Life Update and Q&A

Summary

In this candid Q&A session, Ruby shares her significant life updates following her time at Oxford. Initially planning to pursue a PhD, she ultimately decided to withdraw her application due to mental health concerns, emphasizing the importance of timing and personal well-being. Instead, she is embracing a 9-to-5 job that offers new experiences and challenges. Ruby discusses her writing projects, future plans, and the joy of being back home with her family. She also reflects on her favorite Oxford moments, her evolving relationship with writing, and her appreciation for the simple pleasures of life, including her newfound love for tea.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Ruby initially planned to pursue a PhD at Oxford after her Master's but ultimately decided to withdraw her application.
• 😟 She struggled with her mental health during the lead-up to her dissertation, prompting her to reconsider her academic path.
• 💼 Ruby accepted a job that allows her to gain experience outside of academia, providing a refreshing change in her routine.
• 📝 She plans to reapply for her PhD in the future when she feels more prepared and certain about her research interests.
• ✨ Ruby emphasizes the importance of taking the time to reflect on one's goals, especially for significant commitments like a PhD.
• 📹 She is currently balancing her job with personal projects, including consistent YouTube content creation and writing.
• 📚 Ruby is working on multiple writing projects, including a middle-grade book and a dark academia novel, while striving to return to regular writing habits.
• ❤️ She expresses gratitude for being at home and the support she receives from her family during this transitional period.
• 🌟 Ruby shares insights on adult life, highlighting the need to maintain curiosity and wonder, akin to that of childhood.
• ☕ She reflects on her journey with tea, noting her late start in enjoying it and her ongoing relationship with her favorite tea company.

Q & A

What prompted Ruby to consider pursuing a PhD?

Ruby initially had no plans to pursue a PhD, but during her time at Oxford, she developed a passion for her studies and decided she wanted to continue her academic journey.

What led Ruby to withdraw her PhD application?

Ruby withdrew her PhD application due to concerns about her mental health, feeling that she wasn't in the right place to commit to such a significant undertaking at that time.

How did Ruby feel about her decision to withdraw from the PhD program?

Although Ruby found it difficult to make the decision and initially felt conflicted, she ultimately believed it was the right choice for her mental well-being and future academic goals.

What type of job did Ruby accept after withdrawing her application?

Ruby accepted a 9-to-5 job, which provided her with a new experience outside of academia and allowed her to gain practical work experience.

What projects does Ruby plan to work on this year?

Ruby mentioned that she has some fun projects lined up for the year, which she likely wouldn't have been able to pursue if she were doing her PhD.

How does Ruby feel about balancing her new job and her creative projects?

Ruby finds it challenging to balance her new job with her creative projects, including her YouTube channel and writing, but she is hopeful that her routine will improve over time.

What are Ruby's current writing projects?

Ruby is currently working on a middle-grade book and a dark academia novel, both of which she intends to rewrite because she isn't satisfied with her progress on them.

What advice did Ruby's therapist give her about approaching adulthood?

Ruby's therapist advised that adults should strive to retain the wonder and curiosity of childhood while focusing on the positive aspects of being an adult.

What was Ruby's favorite experience at Oxford?

Ruby's favorite experience at Oxford was the Burns Night Celebration at her college, where she enjoyed traditional ceremonies and the overall atmosphere of the event.

How has Ruby's relationship with tea evolved over the years?

Ruby did not like tea until she was about 17 or 18, but her appreciation grew after trying a pumpkin tea from Bird & Blend, which eventually led her to explore various types of tea.