Grammar
N2 connective

After much ~ 〜末(に)

Meaning

"After much ~, finally …" — a long process reaching its conclusion.

Formation

Notes

Neutral about the outcome: the point is the length and effort of what came before, so it works for 考えた末に and 苦労の末に alike. あげく is the version restricted to bad endings.

Examples

After thinking it over carefully, I decided to study abroad.

Breakdown
carefully thought after much studying abroad decided

After a long debate, the plan was cancelled.

Breakdown
long debate after much plan was cancelled

After much hardship, he realised his dream.

Breakdown
hardship after much dream made come true

After talking it over with my family, I decided to move.

Breakdown
family consulted after much decided to move

After three hours of discussion, a conclusion was reached.

Breakdown
three hours discussed after much conclusion came out

⚠️ Often confused with

After all that 〜あげく(に)

"After all that ~, in the end …" — a long, troublesome process ending badly.