2025 Reset & PhD update

Thank you so much for all of your support this year. I hope you have a wonderful 2025 🤍

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0:00 reflections on resolution-making
1:40 phd update
4:25 setting goals
6:33 cleaning and decluttering
8:50 sorting paperwork
12:54 more decluttering
13:57 desk tour
17:51 more planning
20:07 writing a letter to my future self & PhD reflections

[karybooks]

I believe you're making a smart choice by waiting to start your PhD. It's never too late to pursue one! I began mine at 36 and will complete it next year at 41. Live your life the way you want—your PhD will still be there when you’re ready. A PhD is truly a marathon, whereas a master's degree feels like a sprint in comparison. You need to be prepared, resilient, and passionate for at least four years. 😊 Also, the PhD content doesn't matter to me; I follow this channel for you, regardless of your projects. Wishing you an amazing 2025!

[happycommuter]

A doctoral program is a big commitment. Don’t begin until you’re truly ready, or else you risk major stress and burnout. Also, banish the word “should.” We’re all on an individual path—there is no “should, ” only what’s best for you.

[sandrasshelf]

Hi Ruby, as a mostly silent viewer, I want to say that I’ve always been subscribed for YOU. The way you articulate thoughts, share your passion and love for literature, writing, travel, studying, all things cosy etc etc.

Try to always follow your intuition and what is right for you. Had you not, maybe you would have never started this channel and pumpkin productivity.

As an overthinker myself, it helps to write everything down (much like what you do) and then stick with the decision, knowing that self-doubt and maybe even rumination are a natural by-product. If we were to know our future paths, we would never learn or experience life’s ups and downs and its little mysteries and blessings.

Happy 2025 Ruby, you will continue to be brilliant in all of your endeavours 🎉🥰

[Merve]

Hey Ruby, I really respect your decision to wait another year to pursue your PhD. I started my master this year immediately after finishing my master and when looking back, I think taking a break between degrees is so beneficial to kind of "reset" your brain. Lots of luck to you in the new year:)

[EmilySmith-bqnp]

Don’t know about anyone else, but I am here for YOU Ruby! I’m excited for when your phd journey begins, but in the meantime I could watch you do anything 🩷

[rachelm]

I rushed into a PhD in my mid-20s shortly after completing a master’s degree and I dropped out after 2 years because I couldn’t handle living at that pace for 5 more years (I’m from the US, so the PhD programs are probably set up differently here). I got a second master’s degree for free out of it, so it wasn’t a total loss, but it was two years of immense stress that really took a toll on me. I learned a lot of really important lessons about burn out and taking care of myself. If you have any doubts at all, it’s absolutely wise to wait and see how you feel before proceeding.

[OpinionatedBowties]

It’s probably a quote from somewhere but it’s been something I’ve said a lot over the last month - “it wouldn’t be a choice if it was easy”. I made a difficult choice to make a career switch, and I’m seeking solace in the fact that either option is a path to take and I’ve now weighed out and decided on one.

[MicheleBlumberg-un]

As a former university instructor in an MA program I think it is often a very good decision to have some time before pursuing another degree- life experience can often deepen and add layers to your next endeavor.

[天後交牛津博士論文]

As someone in the final year of my DPhil, rushing to complete my thesis, I can genuinely say: don’t let external influences or desires imposed by others push you into doing anything that isn’t truly yours. Always listen to the most authentic voice within you. Only by following your passion and intuition can you sustain the effort needed to accomplish something that’s truly your own. Never embark on a DPhil lightly. Most importantly, people subscribe to your channel because they want to see the real you – it has nothing to do with whether you’re pursuing a PhD or anything else. Don’t worry, be brave and be yourself – everyone will support you!😉

[emielou]

I don't make resultions/goals until March. I follow the wheel of the Year and rest/rejuvenated and reflect during winter and start fresh with Spring:) I'm making this a year of writing as I've got my debut out in Feb. I've put off my PhD until 2026 as I still feel burnt out from my masters.

[stephanie_elle]

It’s always wise to wait for a PhD! There is truly no rush. I had a big gap between my masters and PhD and I think the extra maturity and reflection meant I was better equipped to start the thesis. You’ll get there when it’s right for you.

[alexanagy]

Hi Ruby, I’ve been watching your videos since you were about 16 and I was still in high school but I’ve never commented. However, as a final year PhD student in sociology, I have to say, you have made the absolute best decision. When I finished my masters I also had a year long break before continuing with a PhD. The thing is, burn out is not a joke and we have to take it seriously. No matter how much we like learning, it’s good to go out and experience the other side of life a little bit, to get work experience or just do something different for a while to really see what other opportunities life holds. I guarantee that by the time you go back to school again, you will be even more excited and feel more ready than ever. Also, there’s a timeline for everyone. Some people start their PhD journey in their 20’s and some in their 50’s. And both are alright because it aligns with their lives and it doesn’t define their worth. A PhD is a long and tiring journey ( despite how great it is) full of ups and downs in an academic setting that is not always fair and kind of rigid, so you have to be fully ready to start both mentally and emotionally. So congrats on your decision and best of luck to you in the future!

[fionawilkes]

i started my phd at 23, i'm 26 now and honestly i wish i had waited. although i have loved these last three years, i have spent most of it feeling out of my depth and it has triggered my imposter syndrome so much which has been really hard. the phd will always be there, do it when it will bring you the least stress and most pleasure !

[BellesBooksbyCarly]

Well done on making that tough decision Ruby, doing a PhD is not easy and you have to be ready and sure, so it sounds like you did the right thing to delay! It took 7 years for me to finish my literature PhD part time alongside working and caring responsibilities and it was a slog! I know it’s hard when overthinking clouds the waters of your mind but trust yourself and your instincts. Wishing you a happy new year and all good things for 2025.

[sophyO-rr]

I received a great piece of advice recently. " it was the right decision because you made it." Your approach sounds very healthy. Trust yourself xxx😊

[patrickavis]

The best advice about decisions is to know there are very few paths that are ever truly closed off...the future will almost always allow you the time and space to return to them. Exams can always be retaken, there will be a chance to redo that interview, and whatever it is, next time round you'll be that bit better placed as you'll have the experience of the first time. Most importantly, do what interests you and what you feel is the best at the time.

[adayinthelifeofelliegianna]

Hi Ruby! 🎉 I am a bit older than your “usual” audience. I want to say that your maturity impresses me. Your decision to embark on a PhD is YOUR decision. Personally, I think you made the right decision to wait a bit longer. I would rather be excited than regret rushing into it. God bless! You have a fan in the States!!!! ❤

[julietijerina]

As far as decision-making: trust your gut. Listen to the Still, Small Voice. Every time I have ignored or overridden my instincts, it has bitten me in the butt. You've made the right call.

[kat]

I make quarterly resolutions and basically do it all year round. I'll have a no chocolate month for example randomly in September. So for me resolutions are more an over view of what I want to accomplish in the year, and then it's split up and evolved over the year.

Well done on waiting on your PhD until you are ready. I've started my second degree 10 years after finishing my first. I wanted to be sure of what I wanted

[ruthfuller]

The decision you have made Ruby is the right one for you. We cant live in the 'what ifs' world but the one were living in now. Your PHD will be waiting for you when your ready. Take this time to reevaluate, recharge and enjoy. Trust in yourself Ruby.❤