Hi all,

I don't really know what I'm looking for advice-wise here.
I did my viva a few months ago, and am getting around to corrections now.
I need to get them in quickly, they are classed as minor, but actually need some substantial rewrites.

The thing is I literally cannot bring myself to do them. I end up crying every time I sit down at my computer. This is compounded by the fact that I really don't know what to do career-wise (there's no jobs in my field, my lack of money is seriously crippling), so I might leave academia altogether. But I know I won't be able to take a few weeks to consider my options until this PhD is handed in.

But I'm literally in tears not wanting to do the corrections, I don't know what's wrong with me???

Has anyone else experienced this, and how did you get through it?

It's like I can't just grow a pair and do what needs to be done. I've spent the morning surfing celeb gossip sites, anything to avoid the actual work.

The only thing I can suggest is not to do your corrections. Don't work on your thesis.

Just amend the first table / paragraph that is required, and then take a break.

Then, do the next table etc.

I have felt like that before, I found that it was because I was a mixture of being anxious about failing and angry at having to look at the piece of work again when I didn't want to hah. My advice would be to talk to someone about it, it's stressful especially when you are mixing in your fears about future careers. Do as TreeofLife says and don't think about it as a big thesis/rest of your life type thing. Look at one correction at a time. Work on it for half an hour to start with and build up slowly, you'll feel more confident once you have ticked off a few of the simple corrections.

I'm sorry you're having such a bad time. I am in a very similar position to you. I completed my viva two months ago and have major corrections to make. It feels insurmountable at times and I cry most days.

Some things I have found helpful. Take your list of corrections out of list format, put them into excel rows under chapter columns. That way you're not over-faced with a whole list of stuff that needs doing. I also colour code them when complete so that I can see progress.
I also find speaking to other academics useful - everyone seems to have a PhD/viva/corrections story that is often not positive and they made it through. I guess really, I mean keep going. I hope the balance will tip soon and it'll be a distant memory. You may not feel positive about your future just now but one thing is certain: your career prospects will look a lot better with a PhD! Good luck.

Usually what is required for minor corrections is fairly self-explanatory, and if you need to you can ask for clarification. So after that, it's simply about gritting your teeth and getting it done. Whatever you decide to do, it will be better to have completed the PhD than not.

Excommunicate, I got given 'major corrections that are minor' whatever the heck that was supposed to mean. I was given 6 months to do them and did them at breakneck pace within five weeks. The revised thesis is absolutely rubbish and not a patch on the original version so I think the examiners realised their error then but I revised it the way they advised and did an extensive 30 page correction sheet explaining how I implemented their changes so they had to accept. I cried regularly, felt like I was having palpitations (I could feel my heart racing and I would start shaking - never in my life felt anything like that) but just wanted it done and out of my way so I could get back to doing it my way in my publications and that's what I've done. The extern has been nice to me since. I think they realised they made a grave error and they're trying to make up for it. So things can turn around eventually but unfortunately you just have to get stuck in and make the changes as they've advised even if it ruins your work and just look forward to the future and doing it your way through your publications ok :-) It can be done but from my experience the only way was to sit down and do it. No magic wands. Nothing can do it but you sitting at your computer and doing it. I ate plenty of chocolate and drank plenty of tea because I was so upset. I did drink a bit the odd night. I then went back to my normal healthy regime when it was done. It's a rotten experience though and one I'll never forgive or forget. I wish you strength. You really can do it. Just focus on how great you'll feel doing it your way later in publications. Play along for now though.

I completely understand how you feel - I'm in the same state as you, other than my corrections being classed as major (see my recent post).

I think some days are easier than others. A few days ago I was working on my corrections and getting loads done so felt generally positive. Then today I've been sat at my laptop for about 4 hours and written a few sentences. And yes I, too, have cried many tears and wanted to throw many books (including my bound thesis) out of the window!! Truth be told: on the day of my viva I almost threw my thesis in the university pond I was that angry!

However, I've learnt a lot over the past few months that I wouldn't have experienced had I passed with no corrections. With your corrections - is it a case of just doing them and sending the thesis to your external again or will it be marked internally? At least you don't have the risk of another viva...that's the nightmare that has become my reality.

I hope things get better for you - feel free to message me if you want to talk as I think we're in pretty similar positions. Good luck! :)

Hi there, I think what you are feeling is very normal re: final corrections (also, the other responses here show the empathy I now feel!). I've just recently submitted my final hard copy a few weeks ago and my feelings were quite similar... it's so hard emotionally to go back and look at the thesis again after going through the viva. But remember this: you got through it! You've achieved so much already and just have one final leg to go :-) I know it's easier said than done though so I really do feel your pain but you've come this far and are nearly there. Just remind yourself from time to time that you've passed!

Also, a tip: I looked at my viva report, summarised the main point in VERY brief bullet points on 1 and a half sheets, printed this off (kept it close by) and then I just ticked them off (psychologically, I felt this really helped motivate me).

I also used a separate table with three columns titled as follows: corrections, page numbers, and revisions made. That way you can keep track of everything on the bullet point list, which you use systematically to tackle everything. Best of luck and congrats!