Hi,

I am starting a PhD studentship (research topic already set) in less than a week and I am terrified that I might be making a big mistake. I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology earlier this year and worked as a research assistant the previous summer on the same topic with the same supervisor. I was excited about the idea of being paid to do something that I enjoyed whilst gaining a qualification (that could potentially help towards my career goal of becoming a professional psychologist - I say potentially as it's possible it may not). I really enjoyed university and research in particular and for all of these reasons I applied, and was offered the PhD studentship. Now I am about to start and am filled with worry that I might not enjoy it, may get bored of the topic, will be so unhappy i'll be forced to quit, or will complete it but want to leave academia and be unable to find a job. I've read countless posts on here and other sites that make me even more terrified; I am prepared to work long hours and have less of a social life than others but I would still like to spend some weekends with my family and boyfriend and take an annual holiday - I get the impression this is not possible from some threads?

Surely this is not a good sign that I am feeling this way already, or is it normal to be scared?

I guess i'm just posting as I need to get my thoughts into words and wondering if anyone has any words of advice or is feeling/has felt the same way?

Thanks!

First of all remember that people are more likely to talk on a forum about the bad times and not the good - when we are happy we are too busy enjoying ourselves to post on a forum. It's not all doom and gloom, all the PhD students I know have weekends off, holidays away, hobbies and still live a normal life. Yes you might work a few extra hours than a 9-5 job but not every day and probably not in your first few months as you need to settle in first.

It might just be nerves about a new start, it's normal to worry about the unknown so don't give yourself a hard time! Your first few weeks will just be getting used to the new routine and surroundings so relax and enjoy it!

Thanks caro that's very helpful advice. I'm also worried that this just isn't for me and I would be happier working in a clinical setting with patients - a role i May struggle to get after a phd? Should I be worried that I'm having these thoughts?

I don't have experience in your field, hopefully someone will be along who does.

Maybe you should wait and see how the PhD pans out, as it seems you were excited about it before the worries crept in. See how the first few months go and if you are not enjoying it then re-assess? There is no shame in changing your mind, but I'd give it a fair chance first. I'm sure I've heard of people having a PhD in psychology and then going onto doing a professional doctorate afterwards to become a practising psychologist so you could do both perhaps?

Has someone told you you may struggle to get the role you're looking for? Maybe you could try contacting potential prospective employers/people you might be interested in working for and ask how they would view someone who had a PhD that was trying to get into the field you are looking at?

To be a chartered clinical psychologist in the UK you need: British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited psychology degree and usually 12 months experience in a clinical setting as a health care assistant etc on a paid or voluntary basis before you can then get on the required Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. This is a professional Doctorate rather than a PhD with 50% placement. For Ed Psych courses it's much the same but Educational experience then Ed and child psych Doc - another professional doctorate See links for course example.

Hope this helps.