I took 3.5 years to finish my Ph.D, full time. Passed my Viva December last year, after a 4 hour 'grilling'.

I do have to say it's a very different ball game compared to masters. You might have a supervisor, but in many cases you are so deep into your own rabbit hole, your supervisor wont be able to help much.

It doesn't help that not too many people are interested to hear about your research, unless they are in the same field, and have interest similar or close enough to yours.

It can be a lonely, arduous journey. I have also seen many of my mates that started with me ended up dropping out.

But when you actually finish it, you know you are one tough mf that refused to give up.