Take heart, I recall several periods in my 2nd and 3rd year when I was almost paralysed at the enormity of the task ahead of me. At times, I still feel that way even though I am at the tail end of editing. The only way to get anywhere, metaphorically and otherwise, is to take it one step at a time. Once you get started it will get progressively more do-able.

I'm back for the last part of the chapter. Probably pull an all-nighter at this rate.

My chapters vary in length quite a bit, from 6000 at the shortest to 16,000 at the longest. I usually divide work into chapters based on how much I need to convey with each. Don't think there is a standard length. I am, however, doing a Humanities PhD. Which area is yours in?

Hey, how's everyone going? I'm just about done in and hopefully, just about done. In any case, I can't do much more as the brain is turning into mush. Word count still about the same but it's becoming more coherent. Yippee!

I think I might call it a day now. Have a good night everyone, I'm off to my bed.

My word count's going up and down like a yoyo. Add a few words here, take a few words off there . Sigh.

Still, I hear it is supposed to make the final thesis a better piece, I wished.

Oh no...I'm fading fast, hence another peek. Hiya missspacey and ANG.

Okey-doke, talk to you then...

I should think that depends on which part of the world you're in. As far as I know postdoc fellowships tend to get advertised around September/October in the Southern Hemisphere, where I am, but you can start sounding out institutions and people you want to work with before then.

I'd be keeping an eye out even now if I were you, given the unique nature of your research.

OK, I'm hoping to knock the 2nd section into shape and get a start on the last bit before I go to bed in about 2 to 3 hours.

Eucalyptus tea sounds very interesting but nothing else but caffeine is going to get me through this I think.

In almost the same position only I am not so much writing and editing and believe you me, editing is much much more boring. But like you, I have a Monday deadline too so no chance of a rest.

Just having a short break now (hence the peek into forum) and will be back to the chapter in about 10 minutes. Maybe make myself a coffee. You?

Most times when I did not agree or fully understand any of my supervisor actions, I would come right out, in as diplomatic a fashion as possible, and ask her why. Perhaps I am more fortunate that most in that my supervisor has been quite upfront with me from the start. I think it helps that I like to keep things on a fairly even keel by reporting to and fro via email and letting her in on my plans. I think if we extend accountability to our supervisors, they should return the same.

It must hurt to feel you've been unfairly treated. Why not try touching base with your supervisor? Make an appointment to see him/her, be as clear as you can about when you can accomplish what and ask for his/her opinion.

Well, where I am, workstations have to be applied for annually but once you get one it is usually yours unless your circumstances change. Each workstation comes with a PC and is linked to a laser printer. The office is usually shared with 10 or so other people, who either have their own desk or share one. What I hated most was when I was part-time and got allotted a desk on the only days when I had to work elsewhere for $.
Generally, the consensus with postgrads at my institution is that given the odd hours that we work, one desk per person is essential throughout the period of candidacy. Having said that though, many still prefer to work at home.

Thanks guys! Finding this forum has done the trick for me. I am editing with a will now. Wished I'd searched harder and found you guys earlier.

I know how that feels, sometimes when I turn on the computer and face the screen, my mind starts telegraphing "you're sleepy, your eyelids are heavy and you need to rest" to my body and every ounce of energy I possess flees.
I usually manage to force myself to face the monster eventually but not before a round or two of tetris to get me going. It's a really daggy game I know but hey, it works for me.

Thanks. You cannot know how great it feels to hear another voice out there who understands.

I get quite a lot of support from my supervisor in terms of techniques, ideas and approaches. Our meetings are planned in advance and regularly. In the first year it was once a month, the second every fortnight or so and the third year every fortnight.
Most of the time I choose my own directions and we discuss the work I've completed in between the meetings. Sometimes, if she comes across a relevant article or conference she forwards it to me. Other times I go to her (we're quite informal here in Australia) and ask for advice on matters like teaching, conference abstracts, etc.
The level of exchange has changed with each year. In the first year she was my main avenue for advice and assistance. In the second year, I was off and away on my own and checked in only during meetings. In the third year, as the second draft progressed the exchanges have become more specific.