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Hello

I'm doing a thesis, not course work, but also am behind because of having too much fun at Christmas. Once I remembered how to relax, it was so lovely not working all the time and I got right into it. So now I'm really behind and need to send my sup some work which I haven't done yet...I'm also working full-time in a 'real' job for the next few weeks, which will put me further behind...

...so yes, you're definitely not alone. I've just woken up after having dreams about being chased, so think my guilty conscience is getting to me...

Hi there. Your post is a little too vague for a really meaningful response. There are lots of science people on this forum, maybe if you specify what field you're in and what your thesis was about generally, then someone might know of an area which pays well. Have you spoken to your supervisor about career options? They should know what's around and what fields you can work in. Have you discussed this with the careers people at your uni? Didn't you have an idea as you were going thru your PhD what areas you might like to work in next? Have you thought about getting a job you like, and not worrying about what it pays, just to start off a post-PhD career?

We'd like to help, but more info pls!

Hi Mark

It is really important to attend conferences, and to present at them, so you get known, meet future employers/collaborators and to network. That's good if you don't need to fly to meet people - but one day there could come a conference that you would love to attend and would have to fly to get to. Seriously think about getting some treatment/counselling for this, otherwise you could end up denying yourself some really important opportunities. Tell your sup too - they need to know. And don't give up! Facing your fears is all part of the PhD process! I had a massive fear of travelling by myself/negotiating another country, but did it, enjoyed it, and am the stronger for having gone through this challenge.

Hi PN! Nice to see you here! Yes, know what you mean - this is the year we'll do it! Altho I may not graduate until next year, depending on how long the examiners take to get back to me and how long I need for changes. But will definitely be submitting in 6 mths. Here we go!

All I need to do now is start working again rather than just talking about it!

Hi Siwee

Self plagiarism is to be encouraged!! :> I hate to be cynical, but you need to self promote to i) let the examiners know that your work is of publishable quality, and ii) get into the habit of citing yourself so you get a profile nad others start to know you. There was a really useful thread recently where someone had listed all the different phrases you should use, depending on where you are in the publishing process. I think you should definitely reference yourself, and maybe use (Siwee, under review). Dunno, could be talking rubbish, just a suggestion - earlier thread should help. 

Happy New Year to you too Eska! And everyone else! Yes, may we all achieve our goals this year (and not end up too nerdy!)

Welcome Oldwoman (great name - and you're not the only 'old woman' here!). Hey, jump in, plan to do a PhD. Get thru your undergrad and then jump into a thesis. It's not always fun, but it is mostly rewarding. :-)

Hi EV

Yes, it's hard starting back, isn't it??!! Don't feel guilty about what you haven't done, that won't help. Work out when you really need to start working again, and start on that date - 2 weeks from now, wasn't that your original plan? And I reckon that you shouldn't take any work with you on your holiday - I took some work with me when I went on holidays, but once I started relaxing I remembered how to do it and then determined to just enjoy the time off. Am glad I did, both for my mental health and also because it's important to spend quality time with the family. Enjoy your holiday, we all need breaks. Then get back into it - start with something small and not too taxing, like some admin work, and build up from there.

Today's my last day of freedom, then it's full-on back into it. Ah well, holidays do have to end and we'll be in the swing of studying again before we know it.

======= Date Modified 30 Dec 2009 21:40:08 =======
Lately I've been reading Sarah Water's novels - some are historical, others aren't, but they're all well written and interesting. My fave author of all time is TC Boyle - great, imaginative writing, cutting about American society. Favourites are 'Drop City', 'Tortilla Curtain' and 'The Inner Circle' (which was about Kinsey). Great stuff.

Nice to know there's a bunch of us racing (plodding?) towards the finishing line! Today am going to clean my study, start getting into referencing, and write some more for a journal article, on something I don't know much about, haven't studied and which is only tengentially related to my thesis. But am going to get back into work.

Good luck everyone!

Hi Paige

Doing a PhD can make your family envious and resentful if they don't understand what's involved. I tell family members who don't know what a Phd is that it's like writing a non-fiction book that I've researched all myself - people can understand this. And studying feminism will also alienate them, especially if they're stay-at-home mums. I studied women's studies for many years and my family used to delight in baiting me - coming out with feminist thoughts and concepts can be really challenging to those who are accepting of a traditional culture. But keep going and learning, it's worth it! Good luck.