I was just going through what I wrote on my birthday last year. I had predicted I would have submitted my PhD by my next birthday and possibly even have a job in academia. Oh boy, how wrong I was, and I say this without the least trace of disappointment or regret. It has been a tough eight for everyone and while I have been more fortunate than many people, I ahve also coped pretty well from my side. My PhD hasn't progressed anywhere near as fast that I had hoped it would, but I managed to keep it moving throughout and it seems my arguements are beginning to fall into place now. I am also trying for a lectureship in my department. All in all, there is lots to do in the next six months and not much I can complain about at the moment.
I didn't do anything special today, but I had an early birthday celebration with two friends a few days ago. So, when people asked me what I was doing for my birthday, I had a ready answer. I wonder what I would have answered. Maybe I would have fibbed that I planned to celebrate it jointly with a friend who has his birthday tomorrow. I would definitely not have felt sorry for myself if there had been no celebration at all, but I am not above lying to appear to fit into social norms. Maybe one day I will have the confidence or nonchalance to not feel pressured to lie. maybe the pandemic will make flouting norms feel more normal, ro at least give flouters more confidence.
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