5. Mugging by interview Many of us who have been through PhD study will recall how financially tough it is. Add to that, two small children under three and that will give you an idea of my financial constraints. Got an invite to an interview that involved a flight and a two night hotel stay.

Just before Christmas so the wife and I had to decide whether the investment/risk would be worthwhile. HR at the institution advised all costs would be covered and even told me the exact hotel to book into. So, technically, it wasn't a risk we felt.