How far along are you in your thesis? If after 4 years you are nearly ready to submit I think you are quite right to hang in there and finish. It will give you an immense sense of satisfaction to achieve your award, and the fact that you had to overcome so much will make it all feel even more worthwhile. To do a PhD under those circumstances is impressive.

However, if you still are at the initial stages of a project, it may be sensible to think about doing something else. I have seen one candidate getting torn to shreds in her viva, because of her "inadequate" thesis which is a horrific way to end six or so years she spent self funding her studies. She was denied a PhD and was awarded an MPhil after another 6 months of ammendments.

I think any year past the first three start to make you feel desparate or "This is never going to end". The funding running out can make you focussed or it can make you panic and bury your head in the sand.

I think the big "What happens next" is a fourth year question that disturbs a lot of people, as is "Is my research going to be out of date before it has even been published?"

I don't think that this is necessarily a good thing. I mean lets say that person X takes a fully funded PhD studentship (like the one that I got), not because he/she loves the subject and wants to advance it, but with the intention of using it as a stepping stone to "consultancy" or "university management". That would deprive someone who has a desire to actually research and contribute. In that case, the whole raison d'etre of the PhD is undermined, and fairly pointless in my eyes.

What do others think?

I think the last salvo raises an interesting issue. That of a PhD becoming less a research qualification that is intended to train university level academics and lectureres, but instead increasingly another "trinket" for the CV to put yourself a little ahead of the competition when going for that plush city job or management post.

Overall, I don't know how effective it is, as a PhD can alienate employers just as much as impress them, but I did observe the trend happening in my uni during my last year as a PhD student.

@ Matt: I would normally say "I hope you have had a relaxing, calming time on holiday" but if that actually was the case it doesnt seem so any longer.

While I agree that there is no "right time" to start a family, I also think there are certain points that make it easier. Having kids after gaining a permanant lectureship job that gives you employment rights is an example.

I see two main issues here.

1) The insecurity of early academic work which means you cannot plan, or are eligible for the basic rights most others have, (e.g. paid maternity leave, which PhDs are ineligible for).

2) The need for a very supportive partner, who appreciates the demands of the academic lifestyle. Most people wouldnt understand this and naturally become resentful.

Okay, I respect your position O.Stoll, and agree its not a fair world/ its necessary to be competitive, etc. Fair enough.

However, in your current job, is it PhDs only? Or are there people there that have been able to get there by other means? Because if it is that case, what stopped you doing your current job with your BSc and extra experience? In short what was the point in you doing your PhD in the first place?

For the record, I dont see myself as a poor student. I see myself as a Jim Casey figure (from The Grapes of Wrath). A radical agitator, motivator and philosopher of sorts. Well someone has to do it...

Okay, I wont take this as an attack, but to answer your points

1) "completely dis-agreeing with every single word you say"

So you don't think there is poor guidance and career structure for PhDs and insecurity, lack of appropriate renumeration, high pressure in academia? Please, I would be happy to listen to your picture.

2) "Your negativism wont help you to change anything...why don't you just leave it behind"

I am sure people said this to Nelson Mandella, or to anyone that ever stood up against an oppressive system.

3)"...you should perhaps consider earning more money."

Everyone is materialistic to a degree, unless you happen to exist without food and live in the sky. I dont want a materialistc girlfriend, but at the same time I should be able to offer the basics, such as a stable career and a home. Or am I being too greedy?

Are you a PhD student O.Stoll? If your studies have not taught you to challenge things and to blindly obey, I would question their worth.

Hmm, real constructive and spoken like a true modern "academic zombie". All bluster and little intelligence.

"Book sessions with Paul McKenna" (with what? Monopoly money)
"Don't cry like a girl" (I am not even going to comment on the sexism behind that)
"You could earn 50k+ within four years if you left academia behind!"
- Despite thats what I actually spent years training to do. If I wanted to work in industry, I would have gotten a job there in the first place.

What I say may be depressing, but tell me which part about academic life that isnt true. Am I lying in anything I say? Or is it your lack of ability to deal with the darker side that leads you to attack me, to save your own precious ego?

Oops, I mis-read it as 15000, I think 8000 words is achievable in 4 days if you already know the source material and can get focussed.

At the end of my thesis writing up period, I was writing about 1000 words of text per day (9am -5pm). I type quick (at about 50wpm), and felt drained afterwards. I think 15,000 words in 4 days is a high target and will probably require a few late nights, and will necessitate some serious relaxing afterwards.

Why do you think that "imposter" syndrome is so common in PhD students? Is it because the sort of people that do PhDs are less confident in their own abilities? Or is it something about academia that makes people think they will never be up to the standard whatever they do?

I am not sure, but I do think there is a difference between the "good" (most of us) and the "exceptional" (very rare), and maybe its the latter group that are make the former feel like imposters.

Ordinarily I ignore most posts begging for funding, but having heard what is happening to Iraqi doctors (kidnapping and extortion from the looks of things), I sincerely hope you are able to find some funding and get to safety.

As you already have a medical degree you may be better of getting a research assistants post in a medical research facility.

I wouldnt normally recommend doing a PhD, but in your case you hell you will at least be safe. You may wish to look for a funded studentship (your MBBS and experience will put you at considerable advantage to most other applicants).

It takes a post like this to make me realise that although I am struggling on crappy temp work and fruitlessly searching for academic employment, things could be infinitely worse.

Good luck.

Unless its already covered in the grant you may be paying for the actual drug as well as clinicians time.

I also see several "hidden" aspects of post PhD life that are frequently glossed over.

The insular, obsessive nature of research, doesnt do much for your social skills. The crushing waves of rejection (grants, jobs papers etc) doesnt engender the brightest of outlooks. The lack of contact with people also means you are less likely to make friends outside of work (although this is better at a uni).

The short term nature of fixed contracts are not regarded highly by partners who are often unwiling to move around often without any security (one of the reasons why my gf left). Who could have guessed that a 30 year old male with the salary of an assistant manager at McDonalds, and a future of fixed term contracts isnt such a catch.

If you are aware of any woman who doesnt really care about income, having a family, buying a home, being frequently uprooted, or ignored for long periods of time could you give me a yell?