Earlier this year, we wrote about how it feels like to be about to finish one’s bachelor’s or master’s thesis. The sheer anticipation, the feeling that it’s never going to end…
… until it does. And then what?
1. Free time?!
The first few days might feel like you should be doing something. As soon as I submitted my thesis, I panicked and started doing homework for Finnish class that wasn’t due for another week and a half. But after being immersed in such a massive project, the idea of not having to think about it anymore is daunting, to say the least. All of a sudden, your evenings and weekends are free. What now?
2. It’s okay not to have a plan
Submitting your thesis may feel extremely relieving, but what we don’t speak about enough is the feeling of sheer emptiness that comes with it. It might feel tempting to throw yourself into the next big project, but allow yourself to take a break — you’ll have time to finish your courses, grocery shop, clean the house, or look for a job later. You owe it to yourself!
3. Life after thesis: yes, it does exist
If you are in the depths of your thesis right now, and it’s everything you can even dare to think about — hang in there. A day will come where it will all be behind you, and in four or five years it won’t even matter anymore. At the end of the day, only a handful of people will read your thesis — your examiners’ and you. So get out there and do your best, but remember: this too shall pass.