Pre-graduation things

Although I have graduated before, I never attended a graduation ceremony. For my Masters I had to defend my thesis publicly, wait for half an hour, and then received my official paper. No gowns involved. This time it is going to be a whole other kettle of fish. Never knew there were so many rules in relation to academic dress! And every uni has their own gowns. Although I really like the red ones, ours are the yellow/gold ones on the right. Including the baret (cool!). They cost a bomb, so it really is a matter of thinking about how sure I am about continuing to work in academia. Must say that of all the disparate jobs I had, working at a university suits me best and I like it best too. So maybe it is a good investment to get my own one? Even if it is not red?
Anyway, other things that needed attention but have all been taken care of are printing and binding of thesis and buying tickets for guests to the graduation, which takes place in Parliament House. Great location! Only 6 weeks to go ...

New beginnings

Periods of self doubt on the way have not stopped me from pressing on with the PhD thesis. And it paid off, cause I have actually passed! From 28 Sep 2011 I can finally call myself Dr. Which has reminded me of a very old joke. A guy gets introduced to a woman at a party as 'Dr. Chambers'. The woman straight away launches into a long description of all her physical ailments, ranging from headaches to hemorrhoids. The guy interrupts her with the words "Sorry, but I have a doctorate in economics." "Oh," says the woman. "What do you think should I buy shares in AWB or not?"

Post-thesis

Yes, after months of too hard work I actually managed to get the thesis submitted. So while waiting for the results I am trying to adapt to post-thesis life. It's kinda weird. After 3 years of being mainly in the role of student, all of a sudden I have to assert myself again as the professional person I was pre-thesis. Realise I actually do know what I'm talking about when it comes to, say, teaching or management or communication or road safety. I am not dependent on any supervisor's opinion, instead I can give my own. Without referencing anyone else. Will take some getting used to I guess, but must say I am beginning to enjoy it. Bring on the new projects! :-)