How I did it: I think the most important part to finishing was learning how to ask for help and having a wonderful support system.  I worked independently doing research that was very different from the rest of my lab and got my own funding.  However, fellow grad students and post docs were critical for finishing.  It was a long journey with lots of struggles.  I don't remember how many times I wanted to give up and quit, but I made it to the end.  I learned to stand up for myself, but at the same time rely on others for support and encouragement.  I hated it at times, loved it at other times, slacked off, worked my butt off- it was one roller coaster of a journey.  In the end it gave me the confidence to know I can do anything.  I also found the most amazing friends through the journey, which made all the struggles worthwhile!

Lessons & tips:
-Do something everyday for a minimum of 15 minutes that gets you closer to finishing.

-Schedule time to work with a buddy.  Even if you don't speak and stare at your computer the entire time, having someone there helps so much.

-Learn to say no to your advisor.  (I really struggled with this one!)  There will always be another experiment or analysis or edit you could do, but a dissertation should not encompass everything under the sun. 

-Set weekly goals, but be adaptable- nothing goes according to plan!

-Be very picky about who you do your PhD with!  See how long it has taken others to finish, publication record, funding, ect.  I do not recommend being someone's first PhD student (lucky me!). 

Resources:
-PhD comics: stopping to laugh at myself and see that I'm not the only one struggling!

-Weekly reminders from 43things

May 27, 2009, 10:04AM PDT | 1 comment | 16 cheers