<p>In July 2000, I (KD) commenced part-time PhD studies, using grounded theory methodology. Using grounded theory for the first time has presented certain challenges, some of which are pertinent to the methodology alone and some that have wider significance for anyone using interviews as a data collection method. The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the practical issues that I, with the support of my supervisors (CF and HEW), have had to deal with during the data collection phase, in the hope that it may be of benefit to others.</p>