Welcome to the PhD Survival Guide Podcast! Have you ever heard of the infamous side projects? The ones that PhD students always reference as taking up most of their time? In this episode we really break down what they are and how to avoid ones that can be detrimental to your progress in your dissertation. Some side projects are not all that bad though, and it's important to also highlight how to get the most out of them efficiently! We are also on Apple Podcasts!  If you enjoy this podcast and want to tune in as more episodes of the PhD Survival Guide come out, please feel free to like the podcast! This way, you will be notified every time a new episode airs. Please share us with your friends!  If you have any suggestions for future episodes or topics you would like to hear about, please let me know in the Q&A section below!  Follow us on Instagram! @PhDSG_Pod  DISCLAIMER: This podcast was written, produced, and hosted by myself, Firas. While we do the best we can to gather information from various sources, it is important to remember that everything we say here is of our own opinions and inferences. All PhD students, mentors, and programs are unique and the advice may not always apply. We implore you to think with an open mind. The purpose of this podcast is to help guide and empower current and prospective students throughout their journeys. We appreciate your time.