We sometimes feel like we need to avoid any indication of any reduction in strength, whether personally or professionally. I am guilty of this logical fallacy myself. However, I have continually observed over my nearly 20 years of dissertation coaching that going through the dissertation process alone consumes more time and money than going through the process with a support network. Therefore, I recommend that you openly communicate with your professors about what is happening with your life, family, and career.
Professors understand that life happens. Professors need to know when you have a delay in your progress due to a life-related setback or crisis. If professors do not have information about what’s happening in their students’ lives, they assume their students don’t prioritize the dissertation. Professors have an underlying expectation for students to prioritize school above all else, including life–which happens unexpectedly and often. They also know that life happens and respect students who keep them informed.
I recommend that you overshare rather than share nothing at all. If you do, they will care about you. If they care about you, they are more likely to initiate engagement with you. Generally, they do not initiate any engagement with dissertants. Your best action is engaging with them. That way, they know you prioritize your dissertation and need their understanding when life happens. You will feel more able to do the work when you communicate with them about you.
This message matters at the beginning, middle, and end of any semester. It is never too late to share information with your dissertation chair or advisor. For example, you can certainly get away with sending a simple “Happy Holidays” message as an icebreaker with an update on your progress or life to engage and grab their attention.
The same advice applies to sharing my blog with your dissertation-writing friends. They probably need the pick-me-up of knowing others care.
P.S. I cannot help but share another photo of the beach! Imagine earning your degree, being on this beach late in the afternoon, and feeling carefree enough to Pile some of this soft sand Higher but not Deeper!
To Finish Your Dissertation... 