Wondered if anyone here holds or did hold a job while attending a non-applied/experimental Ph.D. program in addition to their RA/GA/TAship they had (for people who are in fully funded programs)? If you did, what type of job did you have and was it anyway related to your studies? Just wondered as I have though about picking up a part time job while being in school. I know I can handle working an extra gig from my grad school exp. so far time management wise, but know some programs frown upon this or do not want you to work extra outside the department. Thoughts?
Working a part-time job while attending a fully funded Ph.D. program
- Thread starter McPsychy
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I knew someone in that type of program who started their own stats consultation business on the side.
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I'm in a Clinical Psychology PhD program (in my first year) so this may not be as relevant for you, but I currently hold a part-time job (5-10 hours a week). It's not at all related to psychology, which I actually really like because it gives me a break from school. So far I've been managing my time well (probably even better than I did last semester, because it forces me to be productive at all times). I asked my advisor for permission before I took the job--I think some professors would not allow it, but mine didn't have a problem with it as long as I don't feel too overwhelmed by it.
Some universities have restrictions on how many hours you work outside of school if you have some kind of RA/TA arrangement with tuition remission. At my university, this is not department-specific, but rather a policy at the university level. It may just depend on the school and your department.
When I was in grad school (as a clinical student), our department had strict policies about working outside of school, especially if it was at all clinically related. They were carrying liability insurance on us, so they absolutely had a right to "clear" any non-school clinical work that we did, as it could nevertheless affect their own liability as responsible parties for us. This is a moot point for experimental students, but thought I'd mention it for any clinical students reading along.
When I was in grad school (as a clinical student), our department had strict policies about working outside of school, especially if it was at all clinically related. They were carrying liability insurance on us, so they absolutely had a right to "clear" any non-school clinical work that we did, as it could nevertheless affect their own liability as responsible parties for us. This is a moot point for experimental students, but thought I'd mention it for any clinical students reading along.
I actually registered here to ask a similar question. Realistically speaking, I have no way of being able to afford to go to school if I don't remain at least half time at my job. Currently I work as a program supervisor at a 16 bed facility for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses and work 4 ten hour shifts. My tuition would take up the majority of my unsub. loan and definitely would not leave enough for living expenses. My husband is a freelance artist, whose wages can vary widely, so depending on his career is not a feasible option for us for at least the first two years of school. I would love to hear from anybody that has worked while going to school and what it was like. My job itself is flexible, as I am salaried, and I can adjust the times/days I work as needed. I am not planning on doing an assistantship with the school, as the tuition remission isn't enough for me to consider quitting my job in return.
ETA: I am applying for a Psy.D. program and not the Ph.D program.
ETA: I am applying for a Psy.D. program and not the Ph.D program.
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Well FWIW, by not being funded you ought to have more time outside of school. The very small number of people I know who went to Psy.D. programs without funding were able to maintain some form of employment - which really is basically out of necessity. I think that is the allure of some of the FSPS programs - they might allow someone to go to school and still work by offering weekend or evening classes. I know someone who went to an Argosy school that had a full time day job.
That said - it definitely is not ideal IMO. You want to be able to focus on your studies and get the most out of practicum experiences - and really, even though it is a Psy.D. program, you ought to be getting a solid familiarity with research somewhere. Personally (I went to a fully-funded PhD program), I can't imagine losing all of my RAship time because it really was a central part of my learning throughout school, and tied together both clinical and non-clinical experiences. But that is the tradeoff - I can't imagine having worked much at all outside of school (many weeks were 80 hours) but had the funding. I would have been forced to work somewhere else without that.
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I know some people pet sit/baby sit during the year but don't know of other jobs people have managed. Just be careful to get department permission and to check into funding sources. A number of fellowships and training grants don't allow students to work outside of school relevant activities.
Thanks for the answers! I know this will vary by program and since Ill be looking to now go to a non-applied PhD program, (I was in a clinical program), I feel I can make the time to have a part-time job. All the research I did before was really "in my own time" and pubs, posters, and chapters I helped author made me push to get these opportunities. Using my hobby time to do research made me see how much I really enjoy it.
