Why I Decided to Do a PhD and How I Managed to Enjoy It In the Process

A few years ago, I decided to pursue a full-time PhD at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. For many, it seemed like an unconventional choice. Why would someone leave a promising career in international arbitration to join academia?

In this post, I’ll share five reasons why I made this decision and why, for me, it was absolutely worth it.

1. I wanted to get back control over my time

Before starting my PhD, I spent three years at a law firm and a year at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. I loved the work—especially at the firm, where I gained hands-on experience and crystallized my legal thinking.

But over time, I realized that much of my day was dictated by tasks I didn’t choose. Yes, I chose my job, but I didn’t choose the specific projects or assignments that filled my hours. As I got older, this started to weigh on me. I didn’t want to spend the most productive years of my life working on things I hadn’t actively chosen.

The PhD changed that. As a researcher, I gained full control over my time and projects. I decided what to work on, when and where to work, and why. Whether it was creating my own schedule or choosing to work from home or the library, it felt incredibly liberating.

The substance of my work—legal research, reading, and writing—didn’t change much. What changed was that I got to do it on my own terms.

2. I wanted to get paid for thinking, reading, and writing about things I enjoyed

This was my second doctoral degree. I had already completed a PhD at Lomonosov Moscow State University, but the experience was starkly different. In Russia, a doctorate is often an unpaid side project done in your spare time, with only a small stipend (mine was about $40 a month). I completed that PhD fueled by sheer passion, squeezing research into evenings after a full-time job or on vacations.

While it's given me so much, doing a fully funded PhD at the EUI was an entirely different experience. I was paid to think, write, and research topics I genuinely cared about—a level of validation that felt incredibly rewarding. I honestly think that's pretty cool.

3. I liked the idea of moving to Italy to do a PhD

Pursuing a fully funded PhD often means relocating, and for me, that meant moving to Florence. The EUI’s program in law was one of the best in Europe, so it was an easy decision academically. Italy, however, wasn’t originally on my radar, and if it weren't for the PhD, I wouldn't have moved there but I'm very happy I did.

But once I arrived, I fell in love—with the country, the language, and the Italian approach to life. The move enriched my personal and professional life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. For you, pursuing a PhD might also involve moving somewhere you’ve dreamed of—or somewhere new that surprises you.

4. I wanted to live more

The PhD gave me something I hadn’t had in years: control over my time. With more free hours than I’d had in my full-time job, I could finally explore personal projects and hobbies. I could focus on what mattered to me—whether that was reading, dancing, cooking, or spending time with loved ones. To put it very simply, I got to live more.

For me, this translated into a better quality of life. I slept more, cooked more, and read over 60 books a year—purely for pleasure. I enjoyed mornings without alarms, commutes that took 15 minutes instead of hours, the freedom to live in multiple countries during the program, and getting social support and validation for doing things I enjoyed and considered important.

The PhD wasn’t just about academics. It gave me time for self-development: learning languages, taking up drawing, dancing salsa and Afro styles, and just generally living more fully.

5. I like being a student and thrive in academic settings

Not everyone enjoys being a student, but I do. Universities and academic environments are my natural habitat. They’ve been a vehicle for my social and professional mobility, giving me opportunities I couldn’t have imagined.

As a PhD researcher, I traveled for research, spending time at institutions like the UNIDROIT Institute in Rome and the Max Planck Institute in Hamburg. I attended conferences, took classes, and participated in student societies. For me, these experiences were some of the highlights of my PhD journey.

But that's going to be different for everyone. Only you can tell.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a PhD, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. My experience may not mirror yours. What worked for me—a love of academia, a desire for autonomy, and a willingness to embrace new environments—may not work for everyone.

Take the time to reflect on your reasons. If a PhD aligns with your goals and values, it can be a deeply rewarding journey.

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