Advanced educational attainment can "grow" a career. But acquiring a doctoral qualification adds study to existing work and family responsibilities, especially for women. This phenomenological research explores the experiences of eight Thai working mothers enrolled in the initial stage of part-time doctoral programs in Thailand. A majority enrolled for work-related reasons: some believe that the qualification would support their careers, others that it would help them escape their present work situation. Work can be an ally and/or an enemy of study, or there may be no relation. Workplace support is an important factor. Findings elucidate subjects' difficulties and indicate differential levels of adaptive capacity. Copers had the ability to integrate all three demands. Doctoral study impacts on work-life balance raise unexplored issues for HRD managers. (Contains 2 figures and 3 tables.)