I actually finished my phd (media/international relations) in 2013 but I never came back here to post. I don't work in academia but I'm super happy I did it! Anyways all the best to everyone battling through.

Remember the "grass is always greener"! I prefer mundane work over thinking and then when I'm doing mundane reference checking I prefer thinking! At least ref checking is more relaxing and can be done with music :)

Congratulations, Pineapple! I have also been following your story, good luck with all future endeavors!

Hey mate,

The words hang in there can sound almost trivial, but it is true that things are often darkest before the dawn (to throw in yet another cliché). I am nearing completion myself and I have also failed on the relationship front with the ensuing loneliness, but have found solace in the idea that completion is a new lease on life. I took on the PhD as a personal challenge that I have enjoyed for the most part and I have no illusions of getting a job out of it, but the idea that once complete I can travel and know that I can do it means so much to me. In many ways the idea of having finished the PhD just gives you the ability to try something really different and then hey if that doesn't work just try and fall back on the PhD :)

I guess most of this is just me rambling but what I'm trying to say is just smash the motherf**ka out and to then try something risky afterwards.

8-)

Yeah I agree that this does have a lot to do with the humanities, but I find it interesting nonetheless. However, when my supervisors read my full draft I might just have a lot more work to do :$

I'm half way through the final year of my humanities PhD and I seem to be doing less work than any of the proceeding years, while remaining on schedule to complete. I mean I feel as though this should be the most work but it has been fairly relaxed. Maybe it was just the "hype" surrounding the 3rd year... I just want to ask if anyone else feels this way? If so, are you on course for completion? And what is your school of research.

Kind regards

thank you so much for the advice! I will be doing this tomorrow

Maybe the title is a little misleading as it is not always obvious, but I digress, my question is about whether I should point out (within my text) a reference to a previous point in another chapter that relates to the current point or should I just write it and assume that the reader knows that I have discussed this previously.

I'm not talking so much about an important finding or a critical point but just something that was discussed in detail previously but could be understood without the reader having even read the previous discussion. I really hope this makes sense, cause I feel that it is a little tacky to say "as previously mentioned" etc..

Thanks for any comments.

Hey,

I have just spent a seemingly absurd amount of time trying to fit the term "a priori" into a sentence :$ I was just wondering if any of you have been able to fit this little gem into your thesis and if so how have you used it?

Thanks

Hey mate I have had that exact same feeling numerous times throughout my study. Like you I have moved to a new place to study and have felt lonely and generally down at the choice to move away and study a phd. Like you I have been single for far too long and at times it has looked as though I had no conceivable way to meet anyone. As you know a phd is a lonely lonely experience and moving away doesn't help, however, you just have to look for positives. For me this was the fact that I could make my own hours, go to a cafe or the beach whenever i want and I generally enjoy study.

It also helps to look ahead to good things, which can range from finishing, visiting home, or changing houses because you lease is about to expire and the fact that this allows you to meet new people. It is very corny and a massive Monty python rip off but you must always look at the bright side of life, just appreciate the moment and the fact that you can walk in the park whenever you want or have a coffee and just read. A phd is a good gig but it has its downs, but these downs must be put in perspective. Best of luck and enjoy the holidays!

Set up endnote or some other form of referencing management system! That is number one, at least I'm happy I did it early on

Set up endnote or some other form of referencing management system! That is number one, at least I'm happy I did it early on

INTJ, the moment I started reading I knew it was me and sure enough I am, number 1 thing I do is over analyse everything so I s ored high on the IntuItive aspect. Very interesting stuff thanks for the post, I needed more things to over analyse lol 8-)8-)

Can't offer any advice but I wish you the best of luck!

Very enjoyable read, thank you for posting this! Well done on that dramatic race to the finish, I think in the end everyone has differing motivations they require to actually finish. I'm sure a holiday is well deserved (up)