Slightly different situation, my husband relocated abroad on his own about a year ago (on a permanent contract but insecurity as to the future location of his work, so we decided that all of us moving with him would not be a good idea). I was left alone doing a full time PhD and two children to look after, and paying rent for a large house in a different town to my university (I'd commuted ever since starting my PhD, nobody had ever asked me about this, and I have several PhD colleagues who do the same), which was a strain, organisationally and financially. In fact, in the end, I decided to move to a third country, to the city where my parents and inlaws live, and it appears to have been a wise decision in these circumstances (despite the temporary disruption through the move, which shouldn't be underestimated...). Kids are settled in their schools and happy to be near their grandparents, I have extra support from them, husband has slightly shorter weekly commute, living expenses are lower. I regularly communicate with my supervisors via email and skype and can travel to the university every couple of months (thanks to cheap airline connections), at about the same cost as commuting on a twice weekly basis from my old home. However, I had already finished my main fieldwork before moving and my funding had almost ended, so I have 'writing up status' now. I would also recommend waiting until the 'maybe' is definite (and perhaps asking your husband to try and postpone it or avoid it altogether?) and then try to find a solution that allows you to complete your PhD (maybe possible to take a sabbatical, if the relocation is temporary?), I certainly wouldn't let this put you off starting!

Hi,
I've got a child-free fortnight, starting from today, and I am wondering if anyone can give me some tips on how to structure my day so as to get as much PhD work as possible done during this period (aiming to submit thesis at the end of the year), as I'm not used to this abundance of time? However, I've still got a lot of writing and even more editing to do, so there is plenty I should be doing and ideally complete more than I can possibly imagine. Thank you!
Kamtil

Hi,
My younger child was just two when I started a full time PhD in the social sciences. It was no problem getting references from my supervisors even after 12 years! Studying, especially in the first year when my son was still wearing nappies and waking up in the nights, was hard, but it's better now, so if you can afford to wait another year, do it. I got really ill in my second year, probably due to exhaustion...
In any case it's vital that you get childcare sorted out before you start, and don't think studying from home means the child will sit in the corner and play (at least mine didn't...). You need backup for the inevitable sick days and holidays, ideally several people who you can ask to pick up child if you're running late etc.. I suppose like any other 'work'. It's important to give the PhD the same priority as you would a paid job (as nobody else does...), but also try and take time off for your family (and for your own health and sanity). I suppose part time study gives you a bit more time to adjust and juggle the different priorities/responsibilities that you have.
Good luck!

Hi! I've been having nightmares about the time just before submitting (still a bit off for me) and wondering how I would fit it in with my childcare commitments etc. . So it's a great relief to hear that it doesn't have to be like the stories other people hear, it's all down to good organisation (up) I hope! Enjoy it and I'm sure it'll be fine if your supervisors are happy with your work!

Hi Artista,
Yes, I'm in this, too, I have two children, also funded. Finding it very hard, much harder than working full time (albeit with only one child then), especially as I also live quite far away from university, no family nearby and husband with equally busy schedule...but very rewarding, nonetheless! Would love to keep in touch!

Good that this thread hasn't been forgotten! Would love to know what your views on part time study are. I am considering switching to part time, after a year's full time slog with two children (8 and 3). My supervisor is all for it. I'm craving guilt free school holidays (as I mentioned previously), but my studentship would be halved, too... Would love to hear your experiences. Thanks!

Hi everyone!
I am considering using Skype to carry out interviews with people based abroad (it's a social science topic, using mainly semi-structured interviews). It would allow me to interview a broader range and number of people than through travelling which I can't afford (and I have childcare commitments, too). Has anyone used Skype in their research and can give me advice on whether it works as well as seeing people face to face (I presume there are disadvantages, even if connection is good, but not sure if these outweighs the benefits?)? I am not very experienced at using skype for "professional" purposes, so would need to practise the recording facilities etc. first, but what else do I need to consider?

Thanks for your help!
Greetings,
Kamtil

Hi Natassia,
Sorry to hear about your brother. From your description it could also be ADHD? The sudden mood swings, anger, tempers, unpredictability sound very much like it, you can find lists of symptoms and checklists on the internet for example. Somebody very close to me has recently been diagnosed and frequently displays similar behaviour.
Greetings, Kamtil

Oh, yes! School started last Wednesday for my daughter (she is 8) and son (almost 3) is back at childminder's, but I feel I really need a holiday now...felt guilty all summer about not doing enough... We went on holiday for a week at the end and I finally gave up trying to work for the last three days of it, which was good, but obviously - hindsight- I should have taken the whole week off might not feel so tired now...? Will try and make a new plan, spent an hour updating my to do list this morning, gulp! :p
Would be great to keep in touch and maybe exchange some tips!

Wandsworth doesn't charge at it's recycling depot, so far!

Hi Kittyroo,
Can't offer any advice, just considering the same, been studying full time since last October, with two young children (and a very busy husband), and feeling completely overwhelmed at the moment. Would you be able to get more help with the children/household, au pair etc.? I'm not sure if switching to part time would make that much of a difference to me as I'd have less money for childcare, hence less childcare, and maybe less support from university (?). Is there anyone around who has switched and can say something about this? Or somebody who carried on full time, with children, and managed ok?
All the best,
Kamtil