Rewriting the Rules: Earning a PhD at 40 with Four Kids After Failure

Life often takes unexpected turns, and for me, one of the most profound came at the intersection of personal and academic struggle. After dedicating two rigorous years at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), fulfilling every requirement for my Ph.D., I faced a crushing setback: I failed the final qualification exam.

The week leading up to the exam was a nightmare. My entire family, including myself, was struck down with a severe case of influenza. We were all hospitalized, and despite my own sickness, I did my best to stay strong for my family. On the day of the exam, I was running a high fever, but I chose to inform the examiner of my condition. My fatigue and the family crisis led me to approach the exam with less seriousness than required, thinking that a second attempt would surely be successful. However, GIST’s regulations were clear: the qualifying exam had to be passed within two years of enrollment. With that attempt marking my final opportunity, my failure meant expulsion from the program.

Suddenly, I found myself jobless and without an income. The situation was dire, but I refused to let it defeat me. I began searching for new Ph.D. opportunities, a quest that eventually led me to Chonnam National University. There, I secured a position in the Mechanical Engineering department under the guidance of Professor Eunpyo Choi. The transition was significant; while my research at GIST had focused on high power lasers, I now delved into the challenging field of micro-robotics.

The road was far from smooth. Balancing a demanding Ph.D. program with the responsibilities of raising a large family was no easy feat. Two of my children were born during my studies, and with no relatives nearby to help, managing newborns alongside academic duties was overwhelming. My wife’s frequent hospitalizations added another layer of difficulty. Often, I was left to juggle lab work with caring for our children and managing household responsibilities, including cooking meals, particularly because Korean hospitals had limited food options that met our dietary needs.

The financial strain of raising four kids on a modest Ph.D. stipend was immense. There were times when even basic groceries seemed out of reach. Yet, I was fortunate to have a network of supportive friends who stepped in during these challenging times. Their assistance was invaluable and provided a much-needed lifeline.

Amidst these trials, Professor Choi stood by me. His faith in my potential, despite the shift in research focus, was unwavering. During moments of confusion and self-doubt, Professor Choi’s guidance was crucial, helping me navigate through the complexities of my new field.

I am also profoundly grateful to my wife and children for their incredible patience and support. Even with the demanding hours I spent in the lab, my wife managed the lion’s share of parenting without a single complaint. Their steadfast support was the foundation of my success.

To any graduate student facing similar struggles, remember that challenges are just passing clouds. The blue sky is ahead. If I could overcome these obstacles and achieve my goal, then there’s every reason to believe you can too. Keep pushing forward, and the results will follow.

By Sharif Saqib, Ph.D. , Department of Mechanical Engineering

* The writer completed his PhD studies at Chonnam National University in February 2024. He wanted to share his PhD journey and struggle with his fellow students and researchers for motivation. He contributed this article to the Chonnam Tribune on August 20.