Tales from the PhD Trenches

Tales from the PhD Trenches

Atish Dixit

Dec 13, 2022 | 2 min read

Image credit: LMU

So, you’ve decided to plunge into the depths of academia, embarking on that wild journey known as a PhD. Fasten your seatbelt, because you’re in for an experience crazier than a rollercoaster engineered by a physicist with a penchant for practical jokes. As a fellow traveler who has navigated the highs, lows, and occasional existential crises of PhD life, let me share some insights, wisdom, and a dash of humor to help you along the way.

Do: Make friends with your peers. They’re your lifeline, your sanity saviors, and your partners in crime for those midnight coffee runs. In the grand experiment of life, a little camaraderie goes a long way.

Don’t: Compare yourself to others. Every PhD journey is unique, like the intricate paths of particles in a quantum field. Embrace your own quirks and progress at your own pace. After all, the beauty of science lies in its diversity.

Do: Take breaks. Burnout is real, folks. Step away from the lab, put down that thesis, and indulge in some Netflix therapy or a spontaneous dance party in your pajamas. Even Einstein needed to play the violin now and then.

Don’t: Procrastinate. Sure, binge-watching cat videos is tempting, but remember, deadlines have a nasty habit of sneaking up on you faster than you can say “PhD procrastination level: expert.” Stay on top of your work, and you’ll avoid unnecessary panic.

Do: Embrace failure. In science, failure isn’t the end—it’s just another data point in your grand experiment. Laugh it off, learn from it, and then come back swinging like a scholarly ninja. Remember, even the greatest discoveries often start with mistakes.

Don’t: Forget to celebrate the small victories. Whether it’s that elusive breakthrough in your research or simply surviving another day without setting the lab on fire, every achievement deserves a victory dance. Savor those moments—they’re the fuel that keeps you going.

So, future PhD warriors, equip yourselves with humor, resilience, and an endless supply of coffee. Remember, it’s not just about surviving the PhD—it’s about thriving amidst the chaos. You’ve got this! 🚀 #PhDLife