People absolutely can. It’s just a lot easier when you have guidance from an expert advisor, multiple peers to help you out, and an established pathway to focus several years of your life on doing so.
To be clear, my PhD “advisor” was a hindrance to my education, work, life, and career. I succeeded despite my ”advisor” and broke all contact upon my defense.
1/3 of my entering cohort left without degrees. Not atypical.
People absolutely can. It’s just a lot easier when you have guidance from an expert advisor, multiple peers to help you out, and an established pathway to focus several years of your life on doing so.
To be clear, my PhD “advisor” was a hindrance to my education, work, life, and career. I succeeded despite my ”advisor” and broke all contact upon my defense.
1/3 of my entering cohort left without degrees. Not atypical.
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad that you survived it though.