Congratulations with your job offer :)

I received a full time research associate position in September 2009 and left in April 2010 so that I can submit my thesis in time for September 2010 although I'm wondering now if I'll ever finish my thesis! :(

I REALLY struggled working full time and finishing my PhD. I loved the job (a bit too much!) and my PhD has suffered as a result :( - but then again I've learnt loads etc, so hopefully it will help.

I think working full time and finishing a PhD can be done, but its very very difficult! Best of luck and I hope you enjoy your job x

======= Date Modified 19 Jul 2010 16:19:00 =======
Thanks Bilbo. I know exactly where to cut, so I'm hoping it won't be much of an issue cutting it all down....It's a very scary feeling knowing that I'm running out of time. I've started breaking everything down into little bits and setting myself small goals and mixing everything up (ie working on different chapters every 3-4 days) so that I'm not bored with my thesis

I don't think I can do this/ or ever reach the end of this! :p

======= Date Modified 19 08 2010 16:08:27 =======
Hi all,

I'm new to this forum- I've had a quick read through of some of the posts- this is a very useful website!

I've just counted the number of weeks left and I'm starting to panic :(

I've written 8 chapters which are pretty much advanced and complete drafts- although needs cutting down and I need to update my literature reviews. I'm also waaaay over the 80k word limit, more like 120k- but I know how and where to cut. I have two more chapters to write- ie the discussion chapters although I know what I'm going to write for the last 2 chapters.

My supervisor feels that I have a very advanced PhD- much more advanced than her PhD thesis, but I've counted how many weeks I have left and it's started to worry and it has left me in a state of shear panic!!!!

I'm meeting my supervisors this week, but I know their going to be negative with me (as they usually are) and I don't think I can take a grilling! especially when my self esteem and confidence in myself is very fragile at the moment!

I was planning to take today off away from my thesis(as I've worked non stop over the last few months), but working out how many weeks I have left has left me rather worried, not to mention accelerated heart beat!

My supervisors have not discussed vivas and examiners with me so I can only imagine that's because they feel I'm just not ready yet- which is adding to my negative thoughts, ie that I'm not good enough

Anyway, apologies for the rant- I would really appreciate some advice, even if its just advice in keeping calm!!

:-(

Thanks for reading! x