Thesis

[semele]

Has anybody done a thesis? How did you cope?

I am currently completing my archaeology honours thesis. It's been a real struggle because I am working as well (so I can eat and pay the rent).

I usually wake up at about 9am after going to bed after midnight but this morning I was wide awake at 6am worrying about my thesis and the fact that I will be unemployed when it is submitted (my contract runs out then too). I spent the extra time wisely and got up, turned on my laptop and set off thesis writing.

I am really, really stressed about this. :help:

[Naomi]

I haven't but I know a guy who's in the process of finishing his atm. He is actually counting down the days. He has lined up some tutoring for next year but as yet, will not have 'gainful employment' when he's done. I know it's bothering him re the financial aspect as well ... I can only imagine the stress you must be feeling (I do understand about waking up worrying, I do that a lot).

Have you got any relaxation techniques you can fall back on? (Although I have to say I am SO impressed that you got up this morning and used your 'extra' time so well).

[Manda]

Sorry i cant help you as i have never done one. I just wanted to say good luck try and relax (hard i know) but try, maybe going down to a nice park beach (whatever you have close by) and doing some relaxation and then try working on it out in the environment. That use to help me wayyyyyyyyyyyyy back when i wrote lyrics. (hardley the same i know but you get the idea behind it)

Oh and dont forget to come to AFW and relieve some of that tension. ;)

[sarz]

You poor theing, one of my friends is doing a thesis in history at the moment and is equally stressed. Maybe do a timelline so you know what needs to be done by when. Maybe it'll seem more manageable that way. Otherwise just think it'll all be over soon! Good luck.

[semele]

My gym membership runs out in a week and I thought maybe I would try and find a yoga class to go to in the 12 weeks leading up to my thesis. It's so easy to neglect exercise and it's one of the things that keeps my mind ticking over.

It is just way too easy to procrastinate (thanks AFW :blush: ). I just have to sit down and do it. I have another 5,000 or so words to write.... BRING IT ON!!!

[semele]

Progress Update: I now have an almost complete draft (has all the information but needs some 'tweaking').

I can't believe that I can count down in days now! :faint: It totals about 40,000 words (but that includes all the quotes, footnotes, appendices etc)

12 days till it's handed in..... :O

[Naomi]

Do you have any other components to the written work? Do you have to have a verbal presentation thingy to a panel and answer questions? (racking my memory now ... I know with honours' theses in my degree there was this component to it. TBH, this to me is way scarier than actually writing it ... )

Well done on getting your draft done, must be a huge relief. Hope you get everything done in good time.

[Alexa]

Well all I can say is that I think your amazing, anyone who works and studies at the same time, take my hat off too you, I have never done any study, but I lived with my sister while she was doing her masters and she would often say her brain was fried from typing and reading, and she used to go for a run.

Good luck and stay in touch with AFW.

Alexa

I try to take one day at a time...but sometimes several days attack me at once.

[MissieK]

Huge hugs. I haven't done one, but my sister did last year. :hug: Take one day at a time... sorry that sounds a bit, um, silly...

All the best, I'm sure you'll get it done.

Melissa

[Barbara]

I take my hat off to you. It's bloody hard, I studied for 2 years and in the end gave up because of the stress.

You've done a great job already by finishing your draft & I really hope you get through it all in plenty of time! :hug:

[semele]

Naomi in response to your question, I had two course work components that I completed last year. Part of that was to present my thesis proposal. When my thesis is in, that's it, no more study or presentations :D

Thanks for all the encouragement. I have sent off a draft to my parents in Canada. They told me they just bought a new ream of paper and a new cartridge to print it out :blush:

[miss.terious]

cant b of any help...:blush: ..but all the best though...
take deep breaths n relax....cheers!:D

[semele]

Two days till it has to be at the publishers :argh: :faint:

I wish I could just curl up in a ball and sleep for a week (where is the snoring smiley face when you need it?)

[Naomi]

hope the next two days go well for you Semele - must be an amazing feeling to be SO close.

[miss.terious]

yeah..something like soo close yet so far away..
do your best so then the rest later will be worth it...:D

[Leigh]

Only one more sleep.. good luck Semele, but I'm sure you don't need it :)

[semele]

I've had less than 4 hours sleep the last two nights (;( ) but it's probably an hour away for being all printed up to be taken to be bound.

What will I do with all the spare time when it's over? :dk:

[Naomi]

Sleep, probably ;)

I am really excited for you! How will you celebrate?

[miss.terious]

:hug: guess its done..eh?

[semele]

I'M FREE!!! :tree:

(by the way, I thought it was a dancing piece of broccoli, until I saw the code was tree... LMAO)

It's all bound, I have a beautiful red hard bound copy which is going to the library. I now officially have my name in print (and in gold letters down the spine!).

There are a few annoying things that I should have fixed but that aren't huge mistakes, hopefully the markers won't even notice.

I can't believe it's all over. I think I will sleep for a week and then try and find some employment (I shudder at that thought, I thought I would have a job by now considering all I have applied for!).

My boyfriend is taking me out to dinner tonight to celebrate.

[Alexa]

:tree: Congratulations, sounds fantastic.
Have a great night out.

[Naomi]

C~O~N~G~R~A~T~U~L~A~T~I~O~N~S

Enjoy dinner! And sleep well tonight :D

[Patricia]

Well done Semele and congratulations!

Bet you feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders huh?

Good luck with the job hunting too! :):)

[Barbara]

That's fantastic Semele - I hope you enjoyed your night out!

Well done!!

[Leigh]

Congratulations Semele :D (yeah, it is broccoli LOL)

Hope you enjoyed your night out and letting your hair down.

Good luck with the job hunting :)

[miss.terious]

cxongrats... a major milestone n accomplished..hheeeehhe
:tree: to u...