My dissertation has nothing to do with my real interests. Is that a problem?

Kirk

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Apr 25, 2026
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I wanted to study how teachers use humor in class. My advisor said: “Too narrow. Not enough literature.” Now I’m studying “discourse strategies in secondary education.”

I don’t care about discourse strategies. I care about jokes.

Will I survive 200 pages on a topic I hate?

Some say: “Dissertation is just a hazing ritual. Finish it. Then do your real work.” Others say: “Never spend years on something you don’t love.” I’m in year 3. I’m tired. I’m bored. I’m jealous of friends who wrote about their passions. But switching topics now means starting over. That’s another 2 years. No funding.

So: finish the boring dissertation or switch to the fun one? Be brutal. I need career advice, not therapy.
 
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