Pursuing a PhD whilst working: What it means in everyday life.
The formalities are quickly explained. The crucial question is this: how does a PhD fit into a week that’s already full? It’s the time required, the rhythm and the arrangements that make all the difference.
In practice, doing a PhD alongside a job means reliably setting aside 8 to 15 hours a week for your research over a period of several years. It is not the total number of hours that matters, but the regularity. Anyone who only writes during holiday weeks loses days every time they have to get back into the swing of things. For the empirical phase, most people plan a longer, uninterrupted block of time.
The time required, realistically estimated
Allow for 8 to 15 hours a week over several years. More important than the total number of hours is the rhythm: two fixed blocks are more productive than one weekend a month, because getting back into the swing of your own text takes half an hour to an hour each time. With four sessions a month, that’s a whole working day every quarter, just to get up to speed.
The different phases lend themselves to varying degrees of division. Literature review and narrowing down the topic can be broken down into two-hour blocks. The analysis and writing phases require longer stretches of time, otherwise the train of thought breaks off. Those who are aware of this distribute the work differently throughout the year.
A weekly routine that works
What works tends to look similar for most people: two fixed slots during the week, a longer block at the weekend, and a clear rule about what is and isn’t done in short windows of time.
Discussions with your employer
You do not need to ask anyone for permission, provided your employment contract does not contain a clause restricting secondary employment. It is nevertheless advisable to have this discussion, for two reasons: access to data and backing. Anyone who keeps their PhD studies secret and later needs data from their employer will be in a weaker negotiating position.
Many employers offer support in the form of time rather than money. This costs them little and helps you more than a financial contribution.
Family and social circle
Pursuing a PhD alongside a job is a project for the whole household, not just yours. If you discuss your schedule in advance, you’ll receive support. If you simply take the time without discussion, you’ll face conflicts – and this will happen during the phase when the work is already the most gruelling.
It has proved effective to agree on fixed times for work and equally fixed times when no work takes place. This protects both sides.
What those involved would do differently in hindsight
Many people fall in love with a topic only to realise later that the relevant data isn’t available. Reversing the order costs nothing and saves months.
The most common advice from supervisors is to narrow the focus. A question that can be answered is worth more than an impressive topic.
If it’s not in the diary, it won’t happen. Fixed time slots are more effective than good intentions, especially in weeks when projects are at their peak.
An announced postponement costs nothing. A concealed one costs trust in the support provided, and that is hard to regain.
How we make everyday life predictable
We align the schedule with your actual calendar, not with an ideal scenario: project peaks, holidays, weeks of meetings, and foreseeable personal commitments. This results in a phased plan with interim targets, allowing you to see early on whether your pace is sustainable.
If it isn’t working, we’ll tell you. An honest adjustment after six months is better than abandoning the project after three years.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I do a PhD whilst working full-time?+
Yes, this is the norm for working professionals. The prerequisites are a suitable degree, a supervisor and a topic for which you can actually access the relevant data.
How many hours a week do I need?+
Realistically, 8 to 15 hours, spread over fixed blocks of time. Short slots are suitable for literature and formalities; writing requires longer stretches.
Does my employer have to give their consent?+
Usually not, provided there’s no clause restricting secondary employment. However, as soon as you’re conducting research within the company, you’ll need written authorisation for data access and publication.
Can I work full-time whilst doing my PhD?+
Yes, many do exactly that. For the empirical phase, most plan a longer, uninterrupted block of time, for example during holidays or by temporarily reducing their working hours.
What happens in the event of a prolonged break?+
Interruptions are possible; deadlines and reporting requirements are governed by the doctoral regulations. In practice, getting back on track takes time, so this should be factored into your plan.
How do I stay motivated over the years?+
Through visible interim goals and regular dialogue. Those who work alone and without setting milestones are most likely to drop out.
Is a writing retreat worthwhile?+
Often very much so for the writing phase. A continuous block of several days is more productive than many short sessions.
Related.
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