Completing a PhD and working full time? As easy as translating hieroglyphics is to Professor O’Gorman. Or identifying aeroplanes by their wingspan is to Dr. Maclaren. I’m not so sure. I was certainly sceptical. Especially because my job wasn’t just any job. For the first year of my PhD I was a professional rugby player, representing Scotland on the HSBC Sevens World Series. Without going into too much detail, this involved travelling the world for approximately three months every year, travelling to such destinations as New Zealand, the Gold Coast in Australia, Tokyo, Las Vegas and South Africa. Certainly not the worst job in the world. And it was a huge honour to represent my country playing a sport I love. However it is not the most conducive to any kind of studying, never mind the trials and tribulations of a PhD. When we were not abroad, we were undertaking a rigorous training schedule, working on fitness, skills and tactics five or six days a week. And when you are abroad, you are overcoming jet lag, preparing for competition, or facing 16 stone behemoths who, simply put, are out to get you. Having said that, there is no job I would rather have done. The honour of captaining Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is a highlight I will treasure forever.
So, over the next few posts, I will identify important facets to effectively undertake a PhD and continue in employment. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2015 I was forced to retire from my rugby career. I am now embarking on a new career, working in sports media, coaching rugby, public speaking and developing leadership programmes. And I am still working on my PhD. To do this requires discipline, time management, self motivation and a great deal of patience and understanding from your supervisors. I’ll go into more detail in each of these in the next few weeks. In addition I will touch on setting a routine, forming good habits and optimising your working day.
Picture by Bradley Davis under CC license.
Can I replace “stone behemoths” with “month toddlers” Colin? 🙂 Looking forward to these forthcoming posts. Completely with you in terms of it being very much dependent on supervisory relationships – we are lucky to have a very aware faculty at Heriot-Watt. Lots to unpick as well in relation to age and personal responsibilities, and the point at which you do a PhD in your career. Emma
Ha ha, are you suggesting I am prone to exaggeration??? The faculty at Heriot-Watt are excellent – well they have been with me anyway!!
Given the specifics of your previous profession as a 7’s player, do you believe that under those circumstances you would have been able to carry out a PhD successfully?
Following from that, would you recommend an individual out-with an academic profession to pursue a PhD?
It is difficult to complete a PhD and work however if you want to then you will be able to. Without giving away what I will be writing in future blogs, you have to be committed and disciplined to work and study. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you really want it and are passionate to complete the PhD. If you are, the sacrifices along the way will be worth it.
Having combined working on your PHD and rugby commitments. Did you come across other people who have managed to combine both work and PHD study successfully? Or indeed those in different professions? James
I have found one or two. Some found it ok and others toiled. It helps if there are individuals who inspire you at your work, for example in your rugby team!!