Minus the coffee - this is pretty much true.
I wanted to quit so many times - after the end of my first year, at the beginning of my second year, the middle of my second year, during my fieldwork, when I came back from my fieldwork. Each time I was talked out of it. And then there was working through it all. Advice for anyone embarking on a PhD - fully funded or don't bother. The PhD is already stressful enough as it is without having to apply for part-funding here and there and also working part-time (and in the case of the last 3 months, full-time). Let's just say it hasn't been easy. And I would not have been able to make it through without my family and friends who kept me sane the entire time.
I am happy to say though, that through it all I was able to survive. The best part, I got my thesis in last Monday. How did I feel? Light. I've watched TV - guilt free. Read - guilt free. I even watched a play - guilt free. Hung out with friends - guilt free. Slept in - guiltfree. Watched movies - guiltfree. Even went to the cinema - guiltfree. Enjoyed the rare sunshine - guilt free.
It's still not over. The thesis is now with the examiners and I still need to have my viva (oral defense), but this last week has been the most relaxed I've felt in years. And I'm really loving it. Also treated myself to a series I've been wanting to read forever - Aya - and also got a review copy of Boy, Snow, Bird courtesy of Picador.
