Oh dear Batfink, that sounds painful! I also suffer with hand/wrist problems, in my left wrist, I was advised by my physio to use a powerball, I don't know how suitable that would be for arthritis though, might be worth checking out? I have days where I can't work as it's so painful but having a wrist guard, proper keyboard and screen rather than trying to work off of my laptop has improved the situation no end. Hope it's not too painful and improves with rest.

I'm back! The chapter wasn't as bad as I thought it was but there was one section in there which I'd obviously gotten bored of writing and given up halfway through a sentence! :$ this is why we proof read though I suppose! I'm not totally disappointed with it but I'm still not really sure whether it's working, but I'll just have to wait and see what the sup says I guess. I'm going to hang onto it for a few more days then send it off to her next week.

Hope everyone's had a productive day so far!

Afternoon,

I, like Batfink, am glad this thread has been found useful! I definitely think it helps to keep me motivated, and also less alone! I am a long distance student and it's very easy to feel isolated so I find PGF an invaluable part of my day!

I'm only just sitting down properly now - that wasn't my intention, I was just busy this morning and I also had a trip to the dentist but I must get this chapter proofed now otherwise it's going to throw my whole plan off kilter! Hope you are all having a good day and I will check in later (up)

Phew! Had a busy morning but I've made some good inroads into Chapter 7 today which I'm pleased about. I think it definitely does help to post goals on the forum, as I always feel bad if I log on and I haven't done any work!

Congratulations on being offered a place! Don't worry about being taken apart at the interview - standard fayre I'm afraid!

As for the funding, I would seriously think twice about accepting a PhD without any funding, because it's VERY hard to have a job that would enable you to afford to live and do your PhD too. I tried working 20 hours a week part time in my first year whilst studying and I really struggled. If you get offered a PhD elsewhere with funding then I would very much consider taking it. I know QM is your first choice but don't struggle financially if you can get a paid position.

Talk to your supervisor. You need to tell her how you are feeling. Can you do the tasks she has set you without opening the document? Your sup has given you some great feedback so you should feel bolstered by that.

It's tricky because you won't be rid of this thesis until you do them, so can you take a few deep breaths and read it, one line at a time? Tackle it one issue at a time. The sooner you can get it done, the sooner you can get rid of it!

Hi Tester,

I can certainly sympathise with you as this has always been my weakness in terms of my PhD. I am very much hands on and practical, and it has taken a lot of reading to feel comfortable with philosophy. The recommendation of Crotty and Guba are certainly good ones, I swear by Crotty and am constantly going back to him! It all started to make more sense for me when I'd started my fieldwork and analysis, and on reading about other people's experiences as novice researchers.

I really hope that helps you a bit, don't feel like you're on your own because I have experienced the same feelings as you. It will start to fall into place as you go along (up) and well done on passing your first year review!

What fab news, and a great motivator for those of us who are writing up now! Well done! (up)

Morning all,

I've had the last two days off which were much needed after all the writing I've done since Christmas! But it's full steam ahead today - I need to get cracking now and get Chapter 7 properly started! I've got lots of areas to write about, I just need to get on with it today!
Tomorrow I'm going to go back and proof Chapter 6 so it would be nice to have made some good progress with Chapter 7 before then.

Hope you all have a good day, it's a shame it's cold and raining outside today but at least I won't be looking out the window wishing I was outside!

Sounds good Emmaki! I'm having a bit of a lazy day today, but I have started my introductory chapter. It's(a bit of a deviation from this morning's plan, but I'm feeling a bit bored of writing analysis so I'm giving myself a break until next week from it.

I got it, PM me your email address.

Morning all,

Hope everyone is doing well today. As I've decided to put chapter 6 for one side for a couple of days I'm going to crack on and get some body into Chapter 7. I'd like to get some ideas down on paper today and if I could get a few hundred words committed then that would be an added bonus!

Hi Phdbug,
I always think it's terribly sad when people say goodbye, can't you say "adieu" instead?! As Mackem_Beefy says, for those of us still in the process it's always helpful to have PhD veterans on board to give advice from time to time. Having said that, I understand there comes a time when you have to move on, so good luck in your future endeavours, and thank you for your advice (up)

Congratulations on being offered two positions, that is extremely fortunate! My only advice would be, job prospects aside, which do you think you are more interested in and can live with for 3 years? You need to study something that will keep your interest, and keep you motivated. It's a hard old slog, especially when you get to your last year, so make sure it's something you really want to study! It's all very well having better academic/industrial prospects but you have to get to the end first!

Hey Twanky!

I think it can be done, especially if you've already done the background reading and you're planning to work the weekend too! I think the maximum I've managed in a day was about 2,500 words, this was all analysis and I had the background reading written up and could quite easily cut and paste in. When I'm in the zone I can write reams, I just have to get there! I'm totally with you on the diet coke (up) it has helped me achieve many things! Failing that a few cups of tea go down quite well!

I've achieved goal 2, hurray! I didn't really think I was going to manage to meet my goals so I'm quite proud of myself today. I'm going to go and get some fresh air now I think, I've been cooped up in doors too long! Hope everyone else has had a good day :-)