Advice for the ‘Post – PhD Blues’

I’ve finally, after the longest journey, 5.5 years. Submitted my PhD for examination, and now here is the thing they don’t tell you. Not even the Thesis whisper has discussed this (Also, go over there and check out her sage advice). So you’ve finally dotted every ‘i’ crossed every ‘t’, and re-numbered every image in your million image reference list. Yes, it’s a PhD by practice in fine art, there are about 300 images in the 350pg document, and images take up a lot of room. Finally, you’ve submitted the thing for examination; since it’s 2022, you have had no satisfying book to hand over, just an email and a Wetransfer to say well done. If I was designing a system to submit a PhD, it would at least have some kind of official portal. Just saying.

If you, like me, have had part or all of your PhD take place with two-year covid isolation and despair in the middle of it. Making your body of work in the backyard. Or you just reached the end, feeling bereft from life and a gruelling few years. If you have not already done so, you should seek a therapist. Actually, if you have spent any time in academia, you should seek a therapist. But I digress. You are likely now experiencing the ‘Post PhD Blues’, as a wonderful friend told me the other day. ‘Are you regretting your life choices yet?’ My thought at the time was I’m so glad it’s not just me. There are, of course, several reasons why this might be. In my case, having switched from industry to academia later in life, one is forced to ask, did I make the worst mistake of my career? Being only half employed in academia, even if it is a permanent post, is highly tenuous when the electric, petrol and gas prices take a free fall. Perhaps, you are not employed at all in academia, or you just thinking. Actually, I’d rather go back into the industry, or is it okay if I go and raise my kids instead? Was this PhD a ain’t waste of time? I’m 40, and I just spent 5-8 years doing a PhD as a woman. This is a complicated space, and just not having this giant all-consuming project hanging over your head would be enough to send you into the spiral of doom. If you are on a high, keep walking, Susan nothing to see here. However, if you are limping into the finish line, depleted of all energy, enthusiasm and in need of a good cry, a gainst bowl of pasta, and to sleep for six months. Continue on the advice part.

the advice part

Some things that have helped. I suggest setting something up to work on after you submit your PhD.

Take a little break. If you can, and there’s room in your life, just take a week or three off. Plan to have a slow time. Read a novel, cook your favourite meal, walk in the park, or go to the beach. Whatever your happy place is. Take some time to write and reflect on the craziness and the fact that you finally finished it. The last stretch is brutal; acknowledge that.

Apply for a conference, plan to work on a journal article or exhibition of your work if you can, build that website, a youtube channel, or whatever else you have been meaning to do. It will help to have something to take up your time while you wait and take your mind off of the inevitable feeling of doom at your life choices. And, likely, you’ll suddenly have a massive chunk of unoccupied time.

Try something new, retake an art class, learn Thai chi, take a pattern-making class, play chess, or take a creative writing course. Preferably do something new that has nothing to do with your PhD. For example, in my last stretch, I started taking an Adult Ballet class, which has been one of the best things. It is a place where no one knows me as a PhD student; the exercise is good for your tired PhD brain, and learning new things keeps your mind out of the spiral of doom.

Look for Jobs, residencies, or at least things to fill the gap of PhD debt you are likely in right now. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. You might succeed; at the least, you’ll be active in making life choices.

Be kind to yourself; if you are still tired after three or six weeks, that is okay. If, after 5 years of study, all you want to do is nap 3 hours a day, that is also just fine.

It’s okay to walk away. Here is the part where I give you permission to choose to walk away from academia at the end of your PhD. If that is what is suitable for you, here is your permission. You want to raise your kids, you go do that, you want to go back into industry excellent. No judgment. Having reached the age of 40, I can honestly say life is short. Do what your heart tells you to do. Know yourself. Nothing I’ve done has ever been wasted, not even the year I decided to become a marketer after working for three awful bosses in a row. Skills are transferable.

Eat, Sleep, Exercise and Meditate. Finally, look after your body and mind, and nourish yourself. Try and get back into a healthy routine. Seek professional help if you need it.

In solitary,

Brigs