This paper considers the challenges experienced by a doctoral student engaging in qualitative research. It examines the difficulties experienced in selecting an appropriate approach from the traditional methodologies. A pragmatic methodology which provides the researcher with the opportunity to utilise a range of strategies to answer the research question are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of the freedoms afforded in methodological thinking, rather than following prescribed strategies and procedures are then considered. How a pragmatic perspective informed the researcher's understanding of the impact of selecting a specific methodology and how this shaped the research and its outcomes concludes the paper.