After nearly two years of applications, I finally started my part-time PhD in psychology this September at Goldsmiths. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of some great people and my family, for which I’m deeply grateful.
As I reach the end of my first term or 'semester', whichever you prefer, I reflect on a hectic few months. Much of my time has been consumed by tutoring students in statistical analysis, marking, arranging or attending meetings, applying for funding, and balancing my cinematography work outside academia. All of this has left me with limited time to focus on my actual PhD research so far.
At the moment, I’m racing to finalise the ethics proposal for my first study before the Christmas break. Looking ahead, January to March is already packed, with barely any days free. Managing my health will be a priority, as my ulcerative colitis has required extra attention in recent months. I’ve managed to keep things under control so far thankfully.
One unexpected development early in my PhD journey was being diagnosed with dyslexia (or what the examiner described as 'very, very dyslexic'). While it would have been helpful to know this forty years ago, learning this now is helpful. I'm still coming to terms with it and looking at what tools can support me with the substantial reading and writing my PhD requires.
What My PhD is About
Currently, my doctoral research focuses on the occupational wellbeing among UK creative workers, with a particular emphasis on professionals in film and TV, though it also extends to other creative fields. PhDs tend to evolve but at the moment my project is structured into three main studies:
Study 1: Understanding the Landscape
The first study is qualitative, involving interviews with creative professionals. The goal is to uncover under-researched themes related to workplace stressors and protective factors that help individuals navigate the demands of their creative careers. This work will form the foundation for subsequent research. I plan to begin this study in January 2025 and expect it to run through the summer. A dedicated blog post on this is coming in the new year, so stay tuned!
Study 2: Developing a Wellbeing Tool
Insights from the first study will inform the creation of a new wellbeing tool tailored to creative professionals. Existing tools, like the Maslach Burnout Inventory, aren’t well-suited for freelance and under-researched groups like those in film, TV, and music. My aim is to create a burnout measurement scale specifically designed for these industries, addressing their unique challenges. This stage will require extensive participant involvement from across the creative sectors.
Study 3: Identifying Trends and Solutions
The final study will analyse data from the first two phases to explore how stress and protective factors vary across demographics, creative fields, and other variables. The aim is to build a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by creative professionals and to propose actionable solutions—whether at the industry or legislative level—that can improve wellbeing and productivity.
This third study is still a long way off, so I’ll share more when the time comes.
As I juggle my PhD with my work as a cinematographer, 2025 promises to be a busy year. I’m hopeful for progress on both fronts, especially after the challenges of the last few years with industry slowdowns.
For now, this post is a snapshot of where I am and where I’m heading. I look forward to diving deeper into my research, sharing insights along the way, and contributing to a better understanding of occupational wellbeing in creative industries, especially the film and TV sector which is very close to my heart.
Here’s to a productive and fulfilling year ahead for all of us!
Comments