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“Everything will be fine” is something my mom says to all challenges. Whether it is simply arriving late to the airport, getting lost going through London’s underground, or when I was unlucky with doctoral funding and the suggestion of self-funding was being thrown around. Indeed, two years later, and everything does seem to be fine… for now.
I must admit, I had thought of the self-funding route before the rejection decision was received regarding my doctoral funding application. I see myself as a realist, so I knew it was very competitive to secure funding. I had therefore wondered previously if I had it in me to take the risky decision of doing it without a funding package. This is where my mom’s “wise” words came in to play, and with the amazing support of my family, I figured with the passion to further research the psychology of conspiracy theories, and my commitment to go forward in my career, I would make it work, somehow.
So, has it worked? Well, yes, so far anyway. My research is going well and I have several jobs to keep me going. All seem to be on campus (or close by) funny enough, and are luckily flexible too. These jobs can vary from being an Associate Lecturer at both Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University to a receptionist in a hall of residence. This does mean each week is slightly different, but I manage to fit my studies around it. This fits well with my other commitments too – such as being an elected core committee member on the PsyPAG committee, which aims to support postgraduates, and being the postgraduate representative on the BPS Social Psychology Section committee. Moreover, being self-funded has pushed me to do things I may not have considered otherwise. For example, I am now involved with the University’s partnership schools programme, which conducts outreach work in the local community. By doing this work, it has enabled me to further develop my teaching and communication skills, which I am sure if I was funded, I would not have had the opportunity to do.
At times, I do wonder if making this decision to self-fund has been the best one. For example, I wonder if I am currently missing out on the little luxuries in life, like having a car… and weekends. But, I am having a great time doing something I am passionate about, with a great supportive network behind me to keep me going. However, it has to be said that self-funding is not for everyone. It is hard work, both academically and managing the different job and committee commitments, but so far it has been very rewarding. I aim to take every opportunity given to me and make it the best I possibly can. If you are in the same position, like me a few years ago, or indeed know someone who is, advise them that self-funding can have it positives and negatives, but if it is something you are passionate about and you have the drive to make it work…”everything will be fine”.
Daniel Jolley is currently a Ph.D student at the University of Kent, Canterbury. His research is exploring the social consequences and drivers of conspiracy theories. He blogs at: www.conspiracypsychology.com