PhD

I got my masters…. I got my masters… I got my masters….
Now on to the next bit… Hmmmm, what’s the question?

I finished my thesis for the masters degree, and it is being bound as I write. Feeling dizzy. Not sure that it’s quite what I set out to write, but I think it will pass.
So now I have to start on the next three years. Ho hum. I hope I can get work at the end of this.

Starting to get to grips with organising fieldwork and the structure of the project. I like doing this work.

Exams looming. My mum’s been in ill, in hospital, now out. I don’t begrudge her a minute but I have done very little work as a result. This is not an excuse. I hope I pass these exams: I love studying, being where I am.

Another term down. Exams soon, then the MSc dissertation. I love doing this and there are days where my feet don’t touch the ground. Hard work being away from home so much of the time but husb. and kids are coping well. Get very tired and have no money or social life. What do I care? A book and time to read feels like the greatest luxury.
Seem to be doing ok on the course. Never want to stop.

I did my first term’s work towards the MSc; I have funding for another three years after this. I feel so lucky to be paid to do this and I can’t believe it’s happening.

I’m so ready for this. Jumped straight into work, and reading like mad whenever I’ve the opportunity, in this wonderfully focussed and purposive way. Determined to make this work beautifully, and to enjoy every moment.
I’m so lucky. I’m being paid to read, write, think about and discuss what I’m really interested in AND I seem able to do it.

Have done almost nothing about starting in 10 days time. Lost piece of paper telling me where to go and when. Not a good start.
Not really worried about what I’ll do down there; more concerned about family surviving in my absence. Need to spend time thinking through strategies – have done a bit of this, but need to get routines in place. Can’t do all of this until I have my timetable.
It is starting to happen. Wonderfully fearful and excited.

I got it – funding secure. I can’t believe this is happening – I so want to do this. Now I’m starting to think about how we will manage this.
This is such a wonderful chance and great adventure. Need to think about the trajectory beyond the PhD as well.

Still no news from the funding council. I decided this meant I hadn’t got the money, then phoned them, and they said they just hadn’t yet sent the letters. Trying not to obsess: does this mean they’ve sent letters to those who’ve been accepted and only have refusals to send out? Don’t know, don’t know. This is such a big life change for us all. Want to know now so I can plan the next four years…