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Hi, two academics who are on my supervisory panel commented. They said I have a long way to go but didn't suggest I discontinue. Thanks

Thanks for your encouraging comments. I too think I can finish this but it has really knocked my confidence. Maybe I should just change universities. Really don't know what to do. Although I have two days to make a decision as I need to re-renrol. My supervisor is also saying that I should transfer to an MPhil. What's the point when I already have a Master's?

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has anyone had their supervisor tell them to give up? I am working full time, overseas, away from my uni. I am working on my PhD part-time (just about to start 4th year) and have just started writing up. My supervisor has doubts about my ability to continue. I disagree - I have been struggling with balancing work/PhD but still have until 2014 to submit. Has anyone else had a similar experience? The thing is I am in a really good job which I enjoy and have realised I no longer even need the PhD as I do not want to work in academia. Maybe I should just "give up"?

Good for you.

One whole week has passed and I haven't done any writing - too busy working full-time. Tut tut. Trying to rewrite a chapter now.

Thanks everyone for your constructive comments. This is day 2 of my daily thread. Yesterday I achieved my first goal and started second goal - rewrite chapter so today's goals:
1. Finish rewriting chapter
2. Start introduction, scene setting etc.

More later.

;-)

Despite my thread causing some controversy it is working for me. I have managed to draft a detailed plan with clear deadlines and now about to work on point 2: rewrite chapter. ;-)

Nice one Walminski!:p

Thanks Peljam - really useful. My challenge is my studies are officially on hold as I took up a consultancy post so I have no-one to hold me accountable. That's why I decided to set up this thread. But I am still writing after work and at weekends. Do you have a detailed breakdown of each chapter before you start writing? That is what I am working on now. Like you say it's difficult to set a fixed date for each piece of work on a daily basis - best to set daily goals.

thanks for your post itsmardan. Maybe I should have put a similar title as per your suggestion but of course do want people to comment and share experiences. Thanks

Does anyone have any examples of timetables they are willing to share? I am now on countdown until I meet my supervisor and so therefore need to monitor my work on a daily basis. Thanks

Thanks PhD Bug for your support. I thought I was using this forum in a correct manner!

Thanks PhD Bug for your support. I thought I was using this forum in a correct manner!

OK so I am locking myself in my apartment all weekend so that I will actually write. First thing to do is set some deadlines. I have to meet my supervisor first week in Sept and I must finish the chapter she has commented on. At least. I have been reading about the Pomodoro Technique to help with time management and have downloaded a software timer until I am allowed out again whereby I can buy a real tomato timer.

I will now post daily to encourage my writing. So today's goal:
1. Set clear deadlines and stick to them
2. Start rewriting chapter that supervisor has commented on.

OK am starting now. Any encouraging thoughts appreciated. (up)

Hi everyone, thought I would join in too instead of just reading. At least I am then writing something even if it isn't my thesis. I have so far written one chapter. I am in my final year and spent a year in Malawi collating my data, all qualitative. My academic panel requested I put my studies on hold whilst I carry out a consultancy for 6 months so theoretically (ooh - important word) I am not supposed to be working on my thesis, and in fact I am not, but am trying to find the motivation to do so. So I re-enrol in September but want to get on with it now as it's hanging over my head. I am working full-time but have time in the evenings to write yet am still failing miserably. Starting to wonder if there is something seriously wrong with me. All I do is think about it and that's it. The company want to extend my contract for three months but have one month off for Ramadan and Eid and maybe this is a good thing as I could get some writing done in that one month. Or I do not renew contract, even though pay is really good, but just go home (or somewhere) and write, write, write and then it is finished and I can charge more as a consultant with a PhD. Too many decisions to make. I am wondering if it is really possible to do both - work full-time and write. Any thoughts appreciated.

Well done. I am really struggling trying to motivate myself so your post is encouraging.