Hello. Hope I am not too late to join in with this. During an interview, I would recommend talking about your research and yourself etc. But to also have some suggestions for the research post you are applying for - show that you have read the protocol and that you have some good ideas such as potential sub-analyses, future work etc.

well well...this thread took a slight diversion didn't it.

It's true - we all have to stand by our decisions, and ultimately, we do. But surely we are still able to vent frustrations as and when we come across obstacles? particularly unforeseen obstacles. I would be interested to hear your opinions on it all as you near the end of your PhD Dunham.

Three cheers for mediocrity - may it be the key to all future job offers.

Oh my, KimWipes. How have you stayed sane and calm?!

Hello all. So I have about another year or so left of this old PhD malarky. Even at this early stage, I am thinking about life post PhD.

I just wondered what people who are near completion (or have completed already) have planned(did)? Are you looking for a post doc position? Where do you look for those? If you have left academia, where did you go? How did you decide? I am doing a PhD in the area of Psychology so I am particularly interested to know what people with a similar PhD have done. I was considering a post doc within my current department but its highly unlikely to be an option now.

Thank you :)

Its comforting to know that probably every PhD student out there at the moment has similar fears. How long do you have left Hugh? It would be great to hear some "happy endings" post-PhD life.

My supervisor (who is amazing for the most part) asked me what I was going to do once the PhD came to an end...I was trying to say *cough cough* work with you as a post doc *cough cough* but he reiterated that there was nothing here for me...oh dear!

Hello. Great post topic! I would say I have 2 fears: 1) failing 2) that all the hard work will leave me no better off (employment wise) than I started.

Hi Britt. Firstly, congratulations!

I too am in my final year. I agree with the comment above - time is a precious commodity with a baby. You can get a lot done in the newborn phase, but once they become mobile, forget it! a support network of people in the same position is always helpful though - and it can be a fluid thing, if the creche/writing session works, why not!

I was made to feel like i was the only person on the planet who would consider a baby and a PhD simultaneously. So its great to know others are out there.

Hello Miamia. Very sorry to hear how stressed out you are. First things first, grab a cup of tea or work on something else for a bit. Sometimes your brain just needs a chance to digest the information.

Then, i usually think about the final message first. Whats the point? The take home message? Then you can work backwards.

Without knowing the particulars, its hard to give exact advice - but think of it as a guided tour. You are guiding people through the theory and down the path you walked to make your final decision. Subheadings are good to identify the two arguments, just remember to have the paragraph after the arguments to tie them together over the essay question.

Good luck, and relax. You are able to do it.

I agree with the post above, I don't think a second Masters will be helpful with a PhD.

I don't think there is a "textbook" response to negative review comments. Remember, they are just that - comments. If you truly think the reviewer has missed the point or misunderstood, its an oportunity to defend why you made the decisions you made. I would suggest that if they havent understood the paper or think its pointless, then you could perhaps look at the language/message of the paper and see if it could be altered. The chances are if the reviewer thinks that, other people reading it will. if it has been accepted with revisions, they obviously feel the content is good, just need to clarify why it is so fabulous. Good luck!

Fantastic! Its great to read about the expeirence of other mums out there doing a PhD. Thank you for sharing yours :)

Hello! Couldn't help but stop and reply.

Congratulations on the PhD! Its a huge achievement.

My biggest advice would be to treat the PhD as a job - the routine of hours in the office etc will help you to organise your time effectively and productively. If you are worried about deadlines etc, prepare a timeline of deadlines and when you want to start/end different phases. This goal setting should help focus the writing. Remember, its only a PhD, its not going to change the world. This helped me realise it didnt have to be the next shakespeare piece. Plus i'd spend ages writing something, only to have it returned all track changed - be practical. Your supervisor should help with this. Supervisors are a great source of support. If you are worried about writing, i've also heard that 'free writing' helps to start the process. I'm based in an open office which has its pro and cons, just invest in a pir of headphones! I'm not sure what institution you will be at but there are always PhD support groups to join and as mentioned, training on effective writing etc. These support groups will help no end in helping you realise that the struggles you have, are not unique to you. We're all in the same boat. Try not to put too much unhealthy pressure on yourself.

As for money, its true it isnt a great source of income, but its not actually as little as you first think. You find a way to make ends meet. Find a few staple meals you can cook in batches and freeze. Then on days when you are stressed AF you can simly reheat. A good diet will help your concentration, as you know already :)

Contratulations again!

Hello all!
Just a cheeky post to put my blog out there. I'm new to this so trying to say hello. The blog is my experience as a mum and as a PhD student. It represents my own views only.