Categories: phd
Tags: writing up, applications, PhD
Date: 27 May 2009 15:13:13
Yesterday evening around 10.30 I finally (finally!) finished chapter 5, which has been like pulling teeth (much like the other ones, in fairness - I guess this is just how I write, the first draft is always agonising and the redrafting process is much less painful). This was considerably later than I had hoped to get it done, as I also had a job application to be in today and still had to complete the form. By 10.30 though I was shattered. So I had a bath and went to bed, and set the alarm for 4.30 (a.m.!) so that I could do the form and get it sent off in time - I can't do that every day, but once I'm tired at the end of the day I'm incapable of anything, whereas I can get up at stupid o'clock in the morning and have had enough rest to be able to use my brain.
The job is for tutoring with the Open University. They are actually really competitive - I know a number of people who haven't got past the 1st interview, if they get called for interview at all. It has been suggested my experience as an OU student might be helpful though - we'll see. Job applications are complicated by the fact that I have no idea where we're going to be living due to HD's crappy (lack of) job situation, which is why the OU would be ideal, but even then it's complicated as they do things by region and you have to apply to regional centres. I've ended up applying to 4 (Scotland and 3 in southern England) with a note about why, and hope that it works out - not all regions have vacancies for the same courses.
It's a bit scary thinking about proper jobs again - the OU is fairly flexible, but if I have a proper job with an office at some point and 9-5(ish) hours I wonder how I'll manage it after all this time. I also have to submit a revised writing-up plan this week, as it is my end-of-year review next week. I had hoped to submit in September, but I really don't think that is going to happen, so it looks like I shall be working and finishing writing up at the same time.
As if that's not scary enough, I have also just booked a haircut appointment. Eek.