My hubby was working full-time, and trying to complete MSc at home and in evenings.
he is the first to admit that he procrastinates....but don't we all!

He used to get try to get extra time in the office - either by going in early, or staying later - to do the work. Because, after the commute home he really did not feel like starting on the thesis.

We also used to spend Saturday mornings in the University library ( or local library) - I was studying too, so that probably helped, but on other days I just used the time to shop whist he put in a concentrated 4 or five hours on his thesis.
Perhaps give that a go ( So you don't use up all your relaxing time and family time!)
M

Just LOVE this poem JepsonClough!

M(up)

Thanks Sneaks

I might try the pillow, and possibly some relaxation or hypnotherapy tapes. Anything to get a good nights rest, so that i am not an emotional wreck when trying to work.
M

As my Monday morning rapidly becomes Monday afternoon I can safely say I am feeling rubbish.

I hope you don't mind if I vent some frustration....
Productivity is very low, I can't concentrate, I set myself into a panic by setting myself targets to attain this week...I just seem to be so distracted and exhausted. Will I ever get any work done this week?

Its all a bit strange because I am living and working in someone else's house whist they are away on holiday - house-sitting if you like. This is because there is no electricity or water at my own home, and although the renovation project there is my husbands department I lie awake all night worrying about stupid things like damp-proof courses and colours for paintwork. If I am not worrying about that is about my unborn child - which merrily kicks away all night stopping me sleeping. AND THEN there is the PhD editing process which is taking forever!

I guess the only important thing to focus on is trying to do at least a few hours editing each day....and keep plodding on. But gosh it is so hard! I'm so tired and emotional.

sad day today - is there any hope?
:-(

Eska
I found myself in a similar situation when I went to a creative night-class run by the local council adult education. I was so frustrated with the poor teaching method of the tutor that I ended up leaving rather than sitting there simmering with frustration, or ( worse) giving her 'constructive feedback'.
She was trying her best I am sure, but I think that my teaching training and experiences, and PhD-tuned critical faculties are starting to make me realise I too my be a 'cranky renegade in any classroom situation from here on in' too!
Goodness only knows what I would be like on a PTA committee. Must make a mental note to avoid volunteering for these when the time comes!
matilda

Hi Mothy

This is a classic 'how long is a piece of string' question unfortunately.

Is there a format or template for your proposal from the uni? Ours was called an 'initial project approval' or somesuch and gave a word limit.

Also, I think it will be down to quality not quantity in terms of what you say and how many references quoted!

Any other thoughts forumites?
Matilda

Hi here_and_there

It can be done. I know that there are several people on this forum that have only been able to contribute a few hours per day to PhD due to personal and health circumstances, and still managed to get it done.

Have a look back at some of my older posts and you will hear my tale, and top tips for making the most out of the few hours that you have available.
I truely believe that 6 hours a day is PLENTY, even with no work at weekends ( i have never worked at weekends...I try to see my PhD as a job, not a lifestyle!)

You can do it!
Good luck...and keep us posted when/if you have time.
matilda
x

Ask you sup, or their PA, to set in place monthly meetings so both of you know well in advance when you can expect some interim deadlines. Your know when work needs to be complete, they know when they can expect stuff in to read.
Stick to your deadlines if at all possible.
Keep the lines of communication open, but don't bug your sup too often as they will have a huge workload.

Another thing I do is keep a document open on my PC desktop with questions to ask at the meeting; theoretical, organisational and practical. I add to this whenever questions pop up and don't bug my sup with e-mails unless it is vitally important. Therefore I appear prepared at the meeting and don't forget things!
matilda

Oh yes Nearly...finished, I forgot to say well done for all your life achievements too. It is amazing that you just keep going through all the adversity. I take my hat off to you!

======= Date Modified 22 Sep 2010 17:00:22 =======
I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking too JepsonC
I'm not sure of the cost of this as I was given it 3 years ago by the Disabilities service at the university.
I have installed it on my laptop and home PC - the support centre at the manufacturers have always been great on the few occasions when I did have problems ( for example when upgrading my home PC to Vista OS)
However if you have an up-to-date version of Microsoft Office I think there is in-built voice recognition in their accessibility package.
I just use the cheapo headset that I use with Skype.
Hope this helps, I am not too technically minded and I find it simple to use.
The best bit is that it learns your speech patterns and any odd words or names that you frequently use, so once you correct it via the microphone once it is quite intuitive and recognizes it later.
M

======= Date Modified 22 Sep 2010 16:23:56 =======
I'm afraid I can't offer advice from experience, but you say the application 'suggests' you provide info for gaps - so I would say it is not essential to disclose your personal and medical situation at this time.

Also can you change dates on your CV from specific dates to something like "Spring semester 1999 to Autumn 2001" and then flesh out gaps with information about memberships of societies or something? Not bending the truth, but just being a bit more vague!

Not sure whether this would help, but remember health issues ( physical or mental ) are confidential, you could offer to have a discussion with the institutions occupational health team once you get past the interview stage...just don't disclose it on the form. Give yourself a fighting chance to get your foot in the door first!

Any other opinions forumites? I hope my advice is legal and ethical...anyone else got any experience?
matilda

When I started out my PhD I read Tony Buzan's book on speed-reading. I though I was a quick reader anyway, but now I can devour books and articles.
It gives you lots of good techniques to change your own behaviours. Lots of slow readers pretend they are reading out loud - one thing I remember is he advised holding a pencil gently between your teeth to stop yourself 'mouthing' each word as you read it. If the paper is well constructed you should be able to get the gist of a paragraph from a few sentences...then go back if you really need to take notes.
Another thing I use is voice dictation software.....as I read I can speak my notes to the computer, and it makes quoting sections much faster. But I am in humanities, not sure how this might work in sciences where equations are needed etc? also you have to get over the fact that you look like a worker in a call-centre!

Most libraries these days have group working areas so you can happily chat to the computer screen, or if that is too embarassing book an individual study room if your uni library has these.

Hope this helps
Matilda

I agree with all...

My health issues prevented me doing teaching experience at the early stage of the PhD...and also concentrating full time on the PhD.

But, while PhD is important, your health is more so. Don't put yourself under unnecessary pressure.
Just doing a PhD is a full time job....and some would argue that coping with a serious health condition can also be a full time job. So, as I see it you are already doing 2 full time commitments....you don't need a third!

i agree it is rather rubbish
...but do excuse me while I indulge in a moan about my situation....then put it into context.

My scholarship ended nearly a year ago, I have not brought a penny into the household since January, cannot get any maternity pay, or benefits from the government because I "voluntarily left paid employment" to further my career doing a PhD. Don't even qualify for anything from the university until baby arrives and I am a student mom.

But even still, I have a lovely husband who is in a job, and I look around and all the people in my local area losing jobs, and homes, and although I feel hard-done by I still count my lucky stars that I have my health and will be able to have a roof over my head and food on the table.

Life can be rubbish...but do try to find a glimmer of positivity in your situation. No matter how dark your situation may be, there will be some hope.
;-)