Dissertation motivation!

pandora205

Glad I'm not alone after all and that others are at it too (writing that is). It doesn't get any easier does it?

I've changed mine so many times - cut, pasted, rephrased, moved the whole lot around - damned word processing! In the old days when something was typed that was it!

pandora205

Whew - done it! Not particularly well done, as I ran out of time, so it may bounce back with improvement suggestions but at least I get a break.

I must make sure I never do this again - It's much too stressful leaving it until the last minute (or spending weeks dabbling with it rather than getting down to the writing).

nesssie1702

pandora205 wrote: »

I've just lost 2000 words (its an assignment half done not my main research). I have an earlier version (about 1000 words) saved but had added loads, including references. The PC just corrupted not just the file I was working on, but also the saved version on my memory stick.......

Fortunately I did print a hard copy yesterday but I've done several hours today! I'll just have to retype.....

I know it's a pain to do, but I e-mail the most up to date copy of my dissertation to a web-based e-mail account on a regular basis. That way, if something happens to my PC or laptop, I'll still have access to what I'm working on......

It's worth bearing in mind and might save a lot of pain and re-typing!

Equinox

Got my results back for my masters dissertation. I jumped for joy :j.

Just came here to wish everyone luck, and that there is an end to it all (and yes it does feel heavenly). Shouldn't speak too soon though. I could be writing another one this time next year :eek:.

alisona

Equinox wrote: »

Got my results back for my masters dissertation. I jumped for joy :j.

Just came here to wish everyone luck, and that there is an end to it all (and yes it does feel heavenly). Shouldn't speak too soon though. I could be writing another one this time next year :eek:.

Well done! :j

My dissertation is due in less than two weeks time and I am panicking to say the least. In fact, it is not so much the dissertation itself than the other 90 credit courses that I am worried about. I have 4 deadlines, all within 2 days of each other and all with minimum word count of 5000! :eek: I'd better get back to writing...

squirrelchops

I know not a dissertation but I finished my 5000 word cases tudy and then ahefty portfolio from 5 months work placement last week and it was sooooo good to hand in...then guess what happened?


....my body finally gave up the ghost and decided I now have time to be ill so have spent all weekend coughing and bunged up!! JOY!

jo132000

The only advice I can give, after writing mine last year and I know the stress and panic, is set yourself little goals for each day, week. But also more importantly little treats such as an hour of TV or watching a film with friends, there is no point staring at an empty screen or that flashing word mark for insperation, sometimes going for a walk or just taking some time out refreshes you and you feel able to write again!

Mine was a 12,000 word dissertation and I did it and got a fantastic mark and I've just graduated with a 2:1 I hope it helps and I know how it feels just push along with it!

pandora205

Hi everyone... I will never not double save my work again (though I will improve my grammar!)

Congratulations Equinox and it's good to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Me, very very stressed yesterday at the deadline, not done enough work really, printer playing up and trying to finalise 4000 words. My son (17 laid back and no cares on the world) says:

Mum, is this work fun?

Me, no not this bit

Mum, do you need this for your job?

Me, no not really

Mum, why are you doing it?

Me, good question!

though I did go on to say lots about the plans I have for my research project (famous last words!)

genuinegal

I'm currently at Uni of Liverpool, although it's an Access course i'm doing (they run their own course), and hopefully i'll be going on to do International Business (with the hope of working in Italy one day as a freelance photographer).
Having read all your posts stressing your heads out, do you think the degree will be definately worth it when you've graduated? I.e. in terms of finding the job you want? I'm struggling to do a 2500 word essay (which prob sounds !!!! easy compared to what you guys are doing!!), but it's my first essay in 12 years (i'm 28) so i have to structure my essay the same as degree level academic essays (12 TNR, Double space, harvard method referencing etc), but i find it hard to get motivated- i think they call it writers block! I mean, i'm upto 1500 (of which 1000 of that i did in 3 hours!) yet i'm just stuck! :eek:
I've summarised the topics i need to talk about but it's how i start that crucial paragraph! I get so jealous of people in my class who can write essays in 5 days - they must have a natural ability huh? Whereas i give myself 2 weeks for thorough reading, and usually 2 weeks to write- up.

I really admire you guys/girls for writing up 10,000 word essays, it really is phenonemal :T

little-miss-little

I need to have my dissertation finished for Sunday - it's getting bound on Monday!!!!

I hit my word limit last night and i've only done part of my analysis!!! I'm doing my dissertation on schools and educational buildings so i sent out questionnaires to Architects and i went through similar ones with children and teachers. Although they are similar, the questions are different and i wanted to be able to compare and contrast the results. I've also done interviews following these with Building Surveyors and i have no idea how i'm going to fit it all in. So far the analysis of the childrens & teachers questionnaires has taken 5000 words and we're aloud 15,000 - 18,000 max (including appendices). My lit review is another 5000 as is my methodology and introductions combined. I can't really see what i can cut out that isnt relevant to the work.

I seriously can't wait for summer, it must be the best feeling in the world when you finish that last exam!