Boredom and a Ph.D.
While I’ve always assumed that a doctoral degree is supposed to be somewhere near the pinnacle of intellectual engagement… it turns out that actually writing a lit review is mind numbingly boring, at least the way I’m doing it. It’s very hard to stay focused (this post is evidence of that), and I find it hard to stay motivated by anything other than the thought that “I’m going to be Dr. Wagner.” That, and I want to actually conduct my own study already!
Unfortunately, I’m almost certainly reading and writing more than I have to… and yet still not covering everything I need to – or feel like I should – and still not writing as well as I should – or would like to.
Thankfully, comments like this are motivating, too… so the blog remains more motivating and stimulating than writing a dissertation, even when it’s the same material. :)
May 7th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Been there–and done. I didn’t cover nearly enough ground. Every time I think about my dissertation, I recognize the gaping holes. Once it’s fully and completely behind me (July 3!), I think I can dig into something else.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I’m following along. Keep plugging away. I look forward to joining you in my pursuit of a PhD this fall. I enjoy your references to other blogs as well…I’m getting a kick out of the “Lights, Camera, Action” series you mentioned in an earlier blog.
May 8th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
So what would Gee say about the “Make Love, Not Warcraft” Episode on Southpark? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_Love,_Not_Warcraft)
Just kidding- just trying to help you cover all your research and overcome the boredom. :-) That episode was an excellent spoof on MMORPG’s.
OK- besides Oregon Trail and Civilization- anyone remember M.U.L.E. from the early 80′s? That was a terrific game where people learned about economics, survival, teamwork, and competition…
Any other classic teamwork/educational games?
May 8th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Patrick, I remember M.U.L.E. and it’s balancing of resources. Definitely learning going on there.
Mark, keep up the good work. I’m reading along with each post. I felt burned out after back-to-back Master degrees. And that doesn’t even compare to what your going through. Hang in there.
Paul
June 1st, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Laura,
I’m just catching up on blog comments and wanted to say thanks… it was great to have a little sympathy and motivation during a tough period. Now I’m really on track (cutting back on work helped) and I’m nearly done with chapter two.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Glenn,
Thanks for your encouragement… that really helped in a tight spot. I hope I can return the favor someday… and congratulations on starting on your PhD this fall. Where are you going to school?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:19 pm
This comment was well timed, too. Thanks again. And actually, I didn’t remember M.U.L.E. – but I visited the wikipedia to fill in the gaps in my cultural literacy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.U.L.E.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:20 pm
I wanted to thank you for your encouragement, too, Paul. It’s great to hear that there’s people out there reading what I’m posting. As I always say, the blog is much more motivating than sending my work off to my advisor and waiting ten days for a grade… and maybe some comments.