“ABD” is not a credential. It isn’t a degree. All things considered, finishing your dissertation is probably the smart thing to do.
It can help you get a job or keep the one you have. Even if you aren’t going into the academic job market, for now, you may be surprised what a PhD can do for you on down the road somewhere.
Furthermore, sticking with your dissertation may give you the chance to learn something –quite a bit of something – that you didn’t know before. It’s easy to disregard the dissertation process as a time for learning since the emphasis is on finishing and moving on.
During the dissertation process, you may be fortunate enough to learn:
• How to take care of yourself physically and emotionally so that you don’t sabotage your success
• How to understand fully that you have every right to the success you’re achieving
• How to take risks and to be bold in the writing process even though you’re scared
• How to recognize when you need help and to ask for it
• How to be clear-headed and reasonable even if your advisor is not clear-headed or reasonable
• How to write during whatever time, big or small, that you have
• How to find your way and to keep moving toward a big, difficult goal
• How to feel grateful for
–the progress you are able to make
–the opportunity to earn a PhD
–an advisor who does his/her best to help you
All good wishes,
Nancy
Nancy Whichard, Ph.D., PCC
Your International Dissertation and Academic Career Coach
www.nancywhichard.com
www.usingyourstrengths.com
www.dissertationbootcamp.net