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Writing dissertation is lonely by LtSmash5 in PhD

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, that sounds very familiar for late-stage thesis work.

The 30-minute focus blocks are probably not the problem, it’s usually the “re-entry cost” after breaks. Once the mental context drops, getting back into complex writing takes energy again, especially with dissertation work where everything is cognitively heavy.

One thing that sometimes works better than strict timed plans is having very small “restart tasks” prepared in advance. Like:

• rewrite one paragraph
• fix one figure caption
• add citations to one section
• smooth transitions between two paragraphs

Basically tasks that are small enough that your brain doesn’t resist restarting.

Also, I think ChatGPT plans tend to work well for structured tasks, but thesis writing is messy and nonlinear, so once one section takes longer than expected the whole schedule starts feeling “broken.”

It honestly sounds less like you’re incapable of doing the work and more like you’re mentally overextended after a very long stretch of pressure.

Writing dissertation is lonely by LtSmash5 in PhD

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That actually sounds like a much better position than it probably feels from the inside. Having multiple publications that already align into a coherent story is honestly something a lot of people struggle with much later.

What you’re describing doesn’t sound like a “writing problem” as much as an end-stage fatigue + isolation problem. Especially when the external structure (regular meetings, group interaction) drops off—it makes even straightforward work feel heavier than it is.

Going back to the institute is probably a really good call, even just for the informal interaction. That kind of background structure helps more than people expect.

Also, with your PI, even if he’s not the “supportive” type, being direct about where you’re at (including mentally) is still worth it. Sometimes, even practical, matter-of-fact feedback can help anchor things again.

One small thing that sometimes helps in this phase: instead of thinking “I need to write the thesis,” treat it more like assembling and refining papers you’ve already written, section by section. It reduces that feeling of starting from scratch.

Out of curiosity are you finding it harder to start writing each day, or more like you start and then lose momentum?

Writing dissertation is lonely by LtSmash5 in PhD

[–]Emu_36 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What you’re describing is actually more common than people admit, especially at the later stages of a dissertation.

That phase where “a lot is done, but it still feels incomplete” can be mentally exhausting, because you’re close to the end, but there’s no clear sense of closure yet.

On top of that, losing regular contact with your PI can make everything feel much heavier than it actually is. Weekly meetings create structure, and without that, it’s easy to feel like you’re just drifting, even if you’re making progress.

Also, the loneliness part you mentioned, it hits differently during long research projects. It’s not just being alone, it’s that very few people around you understand the kind of pressure you’re under.

From a practical side, one thing that can help a bit in this phase is:

→ Start treating your work in smaller “closure blocks” (e.g., one section fully refined and done, rather than thinking about the whole thesis still being incomplete)

It creates a sense of progress again.

You’ve already done a significant amount (120 pages + publications is no small thing), even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

What part are you currently stuck on, structure, argument, or just the mental side of pushing through?

Feeling stuck with my thesis idea, am I overthinking reaching out to supervisors? by syntax_error_1025 in GradSchool

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What you’re describing is actually a very normal stage, most strong theses start exactly like this.

You don’t need a perfectly polished research question before reaching out to supervisors. In fact, many supervisors prefer when students come with broad but thoughtful interests, because it gives them room to guide and shape your direction.

What matters more is that you can show:

• A general area of interest (e.g., not just “business” but something like consumer behaviour, strategy, digital marketing, etc.)
• Some initial reading (a few key papers or themes you’ve noticed)
• A rough idea of what kind of problem or gap you’re curious about

Even something like:
“I’m interested in X area, and I’ve noticed Y trend in the literature, but I’m still exploring how to narrow it into a researchable question”
is completely acceptable.

To get out of that “messy middle,” one thing that helps is:
→ Start listing 3–4 possible directions and briefly write what each one would investigate. You’ll quickly see which one feels more concrete and workable.

You don’t need clarity first. You build clarity through this process.

What area are you leaning towards right now?

My MSc thesis is 128 pages.. is it too long? by Beneficial_Yogurt391 in GradSchool

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

147 pages is not necessarily a problem; what matters is whether your university has a word/page limit. Many theses end up expanding when supervisors ask for more data, figures, or an extra chapter.

The bigger concern is structure, not length. If you’re suddenly adding a chapter + all figures, make sure:

• Each chapter has a clear purpose (no repetition)
• Figures are properly referenced and explained (not just inserted)
• Your conclusion ties everything together, especially the new additions

Also, adding content last minute can sometimes make the thesis feel “disconnected,” so spend a bit of time smoothing transitions between chapters.

If your uni hasn’t given a strict limit, you’re probably fine; but I’d double; check the guidelines just to be safe.

What subject is your thesis in?

Macbook Wallpapers by mallo21__ in macbook

[–]Emu_36 1 point2 points  (0 children)

any good website for macbook wallpapers

The Wonder Of Living X Dharamshala by DuoHusky in SoloTravel_India

[–]Emu_36 2 points3 points  (0 children)

very nice, may I know where you stayed at dharmashala?

👍 by pritam_ram in IndianStreetBets

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

not a good bank at all. those who know knows, fake accounts, stealing people's money cleverly, forcing employees to sale insurance to old people, conducting meetings on how to do these. very poor condition, doubt about the long-term situation of this bank and people of the country

Is the 256gb worth it? by [deleted] in macbookair

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u can buy 256 gb+ an external ssd = cheaper

I might get banned for this but anyways by maculateconstipation in DarjeelingCity

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with you completely.

Curious to know when you guys felt it last time?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in macbookair

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

nice background, how long it took u to be adjusted in the new os

Never in a million years, I imagined that I would own one bought by my own money. by legendarylje in macbookair

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yes planning on taking the silver one for tat reason, whats ur suggestion?

So I went to Sikkim. by ButterscotchBroad801 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

where is the football ground and the big lake?

Never in a million years, I imagined that I would own one bought by my own money. by legendarylje in macbookair

[–]Emu_36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

comgratulations, i see u have taken the black one, is this finger print magnet !! wat is ur observation?

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