Questions and Answers Between a Doctoral Student Working On Their Dissertation and Anyone They Talk To

Q. “How are you?”

A. “OK, I’m working on my dissertation.”

Q. “How’s work going?”

A. “It’s fine, hard to get focused as I’m working on my dissertation.”

Q. “So I was watching the news, and I heard that…”

A. “That’s interesting, that may tie into what I’m working on for my dissertation…”

Q. “We’re having a birthday party for our daughter, can you make it?”

A. “When is it? I need to carve out some time this weekend because I’m working on my dissertation.”

Q. “What do you want to do for dinner?”

A. “I’m open to anything. Maybe I can tell you what I’m working on for my dissertation.”

Q. “Have you watched the last episode of the Walking Dead?”

A. “No, I haven’t watched much T.V. I’m working on my dissertation.”

Q. “You should call your mom, she’s upset you haven’t called in a while.”

A. “Does she know I’m working on my dissertation?”

Q. “Do you have any trips planned for the spring or summer?”

A. “Not sure if I can take time away, I’m working on my dissertation.”

Q. “Do you plan on having kids anytime soon?”

A. “I’m working on my dissertation.”