The PhD OS

The Mind

Wellbeing check-ins, wins log, and your life beyond the thesis.

The Wins Log

On hard days, read this. Every entry is evidence that you are making progress.

Supervisor said Chapter 2 was 'the strongest writing yet'

08 Apr 2026

Abstract accepted for the Edinburgh conference

01 Apr 2026

Finally understood Actor-Network Theory after three attempts

22 Mar 2026

Completed the full literature review database (47 papers)

15 Mar 2026

Wrote 2,000 words in a single sitting for the first time

02 Mar 2026

The Alt-Ac Vault

Academia is not the only path. Collect career ideas here without pressure.

UX Research

Transferable skills: qualitative methods, user interviews, synthesis.

Policy Analyst

Research and writing skills directly applicable. Look at think tanks.

Academic Publishing Editor

Combines subject knowledge with editorial work.

Higher Education Consultant

Curriculum design, quality assurance, student experience.

Weekly Check-In

Answer honestly. No one is watching.

Am I sleeping at least 7 hours most nights?

Did I take at least one full day off this week?

Have I spoken to someone outside academia this week?

Am I eating properly and moving my body?

Did I read something purely for pleasure this week?

0 / 5 checked this week
Remember

"The PhD is a marathon, not a sprint. The researcher who finishes is the one who learned to rest."