struggling to work and write up PhD with 2 year old

[cappy1]

Hi Mums

I work two days a week and am also writing up my PhD (which I do one day a week). I am finding it it quite a struggle to have any head space to write my Phd. How have other mothers coped? I am beginning to realise that having young children is stopping me developing my career. So I feel quite dependent on my DH - not used to feeling like this. If we swapped roles - I worked to bring home the bacon and he did the childcare I would feel like I was missing out of seeing ds grow up - guess you can't have it all eh ladies?

I work two days a week and do other interesting work from home (developing language materials for primary teachers). DH has little patience with me using computer when at home.

It's not easy and 2-year old no longer wants her nap! DVD's can help, but that's not exactly how I imagined motherhood. Woukdn't change it though.

Cappy1 - IMO writing up a PhD is the world's hardest work (particularly because the pay is rubbish and the gratification is very, very delayed!) I'm not suprised you feel like you don't have any headspace. It takes me at least an hour to get into the right zone if I have to write something intellectual/thoughtful/of that ilk. If it were me, I don't think I'd be able to make much headway on one day a week, so if you can make any at all you're doing well

Is there any possibility you would be able to concentrate on it more days a week until it's done ie maybe don't do the 2 days a week paid work? Or would that be impossible?

Just a thought.

Thanks for the thoughts mums - I am off to do some more work - evening writing that is the only way to get this done!