ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 explores six relatively common problems that arise during the thesis journey. It’s rare to get through thesis writing without interruption of some kind. The intense and highly personal nature of thesis writing has its inherent stresses. There may be personal and family health or work issues that distract the thesis writers’ focus. It is not uncommon to experience difficulties with supervision. The timelines set out for various stages of the thesis may be out of sync and a timely finish seems unachievable. Grappling with new ideas and engaging with new ways of being and doing can leave the thesis writer feeling disheartened. It's very easy to lose focus, to develop writer’s block, and imposter syndrome. Feedback from supervisor(s) may feel personal, inadequate or unhelpful. There may be reasons why the thesis topic, or the thesis itself, may no longer be of interest. This chapter provides pointers for moving forward.
