Hello there,
I know this is a common scenario, so I suppose I'm just looking for a bit of advice/support here. I got my PhD in theology about four years ago now; during and since then I have worked as a VL ('visiting lecturer' - even though I worked there for nine years!), module leader for an online course, and other academic roles. However, since my last job ended (all of my contracts have been temporary) almost a year ago I have been unable to find work. I've had countless interviews and always receive the same feedback - really good interview, great candidate, on any other day we'd have taken you. Flattering at first but not helpful when you hear it so many times. The university I taught at for almost a decade, after I decided not to put up with shitty contracts, then advertised my post as a proper, contracted position, which I of course went for, but didn't get. I'd been doing that job well for nine years and students' feedback was always positive. I've since tried to just get a retail job, and taken all of my qualifications off my CV - have had interviews but nothing ever comes of them. I've now been accepted on a high school teacher training course, but it's really not what I want to do. The whole situation is really getting to me, and I don't know what more I can do. Any thoughts/advice would be so welcome!
Thanks for reading :)

Hi all,

I know a lot have posted about this, but I'd like to hear more about how people cope with the time between submitting and viva, because it sucks, right? I submitted last week (my thesis is in the humanities), have tried to have a rest but it's quite a foreign thing now! I feel a mix of anxiety about the viva, frustration at not having concrete work to do, and deflation about the whole thing. A few friends have given great tips, i.e. thinking of ideas for new journal articles...but I'm finding it hard to be motivated at the moment. It's that horrible feeling when you know you have a tonne of work still to do...but can't quite bring yourself to do it! I also think I need a decent break, but don't know how to do this without feeling guilty about not working (a common feeling, I gather!). Would appreciate any pearls of wisdom :)

Emily