The common scene for a doctoral student when studying is a cup of coffee next to the laptop, seated in a space at home, with the enthusiasm to drive the progress of the thesis, almost always after getting back from a work routine. It can also occur when arranging the next meeting with the supervisor and organizing the reading material. So if you are thinking of starting a distance doctorate or postdoctorate and are over 35, with work and family responsibilities, this scene will soon be very real for you.
According to recent studies, around 40% of those who study online doctoral programs are 35 or older, in contrast to 27% who are 40 or older. It can be said that these figures are part of the main base of online distance education.
Likewise, there are statistics indicating that online learning increased by 9% annually between 2018 and 2025, and it is estimated that it will continue to grow into 2026. In Latin America, the most significant growth in enrollment in online programs is seen. Taking Colombia as an example, where students in these virtual programs increased from 9,758 to more than 126,000 between 2010 and 2016.
Before starting the doctorate, many questions may arise, such as:
This doctoral process, while it can bring you multiple benefits, is not perfect and also demands certain conditions, which, although not a limitation, require a higher level of effort. However, with the right habits and routines, and above all by maintaining realistic expectations, your path will be much more pleasant. Below, we offer some key points to consider.
1. Doing it in an online format is not synonymous with ease
Doctorates and postdoctorates at a distance are not easier, in fact, they require the same academic level as the in-person format. The only thing that changes is the flexibility and dynamism proposed by online education.
2. Studying from home does not have to be synonymous with loneliness
Even if there is no physical classroom, there is a wide variety of platforms, forums, research groups, and tutoring where great friendships can be created, as well as the possibility of joining potential collaborations in the future. All are real and valuable ties for your network of contacts.
3. All the work experience you may have is an asset
As a doctoral student over 35, you are likely to have a large amount of experience, both academic and professional, that can be the steering force in your thesis research topic.
4. A well-established routine takes on the same level of importance as a study plan
Being in an online format, which in a way allows you a bit more flexibility, it is necessary to have discipline and routines to facilitate learning and organization.
Designing your study routine would be the advantage that marks success on the path to achieving the goal; otherwise, the experience can be draining among so many responsibilities, such as meetings, reading texts, articles, emails, and your family. In that routine, the coffee will likely not be missing, accompanying you with your laptop, where you will be investing your time to achieve a successful professional future.
The recommended routine for you, who works and studies, is to do blocks of 25 to 45 minutes accompanied by a good coffee in the morning before going to work. In this block, review the articles, organize pending tasks, and light readings. You can also practice the micro habit, which consists of leaving everything you are going to read and write the next day, prepared the night before.
Likewise, at noon or during your work break, you can take advantage of the time to answer emails, make notes of ideas for the thesis, and review the virtual classroom. However, when you finish work and family responsibilities, you can take a 60 to 90-minute block to write the thesis, draft progress, and analyze the data.
During the doctorate, it is normal for some setbacks and moments of difficulty to arise; however, to overcome these obstacles, you can do the following:
1. Commit to half an hour of quality time, because it is better to study in small blocks instead of doing long sessions. You can also make use of the
five key ideas to get the most out of your PhD or Postdoctoral journey.
2. State your limits at home to avoid family interruptions and have a fixed study place that is respected by everyone.
3. To avoid that feeling of being behind, plan on Sunday afternoon what you are going to read, pending submissions and thesis progress.
4. Build a virtual environment and make use of forums, shared searches, WhatsApp, and Telegram groups with classmates.
The coffee you prepare daily can become a framework with which you will be able to organize your day. In this vein, you can connect each time you have coffee with a pending activity. For example, your first coffee can be equal to reading and organizing in the morning, the second coffee can be associated with deep writing work, and, at night, the occasional social coffee, the one you have once a week, the one that symbolizes meetings with your classmates, supervisors, and directors in an online format.
This paradox not only allows you to maintain your love for coffee, but it is something much more; it is a kind of small routine where every aroma and sip carries that thought that should motivate you to take the first step. It is about turning an action into motivation and taking those small habits as a reminder that drives you to grow on your doctoral path.
Likewise, keep in mind that a doctoral degree can provide you with opportunities you would never imagine and can even give you the possibility of becoming a role model to inspire other students and
create your own path without bosses, schedules, or an office
However, it is essential that you keep your training active, without losing important contacts, and always creating opportunities in favor of your academic experience and the needs that may arise within your environment.
Also, keep in mind that the doctoral degree can offer you opportunities you would not even imagine, and can even give you the possibility of being a reference to encourage other students. Nevertheless, it is essential that you keep your training active, without losing important contacts, and always building in support of your academic experience and the needs that may arise in your environment.
Once you have finished your doctorate, the very moment you sit down and turn on your laptop with your cup of coffee, you will remember everything you lived through and will recognize that age was never an obstacle. In that instant, you will be grateful for that coffee, that laptop, and, above all, that effort imprinted in every submission, review, or sleepless night.
At this point, you will realize that the ideal routine is not about making the process stricter or more rigid, and that there really is no such thing as a perfect routine. It is about adapting it to you, to your essence, to your environment, to your way of seeing the world, and to what comes easiest to you.
It is, without a doubt, about knowing how to apply the knowledge, tips, and lessons you have acquired to build your path, for example, with pause times, meetings, virtual ones or preparing in advance what you are going to study, but best of all is being able to apply this in your day to day and implement it in the new challenges that life brings you, where you will surely achieve success.