PhD horror stories are everywhere; students dropping out, taking years longer than expected, or struggling under pressure. I won’t pretend to know exactly how my journey will turn out, but I’ve learned a lot from those ahead of me.
After talking to PhD students in their third or final years, I’ve realized that most struggles fall into two main categories: internal factors (things you can control) and external factors (things beyond your control but still manageable with the right strategies).
The good news? If you’re aware of these challenges early, you can avoid them. Let’s break them down.
Internal Factors (You Can Control)
1. Poor Time Management & Organization
A PhD is time-intensive, and if you don’t stay organized, it’s easy to fall behind. Many students who take longer than expected struggle with keeping track of deadlines, juggling coursework, and managing research efficiently.
How to Avoid This:
One of the best habits you can build is weekly planning. Instead of rigid daily schedules (which can feel overwhelming), I plan my week every Sunday evening or Monday morning.
Here’s what works for me:
✅ Check your emails and calendar – Any upcoming meetings or deadlines?
✅ Review your syllabi and assignments – What readings or submissions are due?
✅ Plan beyond academics – Include workouts, social events, and personal goals.
I used to micromanage my schedule down to exact times, but missing one or two tasks would leave me discouraged. Now, I simply list activities with checkboxes. This method gives me structure without the pressure of a fixed schedule.
A good planner also helps with work-life balance. I can quickly check if I have time for social events or need to adjust my workload. Plus, I sleep better and have time for exercise because I plan for them.
2. The Perfectionism Trap
Perfectionism might seem like a strength, but in a PhD, it can be paralyzing. Many students waste time endlessly revising work that’s already “good enough” instead of making steady progress.
How to Avoid This:
✅ Focus on meeting the requirements, not achieving perfection. Assignments have rubrics for a reason; stick to them and submit your work. Feedback will always help you improve later.
✅ Embrace collaboration. In group projects, it’s tempting to take over because you fear others won’t meet your standards. But part of a PhD is learning to work with different perspectives.
✅ Set deadlines for drafts. Give yourself a hard cutoff for revisions. If you keep tweaking endlessly, you’ll never move forward.
The reality is, your PhD isn’t about perfection; it’s about finishing.
3. Expectations: Too High or Too Low
Some students fail because they expect too much from their PhD; thinking it will be a life-changing moment where they produce groundbreaking research. Others have no expectations at all, leading to a lack of motivation.
How to Avoid This:
✅ Set realistic goals. Your main goal is to finish your PhD. Ambitious research is great, but make sure it’s achievable within your timeframe.
✅ Stay flexible. You might dream of working with a specific professor or researching a specific topic, but things change. Be open to adjustments.
✅ Keep the excitement alive. The fun of a PhD is in learning, exploring new ideas, and growing as a researcher. Keep that passion, but balance it with practicality.
Remember: The best PhD is a finished PhD.
External Factors (Beyond Your Control, But Manageable)
1. Advisor Issues
Your advisor plays a huge role in your PhD experience. A great advisor guides you, while a poor match can make the journey stressful.
How to Avoid This:
✅ If you already have an advisor – Be proactive in communication. Prepare agendas for meetings, ask for feedback, and be open about your struggles. A healthy advisor-advisee relationship is built on trust and transparency.
✅ If you’re still choosing an advisor – Research their past students, ask about their supervision style, and watch for red flags (e.g., being unresponsive, overly critical, or emotionally volatile). If something doesn’t feel right, look for someone else.
Your advisor is a mentor and colleague; treat the relationship professionally, but don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
2. Funding Struggles
A lack of funding can delay or even derail a PhD. Some programs offer full financial support, while others require you to secure funding through grants, assistantships, or external scholarships.
How to Avoid This:
✅ Secure funding before you start. If your field requires expensive lab work, make sure there’s funding for it.
✅ Explore multiple funding sources. Look for assistantships, research grants, or part-time teaching positions that cover tuition.
✅ Be realistic about research costs. If you’re debating between an ambitious project that requires heavy funding and a simpler, well-supported project; choose the one that ensures you finish your degree.
Remember, you can always pursue more complex research later in your career. Right now, your goal is completing your PhD.
Final Thoughts
A PhD is a long, demanding journey, but being aware of potential pitfalls can make all the difference. Manage your time, silence your inner perfectionist, set realistic expectations, build strong advisor relationships, and secure funding early.
Most importantly; keep going. The most successful PhD is the one that gets finished. 💪
Want more PhD tips?
If you found this helpful, stick around! I’ll be sharing more lessons, strategies, and personal experiences to help you through your PhD journey.