Hey

I'm currently strengthening my literature review chapters which almost has me at the brink of tears as it feels like I'll never finish this thesis!  :-(

So I'm trying to think about something positive after my resubmission. I need something to look forward to....so I'm thinking about a holiday shortly after I've resubmitted my thesis.

Any ideas? I'm thinking of somewhere exotic and a distant far away land. I can't really afford to go anywhere really expensive, but I'm thinking I need a break from everything so I'm prepared to find away to ensure I treat myself after resubmission.

And the procrastination of the year award for her unrivalled ability to start daily threads directly related to her unique R&R situation goes to...

It's a bit of a scary world out there at the moment so I'd go somewhere "safe" like Australia, NZ or something. Very far away and probably expensive!

Depending on when you'd go, what about the Scilly Isles? They aren't far away, but they require travelling by boat or air and if you hit the right time of year it feels like you're somewhere much further away. If it's good enough for Jude Law...!

@larrydavid - very funny! @Pineapple29 - we are all working hard, and feel like it will never end. Do you really want this PhD because you always sound so negative about the work that you are required to do? Every university has rules about the word limit which we have to respect - and it seems that you submitted knowing you were way above the maximum. Right now, its best to accept what you need to do, and simply, just do it. Its a PhD - its not supposed to be painful or torture and it is heartbreaking in some countries where I have been where there are young people desperate for such chances. Remember this PhD is your privilege - make the most of it.

======= Date Modified 07 Feb 2012 11:37:24 =======
Apologies, I'll try and limit my numerous threads....:$

Thanks for the suggestions so far :-)

If I recall correctly you still have 5 months to finish this. And most of the revisions are to do with reducing the length of the thesis and tightening it up, rather than having to carry out more work.

Would it be such a bad idea to take a week or two's holiday now? You sound pretty jaded and worn down by the process. Maybe a break would help you return to it with more enthusiasm.

Sure, but equally sometimes we make the task expand to fit the time available. Sometimes rather than slowly hacking away at something while feeling jaded, it can be more efficient to down tools and go and do something else for a short while, then return to the task with more enthusiasm.

Given that one of the main issues was the thesis length, and there has been the option to address this in part by simply removing some chapters rather than having to find words to cut all over the place, it seems to me that it is entirely feasible to finish this before the year is up. But it requires the right focus, and perhaps a proper week away from looking at the thing might help Pineapple to do this.

I echo Button's opinion on both counts and Hazyjane's too!

We all need a break now and again. I've not been here long enough to have followed your journey Pineapple but I know that you're having some difficulties at the moment. Having time off, and very importantly, allowing oneself to enjoy your time away from your work can be beneficial, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or feeling stuck.

I appreciate that there may be a feeling of 'I need to to this asap' but taking a week off may help you to come back recharged and increase productivity in the long-term.

As Button mentioned, the forum is here for support and, although we are obviously free to have our own opinions, I don't think is fair to criticise someone for seeking help/support. I for one am very grateful for the support I have received over the past several months. To be honest, I wish I'd found you guys sooner as I'm sure my journey would have been a lot smoother;-)

Oh, I forgot to mention... holiday wise, if you want to go very far away on the cheap, Dominican Republic is a good option, cheap, far and lovely weather. Another option is Gran Canaria, not as far as Dom Rep, but still far enough, sunny and more reasonably priced!

wow, bad day Larrydavid, Beth12?!

I think planning a holiday is a great idea Pineapple, it was one of the things that got me through my final few PhD months! As others have said, if possible maybe take a short break now, it could be just what you need to recharge your batteries and get a bit better focus on what needs done. I'd recommend heading up to the highlands if you get a chance, even if it's just for a weekend now, if you make your way out to the islands like Mull (Skye is a bit popularised and busy in my opinion), the whole peace and atmosphere will fix your weary soul! Promise!
For a proper, proper holiday, if you are ok paying out for flights then New Zealand, Australia etc can be done quite cheaply, there are loads of backpacker hostels and offers on for poor students so the flights are expensive, but the costs when you are there aren't too bad. Otherwise, you could try places like the Caribbean, it's really really cheap in Tobago, although not all the islands are like that, and some places like Trinidad can be a bit dangerous if you are just 2 people, esp if no boys. If you are going on your own, then I'd def suggest somewhere popular with backpackers and travellers, it's safer generally, and you can get in on tours where you can meet people and make some friends.
And keep your chin up, it will end eventually! (up)

Agreed, come on LarryDavid, is there any need for that? I agree with the others, if you don't like reading the threads, then don't! The forum is here for support from other postgrads, everyone is different and deals with it in a different way. The forum is here for support, not belittling others.