Starting a PhD is one of those decisions that can shape the direction of your life, and in this video I share the kind of PhD advice I wish I had heard earlier. I speak in a straightforward and honest way about the pressures, expectations, and hidden parts of research training that many students only discover once they are already deep into their degree. My goal is not to discourage anyone, but to offer PhD advice and guidance that gives you a clearer picture of what this path can involve, so you can make informed choices from the start. ▼ ▽ Sign up for my FREE newsletter Join 21,000+ email subscribers receiving the free tools and academic tips directly from me: ▼ ▽ MY TOP SELLING COURSE ▼ ▽ ▶ Become a Master Academic Writer With AI using my course: Throughout the video, I talk about the emotional, practical, and professional sides of the PhD journey. I reflect on real experiences—mine and those shared by others, to help you understand why some students thrive and others struggle. A lot of people begin with the assumption that talent or intelligence is what determines PhD success, but the reality is often more complicated. Factors like support networks, mentorship quality, stability outside of study, and your ability to adapt to unexpected challenges can influence your progress just as much as your research idea. I also explore what a long research project does to your confidence, your sense of direction, and your career planning. Many students don’t realise how much a PhD can shift their goals, especially if they came in assuming that an academic job is the natural next step. That is why I include PhD career advice that encourages you to think early and clearly about the kind of life you want after your thesis, whether inside or outside the university system. My intention is to create a space where you can reflect on your expectations, understand the realities of research culture, and feel more prepared for the choices ahead. Whether you are thinking about starting, already in the process, or simply curious about academic life, I hope this video helps you build a healthier mindset and a more sustainable approach to your work. ................................................ ▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:34 The 1st Misconception 01:04 The Akward Truth of Academic Supervision 03:08 Side Quests 03:37 The Side Quest Thread 05:30 It is real! 05:55 What it actually feels like? 06:04 Troubling Statistics 10:08 The Pipeline is broken 13:29 The Reliable Part 13:54 Reddit Thread 15:47 Outro Links and Codes: Paperpal: (PAP20 - 20% off) Thesify: Thesis AI: ANDY20 - 20% off Elicit: SciSpace: (ANDY20 — offers 20% off on monthly plan) Jenni AI: (Use codes: andy30, ANDY20) Julius AI: (ANDY20 — offers 20% off) AnswerThis: ?ref=andy49 (ANDY20 - 20% off) Anara AI: (ANDY20 - 20 % off)