I am project manager in clinical research industry (CRO). After earning PhD, I gave up my science dream to take a more stable job. After slowly climbing the ladders, I feel like I finally got a seat at the table. Half the days I like the hustle, but now I miss being creative. I want to take more brainstorming, decision making responsibilities but I don’t see that in the career path for PM. Career path usually goes like this- Sr PM, Director l, Sr Director, and so on. But all do same work.
It's a hoop to jump through. Put your head down and finish writing the dissertation, plow through all the days you struggle to get out of bed but also make sure that once in while you take time to recharge and find something that de-stresses you.
Playing with puppies worked wonders for me and I used to visit animal shelters at least once a week.
Do your best to schedule some downtime every day, even if it's just a fifteen-minute walk around campus; it really makes a huge difference to realize that you can't expect yourself to work nonstop. If you have the opportunity to work as a TA I would definitely take it. Having people look to you to help them find answers can be a much-needed boost to your self-confidence. You will get through this, and you will be glad you did.
Make sure before you commit that you are absolutely certain this is what you want to do with your life; it is a lot of stress to put yourself through. Once you are sure though, pursue it with all of your passion. Going through the process will test your limits in more ways than you know, but if it's the right thing for you, it will be worth it.
Ah, the final year of study; it was a long time ago for me, but I remember it quite clearly because it was a very defining point in my life. I found myself questioning my resolve on a daily basis but that's kind of the point of the whole process, like separating the wheat from the chaff so that only the ones who are fully committed to their goal will make it through. My advice to you is to trust the process. Countless people have done it before you, and countless more will carry on the same traditions, and there is nothing magic about it... just a LOT of work! Best of luck to you, it's an exciting phase of your life and believe it or not you will miss the freedom you still have right now.
Congratulations for making it this far! Are you still feeling enthusiastic about your research? It makes all the difference in the world. If burnout is becoming a problem, really prioritize spending time away from the computer/lab and doing things you enjoy.