I'm not really sure why I'm posting - maybe I just need a rant. I started a job just after submitting my thesis a few months ago. This week the company went into liquidation and I'm out of a job. The thing is, I loved the job. It was challenging and the people were great, they were giving me an opportunity to change field slightly and learn on the job. Needless to say I'm gutted. The only tiny silver lining is that it frees up some time to finish my thesis corrections before my deadline. I just feel a bit lost though. I've started sorting my cv and will be applying for jobs this weekend, but I feel a bit like my will to crack on with the corrections is gone (which is crazy because the rational part of me knows that more now than ever do I need to get the PhD finished!) I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom? A virtual slap/hug? Everyone in my life keeps saying 'these things happen' but it doesn't make me feel any better...

Thanks in advance,
Tulip

I'm sorry to hear that. It's rotten losing a job and maybe even more so at this time of uncertainty at the end of your PhD, when you had something you enjoyed. I definitely don't think a slap is in order - it is hard to go from disappointment straight into the next thing and I can understand your feelings towards your corrections just now. I recommend mixing the job-hunting up with stuff you find relaxing this weekend.

I would hold onto that thought about the silver lining -- if this gives you the time to focus on your corrections and get them done, then some good has come of it. In fact if you can manage it financially I would probably suggest finishing the corrections before job hunting. Personally I'm finding it quite difficult to combine corrections with working full-time, and some employers might prefer an applicant with the PhD done anyway, rather than one still writing up or doing corrections.