Whitey, I don't know what field you're in but in my field (biochemistry) doing a PhD part time and working full time wouldn't be possible.
It took me 4.5 yeras to do a PhD full time (and that's the average) according to math part time PhD would take me 9 years!!
Regardless of the field, you're going to be a very busy person, good luck!

======= Date Modified 15 Apr 2009 05:16:44 =======
LoobieLoo, I agree with you in every word.

I've started my PhD at 31, having a B.Sc and M.Sc behind my belt. Aftter an M.Sc I got a job and felt pretty good about myself untill two years have gone by and I realized that with an M.Sc I can only get this far. I could probably live with that but I've noticed that ideas were often adapted by my PhD collegues. And when trying to stand for myself, abd was politely reminded that I was nothing but a glorified technician. This led me to a decision of going into a PhD. Having the education and experience I expected that back in school I will be treated with at least some level of respect. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. I was treated like any other 20 years old kids, being talked down to etc. It was hard to take, but my determination was strong. The rest of my story is in my post "hard work, no credit".

But as an answer to the "PhD later in life" I would definately not recommend going back into a PhD program being over 30 with an M.Sc, years of work experience, and some self confidence. And if you have kids, man that it's unbelievably hard (I have two mysefl), my wife said to me when I finished: I am glad it's over, my husband's back.

It would be like giving up the executive position to become an office assistant, for 4 years at least.

======= Date Modified 15 14 2009 05:14:30 =======
======= Date Modified 15 11 2009 05:11:41 =======
My PhD defence is in two weeks so the story will most likely have a happy ending, but I somehow don't feel good about it. After spending 4 years in the lab  I feel like I have lost ALL of my self confidence.
My supervisor has taken me on as a PhD student having no idea about the project. She was specializing in a completely different area and I who had more background than her decided to go for it.
I've done a lot of work, with absolutely no guidance from her. I designed experiments, methods etc. pretty much started from scratch. Through 4 years of work I have received no credit for what I was doing. On the contrary I've always felt like she never trusted me, and needed to consult other people about my ideas, especially her technicians. And that was the worst part, when she would come up with ideas drawn from technicians about my work. I knew exactly what to do and didn't really need her advise, yet had to follow "her  ideas" and do things that at times didn't make sense. The project turned out to be really good, and the results will most likely be published in a high impact journal, but I have not heard a good word. I swallowed my pride and did everything as told. Now I am a post-doc in a different university waiting for my defence day.
Since I am quite long ways from the original university I've asked if she could contribute to my travel expenses, and got turned down on it. The story wouldn't be so upsetting to me if it wasn't for the fact that 2 years ago her other (M.Sc) student was in the same situation and was fully reimbursed for his travel.
I am sure she thinks I don't know about it but I do. How should I approach her?
I have done A LOT more work than the other student did and feel really discriminated. I have done nothing that could upset her (at least according to me) throughout the 4 years of my presence in her lab. There is no way I could have an honest conversation about it with her, as she is a very politically correct person and never ever says things straight into your face. If she want' s to do something she would rather do it behind your back and let you discover it yourself after some time.

It's has been a really hard 4 years of my life, and I wouldn't want to repeat it. PhD is not only about work but mostly about commitment, once you get into it you're stuck, and can't get out unless you're willing to put few years down the drain.
For those who are thinking about a PhD, please make sure you are doing it with the right person/supervisor and that you are really committed to do it. Otherwise you'll regret it and it will be a waste of you precious time.
I'm tired, and don't feel any satisfaction.