A dissertation is a long piece of academic writing based on original research, submitted as part of a doctoral, master’s, or bachelor’s degree. It is usually done over a period of several months and involves an in-depth study of a particular subject.
Not completing your dissertation can have serious consequences. Here are some of the things that might happen if you don't do your dissertation:
1. You Will Not Get Your Degree
This is the most obvious consequence of not doing your dissertation. A dissertation is a requirement for most doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s programs, and not completing it means that you will not get your degree. This can set you back years in your career and cause you to lose out on potential earnings. In some cases, you may even have to start your degree program all over again from the beginning.
2. You Will Have to Repay Your Student Loans
If you have taken out student loans to finance your education, you will have to repay them even if you don't finish your degree. In some cases, you might be able to defer your loan payments until you are able to find employment, but this is not always an option. In the meantime, interest will continue to accrue on your loan balance, which means you will end up owing more money than you would have if you had finished your degree and found a job in your field.
3. You Will Miss Out on Important Connections
Doing a dissertation gives you the opportunity to work with and learn from experienced academics in your field. These connections can be important later on when you are looking for jobs or applying for graduate programs. By not doing your dissertation, you will miss out on these valuable connections.
4. You Will Have Wasted Years of Your Life
Depending on how far along you are in your degree program when you decide not to do your dissertation, you will have wasted anywhere from one to four years of your life. This is time that you could have spent working or pursuing other interests. It is also a time that you will never be able to get back.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many consequences associated with not doing your dissertation. If you are struggling with your dissertation or are considering quitting, it is important to speak with someone about your options before making a decision. There may be other options available to you that can help you complete your degree without having to start over from the beginning.