For qualitative researchers, conducting field research involves more than just collecting data; it also entails meaningfully interacting with participants, communities, and environments—often in ways that alter the original goals of the study. This Groundwork attempts to close the gap between theory and practice by providing firsthand accounts of the difficulties of qualitative research. It also seeks to encourage qualitative researchers to adopt a more robust and adaptable methodology by sharing our lessons from years of doing qualitative research in the global south. For example, we shed light on how to design effective qualitative research studies, build rapport with participants, respond to erratic field circumstances, and navigate ambiguity while gathering deep meaningful data from the participants.