I've just defended my dissertation!
Hi everyone! This is my first posting in this subreddit. I've just successfully defended my PhD, and it's really not hitting me yet that I'm a doctor! I don't know why I have a lot of mixed feelings, it's normal I guess, but I feel I should feel happier than I am feeling rn.
The presentation left everyone impressed, the committee complemented me on my dissertation, even pitched the idea to have it compete for best written dissertation award...everything was just perfect. The only comment I got from one committee member was that I didn't show my work off enough given how significant it is. But I feel something is missing, or maybe I'm just too tired. I've been working so hard for 5 years straight and my entire life revolved around this PhD that it started to feel normal, almost like I don't know what to do if I'm not spending my entire day on my computer working on my codes.
My dad passed away around the time I started my PhD, and I couldn't travel and be with him during his last few days because it was his wish that I'd stay put and "get that PhD"...so today was also huge in the sense that I've fulfilled his wish. But I thought it would feel "bigger" or "fuller"...but instead I feel it's just another thing I've achieved, or was expected to achieve, and maybe it wasn't worth it because he's not there to celebrate it with me.
I really don't know why I'm feeling this way, so please excuse my ranting if it makes no sense. I've obviously worked so hard and feel so happy, mostly relieved that I'm finally a Doctor now. But I guess I'm trying to understand if this is what it's going to feel like from now on.
What did guys do when you passed? How did you celebrate? How much time did it take until you really felt it all?
Posted Mar 4, 2026, 7:06 AM UTC