Considering doing your PhD? Is it worth it? Sharing a personal story

As everyone is caught up in the New Year resolutions buzz, working diligently to build the life of their dreams, whatever that may be for them, I can't help but wonder if some of the things I'm pursuing this year are truly worthwhile.

Thinking about my current PhD journey specifically. Maybe let me give you a bit of a background story...

The Genesis...

For five years, I had the opportunity to teach Mathematics at a large secondary and high school in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Although it wasn't my top career choice after graduating with high hopes and a desire for more, I genuinely valued my experience in the role. The job did not only enhance my leadership, public speaking, and communication skills but also taught me how to be adaptable and use my time to contemplate my next career move and develop a strategy.

While diving into a pretty challenging yet rewarding environment, I went after my Master’s (MSc in Mathematics) on a part-time basis. Juggling work and school wasn’t a walk in the park; it took some serious time management, a lot of focus, and a strong belief that everything I was learning would pay off down the road.

It was during that period that I first ventured into research. The initial spark ignited early—I started exploring ideas that eventually motivated me to pursue doctoral research. Experiencing the research process from the start, and even achieving a publication at Master's level, made me incredibly proud. In my research, I developed a relatively new numerical technique by combining the spectral collocation method with the linear partitioning technique to solve complex partial differential equations found in various scientific fields. This approach was relatively new because, although both methods had been used by many researchers to solve partial differential equations before, their combination and the attempt to solve equations with the results had never been attempted. I was extremely proud of that achievement, and it perhaps fuelled my desire to pursue mathematical research at a higher level.

As I was preparing to register with the University of Johannesburg, for my next academic adventure, life had other plans. A new opportunity beckoned, and I found myself packing up and moving to England, stepping into a full-time teaching role in an entirely new environment.

Navigating New Challenges with Resilience

Starting a new job in a new country is no small feat. The excitement of fresh beginnings came bundled with the challenges of adjusting to a different educational system, forging new relationships, and learning to balance professional responsibilities with the demanding world of academia. Amidst this whirlwind, I decided to continue my academic journey by enrolling as a part-time PhD candidate in Applied Mathematics.

The transition has not been smooth every day. There are moments when I doubted whether I can maintain the delicate balance between teaching and research, especially when missing the familiarity of Swaziland and the journey I have started in my research.

Now, to answer the question, is pursuing a PhD really worth it? I would say what my journey has taught me so far is that academic pursuit isn't just solely about achieving the accolades but rather the personal transformation one undergoes through the process. It is about the inner strength and adaptability it cultivates, the character building and growth. It is about testing yourself, how resilient you are, as far as the word goes. It is a personal experience. It is everything far from the titles and certificates. The reason I am pursuing my PhD, therefore (besides fancying the Dr. title haha), is because I know I can stick with it to the end, and I cannot wait to see myself grow and transform through this journey.

If you’re considering embarking on a PhD, whether full-time or part-time like me, remember that your journey is unique; therefore, create a survival and coping plan that suits your current reality. Embrace the journey, trust in your resilience, and remember that every challenge is a chance to grow. Your PhD isn’t just a degree; it’s a transformative adventure that will shape you in ways you never imagined.

ADDITIONAL NUGGETS

Here are other reasons why doing a PhD may be beneficial for your personal growth and development, apart from gaining certification:

Networking: Joining an academic community has connected me with inspiring researchers, innovative educators, and professionals worldwide. Participating in conferences, seminars, and informal gatherings has broadened my professional network and deepened my understanding of global mathematical applications. I have had the privilege of presenting my research on international platforms, which has allowed me to meet and connect with remarkable individuals in my field.

Research Skills: Engaging in original research has equipped me with the ability to formulate questions, develop experiments, and meticulously analyze data. The process of moving from identifying a problem to completing a dissertation enhances one with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in both academic and non-academic settings.

Tech Savviness: In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in research. Whether it’s learning advanced mathematical software or utilizing data visualization and AI tools that automate mundane tasks, my journey has been pushing me to become more proficient with technology, keeping me current in an ever-evolving landscape.

Thank you for reading.

Until the next one, do take care! Cheers!