Understanding the PhD Commitment

The question of how often one should work on their PhD seems to be misunderstood. It is often over generalized and framed within the constraints of a 9-5 job, which is far from the reality in Europe and Australia. A PhD is more like a 24/7 endeavor, where you work at any time you are awake and whenever you can, often overlapping your meals and definitely impacting your social life.

Realistic PhD Workloads

I can vouch for years of experience. I spent 10.58 years on a part-time PhD. During these years, I committed to a full-time job for 8 hours a day, 4 days a week. Additionally, I spent 3 hours traveling daily and about 1 hour on bodily functions like eating. I allocated 6 hours every day for sleep. Therefore, out of a weekly 168 hours, I only spent 85 hours not working on my PhD, leaving me 83 hours to devote to research and study.

After sleep, food, and staying healthy, the rest of your time should be spent on your PhD. The saying, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," holds true, especially in the context of a PhD. It's important to maintain a balance to prevent burnout and keep your cognitive functions sharp. It's okay to be a little boring, but not so much that you become dull.

The Ideal PhD Schedule

Some argue that one should work on their PhD for 14 hours a day, including Sundays and holidays, from 9 am to 11 pm. While this might work for some dedicated individuals, it's not sustainable for most. A more rational approach is to aim for daily work, or at least 5 days a week. This aligns with the concept that a PhD should be a full-time job.

Why Daily Work is Preferable

Cognitive Continuity: Consistent daily work keeps your cognitive functions sharp and prevents you from forgetting key details. After a break, it might take time to reacquaint yourself with what you were working on before the break. Mental Health: Regular breaks are essential for mental health. Allowing time for hobbies, relaxation, and social activities can help prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. Efficiency: Consistent work habits lead to better time management and productivity, as you won't waste time catching up after extended breaks.

Conclusion

A balanced approach to working on your PhD is crucial for both your academic success and your well-being. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, committing to daily or near-daily work, after ensuring you have time for sleep, food, and self-care, is a sustainable and effective strategy. Remember, it's all about finding that sweet spot that keeps you motivated and productive while maintaining your health and sanity.