is there a reason why you didn't do this?

[@LucyHargrave]

I mean firstly I’m not qualified to be a teacher. I also didn’t want to do the PhD part-time as I knew it would take 7/8 years to complete and for me personally that felt too long. I do have the doctoral loan but I find it doesn’t cover all my expenses

[@five8107]

@@LucyHargrave I do apologise, my question may not have come across as I wanted to! I was curious to know if there was something wrong with the doctoral loan and I made a bad decision D: Great to hear!

[@LucyHargrave]

@@five8107 Ah okay! No the doctoral loan is really good, I just find it doesn’t cover all my fees etc especially as I have a lot puppy 😂

[@five8107]

@@LucyHargrave Completely get it! Best of luck!! You've got this! :D