Suzi Rockey BA LLM MRes
Suzi is a final year ESRC socio-legal funded PhD student at the University of Exeter
Whilst I was applying for my PhD, I found it extremely easy to get caught up in blog stories of sleepless nights, imposter syndrome, tears, endless revisions, and other challenges and frustrations that almost stopped me from applying. However, as I near the completion of my PhD, I have spent some time reflecting on my journey and realised it was far more positive than I ever anticipated at the start. Given that many are now considering PhD applications, I feel it is important to share this perspective and highlight the positive aspects of the experience.
While I won’t sugarcoat everything, because yes, there have been a few sleepless nights and moments of stress and self-doubt, I truly believe that the phrase, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” perfectly sums up my experience over the last three years.
The Reality of PhD Life: Highs and Lows
No two PhD journeys are identical; every student will face different hurdles and have their own unique experience. Of course, there have been challenges. There were times when the pressure felt overwhelming; I was frustrated with my writing, ideas didn’t quite come together, and I thought I was not good enough to do this. There have also been many redrafts, so many in fact I lost count. However, those moments were only ever very temporary, as when stepping away from my thesis, I always missed it and realised I was deeply invested in it. I loved my research, I loved the learning, I loved the sense of discovery, and I loved the moments that made me remember this.
Why I Loved Every Second
One of the most rewarding aspects of my PhD was the freedom to explore my own ideas and set my own work schedule. It was incredibly satisfying to immerse myself in a topic that truly excited me, knowing that my research was contributing new knowledge to the field. The intellectual challenge of tackling unsolved problems also brought a deep sense of fulfilment, especially as I navigated complex issues with unsolved problems. Additionally, I experienced a great sense of personal pride and accomplishment every time I completed a chapter, marking another milestone in my journey.
The Takeaway: Is a PhD Right for You?
If you are reading this and considering a PhD, I hope I have highlighted that if you are willing to push through the inevitable bumps along the way and find a subject that excites you and a path that will challenge you in the right way, doing a PhD will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. So, to those who are yet to apply, take a leap of faith and trust in yourself, embrace the challenges, and know that if you are passionate about your research, it will all be worth it in the end, I promise! I would happily do it all over again after a holiday.