My fingers have been resistant to typing things lately. This is not a good thing since I am in the midst of finishing an article on Asian American biblical interpretation. In general, I have come across what friends are calling the post-dissertation malaise (pdm). My experience over the past couple of months is that pdm is real. In some ways, I am glad that I am busy because if I had time to rest I would probably sit around my house and be depressed. I have described pdm in the following ways:
PDM is…
1) feeling like a spring that has been sprung
2) like a huge anticlimax
3) like an ape off my back (forget about the monkey), but now there is nothing holding you down to the earth
4) like post-Sunday sermon blues, only this one lasts for weeks
5) like being depressed but being relieved and happy at the same time
6) like having to run a 5K when you have just pulled an allnighter
7) your brain telling you, "Woohoo!" and your body saying, "blaaaaah"
I’m sure I could remember some more if I had the time, but I don’t. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled to be done. I wouldn’t have it any other way. This post is just to set the record straight PDM is real and it’s a $#%&*(insert expletive about a female dog).
Funny you should mention running a 5k--running is how I beat pdm (I sound like an infomercial). Pick some kind of physical goal (run a marathon, improve your bench press, whatever) and start training hard. It works, allowing your academic "muscles" to rest but keeping you engaged and achieving.
Of course, going on a fly-in fishing trip wouldn't hurt, either...
Posted by: Matt at December 15, 2004 04:00 PM