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[dr_crankypants]

Instead of doing research, I have been researching where one might find a version of Lemmings that would work on a Mac."   

So, would it be bad if I asked how that research is turning out?  I used to have a version for Mac--a long time ago--but lost the card that had some essential code on it (some sort of anti-piracy code), and I could never play it.  I can still hear their little voices.  :)

[iomhaigh]

Instead of doing research, I have been researching where one might find a version of Lemmings that would work on a Mac."   

So, would it be bad if I asked how that research is turning out?  I used to have a version for Mac--a long time ago--but lost the card that had some essential code on it (some sort of anti-piracy code), and I could never play it.  I can still hear their little voices.  :)

I did find a few places where you can play on-line by searching Lemmings On-line in google.  They are the old-style verisons, though, which takes forever compared to PSP version I have played. 

I stopped myself before I got much further.  Too much grading left to do.

[sequoia_sun]

Arrrg! I lost my dog of 12 years two weeks after I defended (about a month now for my Heidi), so it's really hit me hard. It's all I can do do get these papers graded (obviously, part of why I'm on here so much). I give exams next week and get hooded next weekend. After that push to finish revisions, get my library copies in and finish the semester of teaching, I am way running out of steam.  I find myself crying more than usual. I want so desperately to ride my horses, but I still have two weeks of grading hell.

Think summer will get better? Of course, no full-time job prospects also have me down.

[infopri]

Think summer will get better? Of course, no full-time job prospects also have me down.

Shadowfax, yes, I think summer will get better.  Defending your diss and losing Heidi in such a short time period must have been very difficult, so it's not surprising that you're feeling like you're on an emotional rollercoaster.  Once school ends, try to take some time to treat yourself.  Ride your horses.  Connect with the other dogs and other critters you've got.  Be proud of your accomplishments and take pleasure in finishing your diss.  Give yourself time.

[redliana]

I think I went into a depression after I finished.  I started having anxiety attacks and actually needed medication for them.  Someone I met at a conference said it happened to her too; she got some therapy and found it is actually a recognized phenomenon.  Everyone keeps asking if you are thrilled to be done and wanting to help you celebrate and you are feeling empty, sad and weird.

I just finished my PhD, and similar to keebler all I feel is empty and sad, as if this was one heck of a hollow victory.  I've been working towards this for ten years counting undergraduate education, so you'd think I would be thrilled. But no, not only am I not thrilled, I cannot bring myself to care about much of anything. Based on everyone's comments, I assume it will pass, but in the meantime I'm allowing my mind to wander aimlessly, and anyone with a critical comment about it can go jump!

[sequoia_sun]

Well, I made it through grading hell. Applied for another dozen TT jobs. Found some summer projects to work on. Maybe this week, I'll get to ride the horses, too. Just having those papers graded and grades almost in made a big difference. Plus, graduation was sweet! Getting an award and seeing my mentors gave me a boost as well. Whew. On the way up again...

[oldfullprof]

I had this too.  I was teaching full time during my dissertation year and the year after (VAP).  But I couldn't get a t-t job during my diss year.  Although I had a grad school pub, couldn't get anything published either.  Finally in Feb of the year after diss, I started to get interviews-- all remote, all state college type places.  Then I got no offers after the interviews (four of them).  Finally, two months after my interview at Remote State College, I got an offer from them.  Their number one candidate had backed out. 

Much of the depression was due to the diss being finished though.  Some was due to job market issues. 

[alto_stratus]

This is a non-PhD example; but maybe it will help someone.

I have a job that's very hectic/exciting for months on end and then suddenly - slump.  The slump used to make me painfully miserable.  Then, during those hectic times, I started writing down all the things I'd like to do if only I had time to do them.  This has created a list of projects I can work on during the slump times, and it has really helped me stay sane.  I not only keep busy (no more ennui), but I often finish things that make the hectic time a little easier or make me more effective. 

Perhaps it's time to take a second to think of a few new things you'd like to do (that maybe you've always wanted to do), and set up a new plan for yourself.  Create a personal webpage about your research, learn a new technique, a new sport or musical instrument, paint, study a new language, etc.