Steve Tippins Ph.D.Helping doctoral students get their dissertation accepted, succeed in their careers, & change the world | Academic Career Advisor | Dissertation Chair & Founder, Beyond PhD Coaching | 35 + years of experience.

Aren't You Done With That Paper Yet?

4 May 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

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In this short, supportive YouTube video, Dr. Steve Tippins addresses doctoral students who constantly hear the question, “Are you done with that paper yet?” He explains why outsiders often misunderstand the dissertation process, highlighting the long wait times for advisor feedback, endless and contradictory revision cycles, and the heavy financial burden of paying tuition each semester while feeling lost. He emphasizes the deep loneliness and isolation that can trap students in a stagnant place, and stresses the need for a community of peers who truly understand the doctoral system. He invites viewers to comment “help” to receive a link to a free dissertation help community, offering encouragement that they can succeed.

Chapters

"Are you done with that paper yet?" It stings to hear this from friends and family even though they don't mean any harm. Outsiders just simply do not understand the process. They don't realize that you are often waiting months to get a single email back from your chair. They don't see the endless revision loops. You are rewriting the same chapter again and again because the feedback you get is constantly contradicting itself. You are paying for the privilege of confusion. Handing over tuition every single semester while feeling completely lost is a heavy burden to bear by yourself. The dissertation phase is deeply lonely, and the isolation does more than make you feel uncomfortable. It kind of traps you in the same spot. You need someone who actually understands the system, because when your personal circle has not lived through a doctorate, they can't help you identify what's actually going wrong. Comment "help" and we will send you the link to our free dissertation help community. You've got this!