Work and study: how to be efficient while doing a PhD?

Starting a PhD while working can be a demanding yet inspiring challenge. This is a stage in life where professional and personal demands usually carry greater weight, and in general, you may feel the academic responsibility as a motivation to keep going.

The challenge of working while pursuing a PhD is not easy, since it requires careful planning, discipline, and especially clarity in the goals that drive you. Below, you will learn about the stages of this journey, the doubts and expectations beforehand, the problems and action plans during the research years, and how to make the best decisions after graduation in order to maintain efficiency and make the most of your path toward the goal.

From the beginning, direct your doubts and expectations toward realism

It is completely normal that before starting a PhD, you ask yourself questions such as: Will there be enough time to balance work and the PhD? Will it all be worth it after investing 3 to 5 years in this academic degree? Will I be able to maintain my academic quality through a distance format?

There are many statistics that support these concerns. Only 1.1% of the world’s population manages to complete a PhD, according to UNESCO (2023), which highlights the complexity of this challenge. Despite this, the OECD Education at a Glance report shows that those who achieve this level of education have up to 26% more chances of holding managerial or advanced research positions. In fact, this is possible even if they started their program after the age of 35.

A great ally for professionals like you in recent years has been online learning. This was reported by the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities in 2022, as 41% of PhD students in virtual programs are over 37 years old and combine academic and professional life while seeking ways to be productive during their PhD. This translates into a “you are not alone,” since this community of professionals is currently growing.

Never forget how essential it is to set realistic expectations during this stage of working and studying for a PhD. It is more than just obtaining a degree; it requires a process of intellectual and personal transformation. Things like reorganizing your schedule, shifting family commitments, and of course, setting concrete goals, such as publishing articles or joining international research networks, are key.

Obstacles along the way and how to overcome them

Unexpected things always come up once this journey begins. The initial excitement may gradually fade away in the face of heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and accumulated daily fatigue.

One of the main obstacles for PhD students is time management. According to a survey conducted by Times Higher Education, 68% of PhD students admit that organizing their schedule efficiently while studying and working is their biggest challenge.

Another issue is academic isolation. Doing a PhD online can create the feeling of doing it alone. Closely related to this is the mental and physical fatigue that comes from balancing professional projects with long-term research, which often leads to exhaustion.

What can you do to counter this?

Consider some strategies to succeed in your PhD. As a starting point, plan ahead. Create a strict weekly schedule where you dedicate at least 90 minutes to research, and avoid multitasking while doing so. According to the American Psychological Association, multitasking reduces intellectual productivity by 40%.

On the other hand, the use of digital tools, such as reference management apps, task organization software, and collaborative platforms, can save you hours and help you strike a balance between work and your PhD. These are excellent time management tips for PhD students.

It is also advisable to maintain good communication with your employer. It is important for the company to know your objective, since this may lead to flexible schedules or even opportunities to align your research with corporate goals. In fact, 32% of employed PhD students receive institutional support when they establish this synergy.

Equally important is building academic support networks. Participate in virtual seminars, research groups, and discussion forums. These interactions not only enrich your ideas but also keep you motivated.

Finally, and perhaps the most important point, take care of your health. A study by Harvard University highlights the importance of rest, showing that sleeping less than six hours can reduce working memory by 20%. Therefore, sleep well, exercise, and maintain a balanced diet. These habits are essential to studying effectively during a PhD. Always remember that the key is not to study more, but to study better. Balancing work, personal life, and quality study time will always bring rewards.

After graduation, it is vital to maintain momentum and seize opportunities

Completing a PhD is, without a doubt, an extraordinary achievement. But exactly, what comes after? Many graduates feel a kind of emptiness once they finish defending their thesis. This may happen because the academic structure that supported and guided them throughout their work and PhD disappears. This is when projecting the next steps becomes crucial. Here are some recommendations:

• Stay connected to academia: try to publish articles derived from your thesis, participate in conferences, and make an effort to join international research networks. This could strengthen your authority in the field.
• Apply what you have learned to your job: companies and institutions value professionals who can transform their research into applicable projects. According to Deloitte (2022), 48% of organizations prefer to promote employees with advanced research skills.
• Consider teaching: many universities seek professionals with this type of expertise and, of course, a doctoral degree. You could become a guest lecturer, tutor, or associate researcher.
• Expand your networking opportunities: the online PhD community is very active and globally recognized. Staying in touch with colleagues and professors opens possibilities for collaboration beyond borders.
• Think about postdoctoral studies: if your goal is academic research, this stage allows you to deepen your work, publish more, and consolidate yourself as an expert. A PhD is not the end; it is a platform for continuous growth.

Be an agent of change!

Achieving efficiency in a PhD while working does not mean eliminating all difficulties. What really matters is being able to manage them with maturity and strategic vision. You already have professional experience and the resilience that the working world has given you. View the PhD as an opportunity to turn all that experience into specialized knowledge, to open new professional doors, and to reach personal goals that go beyond your résumé.

It is undeniable that there will be long nights, adjustments in family life, and many moments of doubt. However, every step will bring you closer to being part of that 1.1% of the world’s population that earns a PhD. Do not forget the efficiency strategies for PhD students mentioned in this article. In the end, you will realize that you have not only earned an academic degree, but also a more disciplined, reflective, and global version of yourself.