Hello all,

I just started my Phd and I JUST changed my topic. I really want to read and submit the literature review that I am supposed to hand in to my supervisors, but due to family/financial problems, my mind is constantly elsewhere, I cannot focus and I when I read, I cannot recall what I read!

I started a month ago, and only read 5 articles for my Phd thus far :(

I am worried :(

Everyone is well ahead and knows everything about their literature, and I am here, thinking about other things.

You've just started. I know this is early, but can you suspend studies for a few months to at least deal with the family problems and reasses the situation come January?

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

Hi toneitup,

When I started the PhD and found that I cannot concentrate, I used this trick that works for me.

So, I start writing for 30 minutes non stop (with a timer). So, because you HAVE to write something, you start writing what is in your mind. Writing my problems, frees my mind (is like opening a little drawer and putting them there). So after I am done writing all my personal issues, I move on to the PhD, writing everything I know about the topic, and what are the main aims, and how I will achieve them. It is very entertaining to read these old notes, as you can actually see your PhD growing claws and wings and teeth :). Especially in the first year, it feels like you haven't made any progress at all, because this refinement of ideas is a very natural process.

Hi Toneitup,

You have just started a month ago- 5 articles during the 1st month seems ok to me. (Correct me if I misunderstood what you wrote).

Don't worry so much about other people. Just focus on your work. Sometimes people seems to know more and very much advanced in the research, but actually they are just in same boat as you.

When I couldn't focus while doing my PhD, I told myself to think about work between 8am-5pm. After that, then only I focused on my problem. Writing about the problems, listing the options, pros and cons for each of the options helped me to think less about the problem during working. Talking to people and taking actions after listing the those things also help.

I will add to the above that most people need a 'running in' period and all projects are different. It may be yours takes a little more background reading and work than others.

I wouldn't sit at the literature review solidly, as you can find if you do that you stop taking information in - let's face it, literature review can be a daunting, boring task. Do a bit reading then when your head is done in, go off and do a little preparation or other early work on your PhD research if possible. It would be genuinely helpful will be if you do something related to what you've just read, depending on you structure your approach. A properly structured day with time out for yourself is important too at this early stage. I disappeared to the gym on a lunchtime for example.

I was lucky I got off to a flier and started generating original data straight away (science / engineering based), thus I had less of the running in period of literature review that for me was an ongoing process. That made the early stages far more palatable.

As regards my earlier remarks, I've no idea how bad your family issues are and you are the best judge of that. If it is something that can seriously impact on your life and PhD, then it is better if possible to deal with these sooner rather than later. You've three or more years of PhD ahead of you, which is a sizeable demand on you in itself.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

Thank you very much for your reply, but my family issues are actually related to my phd, and especially my desire to move out to be closer to my institution (religious/cultural reasons). So interrupting won't be such a good idea I am think.


I have to do the literature review to know what are the gaps and how I can add to the ;development of the field (I just started another topic). It is boring, but it has to be done :(

If problems are due to your PhD, you have to be still be more confident about your desire. If you start thinking more about your problems, you never come forward, just keep aside and be Bold. Cheer up Man !

I understand. I sense you're a woman from a community where the western concept of independence and following your own path is perhaps not properly understood. However, if your family wants what's best for you, they will let you live your own life.

Explain to them this is what you want and you will still be part of the family, even if for the duration of the PhD you're living in a different town or city. You will only be a phone call away if anything is wrong.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

Ian, i paid the rent and was threatened tht if i moved out, i would no longer be welcome back home. I arranged accommodation without telling them bc i really wanted to live more independently. But now it looks like this independence is going to cost me my family. That's what i keep thinking about: family (esp parents are unwell) or autonomy? I cannot even think about my phd. It's gona be month and this has been tormenting me since.

Go straight to student counseling and talk to them. I also suggest you talk to someone in your community whom your family will respect, a community or religious leader who can help you explain that the PhD is not forever and moving closer to your University is something you need to do to give you the best possible shot at your PhD.

People sometimes move halfway round the world to do a PhD yet remain in close contact with family and friends, whether by e-mail or phone. Your family do seem to be making an issue of a situation that needn't be. This is the 21st Century and communications make this world much smaller than it used to be. If it's just a few miles you want to move, then you may just be bus or car ride away and you or them can visit the other on a weekend. :-)

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)