“Finish, move on, do fun stuff”. This thesis does not define me, it is a platform from which I will develop and grow. In years to come, no one is going to be digging out my thesis to decide my fate. I’ve done as much as I feel I have it in me to do, that’s all I can ask of myself.
So, worst case that comes out of the viva is that I’ve got some more work to do, other than fixing the typos I’ve found in my thesis. If that’s the case then so be it.
After several weeks of a pretty chilled time post-thesis submission, it’s probably about time that I got stuck into some structured viva prep.
All in all, I’m pretty convinced that I’m a little crazy but I am going to be mightily disappointed when viva day comes and there are no Avengers there. If there’s every a sequel to that dream, I’ll be sure to let you know. Until then, I’ll be figuring out what to do with my time and probably create some work for myself!
Main message of today’s post: look after your mental health. Take breaks if you need them and if you’re thinking about doing a PhD and where to do it, remember having the right supervisor makes all the difference.
All in all…attitude is what makes these things great. With that, I’ll leave you with the words of Captain Jack:
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve visiting my blog…heck I feel like it’s a while since I’ve done anything productive to do with my PhD to be honest with you. Is it the COVID slump? Is it the run up to the end slump? Is it just plain laziness? Meh, probably a combination of the above really.
Lockdown has been a lot of learning – but I think that I’m coming out the other side (assuming we are coming out the other side) a stronger person with a better understanding of what I need even when it feels everything is turned on its head!
I’m still ploughing on with my work plan and making progress, whilst I don’t like the uncertainties (and I’m sure I’m not alone in this and everyone is finding a way to cope with the difficulties that this situation imposes), I am determined not to let this break me. I’ve put too much heart, soul and energy into this PhD and I will persevere and make it through. I’m too stubborn not to! The only way through this, for us all I’m sure, is to adapt and persevere – what else can we do, right?
So, there is a plan. It’s not plan A – heck it probably wasn’t even plan B or C, but it is a plan. I am grateful that I can do so much on the computer from home and I just have to adapt.
Shruti's PhD 