Hi Hugh, thanks for the sympathies haha I got it submitted and aiming to do another this week- initially I had 3 to do this week but I am so strapped for time I am having to be selective over the ones I am applying for while still writing the PhD.

Word counts, argghh- I am also 20k over, but I am editing from the start of the thesis chronologically and plan to cut stuff as I edit (hopefully!)

Submission- aiming for the draft to be submitted October at the very latest. Actual submission may be December as my sup has to read it all and they are always super busy, so that part is out of my hands really (frustrating!)

Looks like we are all on plan and aim to submit in Dec! We can do this, yes we can!

Yes that part (waiting for supervisors) is very very frustrating! Although I anticipate they'll take 1 month, they may take longer. I truly hope not!

I wasn't planning to take time off in Aug but I think I will because I'll be waiting for my supervisor to get back anyways. I'm also unsure about the job front, and need to get my old CV updated!

I am taking ten days off in August but its because I am having minor surgery (for breathing issues) and I cannot leave the house for a good week. I will be a bit bruised and swollen. I will still be working from home when I feel up to it, but I am officially on annual leave so I can avoid meetings etc. I am not too worried about taking time off at this stage and I think if you feel you would benefit from a rest then do it :) even if it is just a long weekend.

I am honestly hoping that my sup will be a bit faster as I am coming to the end and I hope that is the case with you too Hugh!

What is everyone up to this week?

Hope your surgery goes well, Zutterfly, and definitely a good idea to plan some time off around it.

I thought I would have a very productive week as my partner is away on a trip and I had visions of extending my working hours etc. However it is turning out to be one of those horrible weeks when everything goes wrong and needs sorted at home! What about you?

Zutterfly, good luck with your surgery! Definitely take time off, you will need it.

Chickpea, sorry to hear your week hasn't been as productive. Mine hasn't either. I don't know if its the heat, or the fact that I've had household stuff to sort out. I'm hoping tomorrow will be much more productive for you and me, and we can get down to work!

Zutterfly you have inspired me to fill my 1st job application form! I don't expect to get it tbh, but if I don't apply I won't know!

That's a horrific number of applications!

I'm still looking at both academic and non-academic posts. There is absolutely no way I want to go down the road of competing for one six month academic contract after another, all in different places, so I am really just keeping an eye on anything interesting that's within reach of where I live, and looking at other jobs too.

I am the same- I don't want to relocate as my partner has a good job here and i have moved a crazy amount of times in the past.

I am applying for a mix of academic e.g. research/teaching and non-academic jobs that are within universities e.g. those in professional services. I am really not fussy on that front, I just want some money coming in so I can keep a roof over my head. Also, if you take a job and dislike it, you are not bound to that role forever and can move on. So this has informed my approach of applying for absolutely anything within universities!