I'm doing a PhD in physics. I've just started my 3rd year, and everything is going well - but I keep hitting periods of zero motivation. It may be due to the fact that I sit in a small, windowless room for 7 hours a day. Anyone else out there in a similar situation? I'm so bored. Why am I doing a PhD anyway?!
2006-07-31 03:52:02 · 10 answers · asked by Rob 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I'm 2 years through my PhD and I feel exactly the same - only I spend 8 hours a day at my desk, nobody else is ever around so I'm always sitting there on my own, and I don't know anyone at the uni except my supervisors so I don't even get out for lunch or coffee. I suppose it's only natural to get bored after working alone on the same project for years on end. The only thing that keeps me motivated is the harder I work the faster I will be finished, and then I can get out of there and go travelling, and do more interesting things. It isn't worth quitting at this stage, I might as well stick it out and then move on to something else.
My advice is to take up some sort of hobby, apart from your PhD, and try to get out during the day (go for a walk or go swimming at lunchtime or something). Even a change of environment can help - trying taking your laptop elsewhere to work (the library or something).
2006-07-31 23:41:34 · answer #1 · answered by Katelyn 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Totally sympathize! I went through the same thing during my Masters, and I will be starting my PhD in the fall. Sitting in a small, windowless room does not help keep the motivation up. Unfortunately, not all specializations allow for periodic changes in scenery.
I think the only break I took from my confinement was jogging! I still do that, although now it is about unwinding from a job where I sit for hours in an office (I do have a big window, though). I find it helps me concentrate.
I don't know why you began the PhD. I'm planning to start mine because I want to teach, and to me, the big leagues of teaching and research require a PhD. I'm sick of being an adjunct faculty member, because that is barely a notch about being a TA.
sometimes you just have to bite the bullet, I guess.
2006-07-31 03:59:50 · answer #2 · answered by cmm 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Id say stick to it. Once you have that PhD, no one will be able to ever question you on anything Physics related.
Im in grad school as well and at times is sucks something terrible. But, in the end I know itll be worth it. Just hang on.
2006-07-31 03:57:32 · answer #3 · answered by msadvicegiver 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its hard work...you are to be congratulated for getting this far! Everyone has periods of low motivation. I would suggest getting out and going for a walk/job for a while when you feel drained. A change of scenery can be very helpful. Just keep your eyes on the goal, and remember how far you've come. It will feel SO GOOD to have that Ph.D!
2006-07-31 03:57:11 · answer #4 · answered by Thespia_2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
projectsdeal.co.uk is best in doing PhD. I heard they get you PhD in one year.
2016-05-16 19:09:38 · answer #5 · answered by Jai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my hubby has a PhD in physics and yes it was a long hard slog .You obviously really enjoy the subject to commit yourself ,i can tell you it goes way over my head ! stick with it !!!! take a laptop outside if it gets too much being inside ,do the odd day working at home just for a change ,good luck....
2006-07-31 04:17:06 · answer #6 · answered by pixie29 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went through just the same. My plummeting bank Balance just made it worse.
You need to get out into the real world a bit, and shake it off!
2006-07-31 03:56:16 · answer #7 · answered by 'Dr Greene' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am going to do LLM (Masters of Law) for 1 year full-time October and after that I was thinking about PhD, but I am not very sure. .....
2006-07-31 11:36:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The end will justify the means.
Stick at it Dr. Rob of the future!!
2006-07-31 03:55:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same
2015-03-17 08:54:51 · answer #10 · answered by Sally 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋