I have been registered on my PhD for 7 years on October, however I have taken quite a few months (18) off due to both good and bad life events. Good, getting married, extended honeymoon and paternity leave (10 weeks) and now 2 kids (7mo, 3yo). Bad, recurrent mental health issues including breakdowns, a bike accident ending with a broken neck (now okay) and general financial problems.

After taking 6 months off the PhD I have now returned and am trying to write-up. The thesis is okay-ish and about 50K words written. Currently I do not have a formal deadline as this has previously contributed to stress and mental health problems. To help me write-up my wife is staying with the kids at my in-laws. I still see them a couple of times each week. And so, you'd think this is the perfect situation?

However, I feel terrible. I feel bad that my wife and kids are staying away. I have heaps of time but simply no motivation at all. The less I do, the worse I feel. I try to write, but as I have so much available time, I can easily procrastinate. I could ask for a formal deadline but this is likely to trigger old problems. Even when I do gain some momentum, it runs out so fast. I have a job but its very flexible and currently we have just about managing. I think the upshot is that I need pressure, but it also scares me as I cannot face another breakdown.

I would love to hear some practical advice from you. I note that my situation may appear great to people that are time-starved, working all hours and look after kids. It is an odd problem I face, and I really don't know what to do.

Thanks for reading, and hopefully, your insights.

Hi all,

Does anyone have access to this document below. It has not been adopted, in the UK, and as such is not accessible via the usual BS standards database. Part 2 (2015) is available, but I need part 1, 2011. Any help is appreciated. I have 10 weeks to submission and having this document would be really great.


ISO 21929-1, 2011 Sustainability in building construction-sustainability indicators.

Cheers, Milo

How did you select who takes part? Did you email/contact all of them?

I emailed all of the facilities managers from a comprehensive database containing their direct email addresses as opposed to info at schoolname

If you chose some, how did you choose them?

I emailed them all, as I was really unsure of the response rate and I wanted to explore the different attitudes between school types, and those working there.

Thanks for the reply, hopefully the above helps clarify my question.

Hi all,

I am busy typing up my thesis, due very soon, and I am stuck. I did an online survey, and aimed to get as many responses as possible. The sampling frame was facilities managers working in schools, a list of around 17K in number. I understand there are different types of sampling, such as stratified, cluster etc. However I am unsure where the ;get as many as possible' approach fits in!

Help is needed and appreciated, even more if the answer includes a reference!

Milo

Personally I like to read overly critical feedback in a funny (to me) cartoon-ish voice. I find it makes me chuckle and takes out some of the sting. This is a daft approach... but it works. That said, feedback will invariably make the text better. Good luck and keep going.

Good stuff, it's great to hear some short accounts of against adversity type situations. Keep them coming everyone, it's a massive boast to people like me that are battling onwards. Thanks for sharing.

Many thanks brmgdude

Your help is really appreciated-have a great day, my day is made-up!

Ahh whoops! thanks all for the critical feedback, academic writing is so precise!

Guilfoos, S.J., 1989, ‘Bashing the Technology Insertion
Barriers,’ Air Force Journal of Logistics, 13 (1), 27–32.

What do you do if you see a fireman?......(the options are very plentiful)

Hi everyone,

I would be really really grateful if somebody could access this article and email me a copy. I simply cannot access it. As promised, below is the complimentary joke. Fingers are crossed for the article.

What do you do if you see a Spaceman?

....




Park in it, Man!

Hello all,

I would be most appreciative if people could send me a link or document that they have used to help write the methodology section of a PhD. I am using mixed methods. Ideally, I would like help with how to structure the overall chapter and what aspects should be included. An internet search offers lots of hits which I am reading through, however if you have a source which was the best-est ever and it changed your world then please do share.

Regards,

Milo

Hello kind people,

Would anybody be so generous to locate and email me a copy of the article below please. I have tried very hard to track it down, but to no avail.

Thanks in hope,

Rickaby P A, Gorgolewski M T, 2000, "A classification system for services in nondomestic buildings" Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design 27(5) 695 – 708

Dear all,

As a final year EngD student, I seem to have read most 'How to do a PhD' types books. However my main source of help, support and encouragement has stemmed from James Hayton. He provides a wealth of information in a readily accessible format, blogs to webinars and now a book. The book is being written by James, and due for completion in January. James is using Kickstarter to fund the self-publish, he is pretty much there and it will get published. So, if you want the chance for what will be a very good book at a very good price head to this page.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/82642682/phd-the-book

You can find out more about James here:

http://jameshaytonphd.com/

I don't know James personally, and have have no personal gain-only that helping people back makes me all warm and fuzzy.I like to feel warm and fuzzy. I highly recommend James.

Hi all,

If you are/or were a teacher, school governor or school facility manager would you be willing to help review an online survey as part of my EngD (3rd year) ? if so, please PM me. All help is appreciated! really appreciated.

With hope, Milo

Dear all,

I am about to enter my final year of my full time PhD and although it is a little (a lot) behind schedule, I am fairly sure it will get done. However, as a brand new father, I would really appreciate any tips on combing research and the demands of a new baby. Tips is a bullet-point format are always appreciated.

Thanks is advance,

Thanks Pixie, I'll be sure to locate this book.

I'm still open to further suggestions everyone.