The study is marked by perseverance in all stages. Even more so in third cycle studies. Many doctoral candidates start their beginning with motivation doctoral thesisHowever, many abandon this project at some point. What are the main reasons?
Main reasons for abandonment
1. One of the most frequent is the impossibility of access a scholarship. That is, not having funding that allows the professional to focus on their research is one of the main reasons why many people focus on finding a job and abandon the doctorate. Some people try to reconcile work with a doctorate, however, this challenge is complex and very demanding. Especially if it is a shift job.
2. Another relatively frequent reason is to have a previous image of what it means to do a thesis, and to verify in subsequent practice that this belief is totally wrong. The reality is that the thesis has ingredients that are difficult to cope with, for example, many lonely hours.
3. Have a low level of satisfaction with the role of the thesis director. Undoubtedly, the main responsibility in research lies with the doctoral student himself. However, the role of the director is very important in terms of orientation, advice and external motivation. When there is no positive dialogue and adequate follow-up, the doctoral student may decide to terminate his project or change the thesis supervisor.
Other factors leading to dropout
4. A thesis can be very complex. Sometimes, the doctoral student has advanced work and suddenly, his director tells him that he has to make a lot of corrections. The unforeseen events that may occur during the course of a thesis can lead to the project lasting over time. Another possible reason for a situation of these characteristics is a change of topic in the research work. This can also happen for personal reasons. And the more years go by, the greater the feeling of eternity and that the end date never comes.
5. A doctoral student lives with constant doubts about the effectiveness of his work, wonders about the meaning of it. When doubts outweigh illusion, it is quite common to say goodbye to this stage. In addition, just as it can happen that a student begins his career and discovers in the first year that he does not like it, this can also happen with the doctorate. Sometimes the doctorate tests the student's own mental capacity and stamina. It is a job marked by the stress of being under pressure in many moments in which time is short in the face of such a demanding goal. Sometimes the uncertainties outweigh the certainties.
But also, at the doctoral stage there is a different perspective on life. There is increased psychological fatigue after the effort made in the race. And the perception arises of being able to find a job with this degree without the idea of obtaining a doctorate degree being an indispensable condition. For this reason, the doctoral student sometimes feels that this measure is a secondary choice.