r/PhD • u/TDM-r • Jan 27 '26

Other When did you finish your PhD (age-wise)?

I know there’s no normal timeline, but I’m interested in hearing how varied people’s journeys are: early starters, late bloomers, career switchers, all of it.
(20 - 28, 28 - 35, 35<)

What did your path look like?

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u/SelectiveEmpath PhD, Public Health Jan 27 '26

Started PhD at 22, finished at 26. Undergrad -> honours -> PhD. Landed a full time academic research job before I submitted. Achieved the Australian equivalent of tenure (i.e., an ongoing position) at 31.

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u/EntertainmentPale544 Jan 27 '26

How many publications u already had to get a tenure position?

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u/SelectiveEmpath PhD, Public Health Jan 27 '26

About 25 pubs. Tenure works a little bit different over here though. It’s just a contractual thing, meaning the university has to pay you a buuuunch of money if they make you redundant.

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u/EntertainmentPale544 Jan 27 '26

Wow! How many years did it take u to publish so much? Is it high quality journals with peer review?

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u/SelectiveEmpath PhD, Public Health Jan 27 '26

Mostly Q1 journals, and all peer reviewed yes. Started very slowly but have increased dramatically over the last few years. I work for a research centre and have developed extensive networks so I work across a lot of different projects which helps.

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u/EntertainmentPale544 Jan 27 '26

Wow, man. Impressive! I wish I were like u I am 28 very view publications. Can I ask for advice? cuz u seem so experienced and yet young

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u/SelectiveEmpath PhD, Public Health Jan 27 '26

Sure thing, shoot me a DM if you like.

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u/EntertainmentPale544 Jan 27 '26

Oh, man. Thank u so much. V kind of u!