Hey guys,

Hope all is well. I haven't been on here much for a week or two what with moving location and starting the new job etc. Just after my viva etc I was feeling pretty rubbish, so thought I'd post now things are getting better and give others some hope!

The new team (new uni) seem really nice and I love the work that I'm going to be doing. There's a lot to learn but that's mainly because I'm in a new team and studying a different clinical population to my PhD. Apart from that the stuff I'm doing is kind of similar to PhD stuff in lots of ways- the same skills, just applied in a different setting and without the same sort of pressure that lots of us feel/have felt towards the end of the PhD.

So I just wanted to reassure others that there is life after the PhD and that for those who have struggled towards the end, there does come a point where the pressure finally lifts and things start to seem loads more positive again, even if it's not right after your viva. I did have to go on medication in the end to sort out my post-PhD anxiety/panic atacks but it meant I could start my new job on time and to the best of my ability, so I'm not too bothered. So keep plodding, and if things are a struggle rest assured that it will lift eventually.

Best, KB

That's great to hear. Thanks for letting us know that there is life the other side. :)

I hope it continues in a similar positive way.

Nice to hear Keenbean, the stress has gone now so show what you can do with this new job!!!

Hi KB

Nice to hear from you. I am actually in what you noted as the post-PhD stress/panic phase that you also experienced. . . I already had a job (from which I am on an extended leave without pay) but so far have been unable to force myself to get back to it. Just trying to relax and slow down but so far everything that that I have tried has not worked (but then I did not take any meds). Would appreciate any suggestions/tips as I am guessing that some time in the near future, I might have to decide to start working again but want to be normal/sane :p before I do that.

Cheers

That's great news. Thanks for sharing. It's easy to get lost in the madness, esp. towards the end, so it's helpful to remember that there's still light at the end of the tunnel!