Congrats ... think that calls for a reindition of the "I'm right, you're wrong" song
What was the title of the paper ... "How to win the Lottery with one ticket"? 8-)

Is it me or is the new way of getting you to fill out 20 pages of an application form online is just a way of reducing the number of applicants?(and yeah, looking for information that beggars belief ... how can someone remember what colour socks they wore in 1987 :-)) It is sickening to chase up all the information, fill out the forms and then, not even to get a PFO!!!

Tydra - without being patronising, it is very understandable that you are scared for want of a better word for it. The practical advice given by the others is spot on.
Have you ever taught of taking a break for a year, focussing on recovering and looking at post-grad courses? You are highly qualified and would reckon you would walk into any of them (finances could be another issue, but one that can be dealt with). These one-year courses are highly intensive but are really worth it - some of them really do open up new options in other industries. In the year, get onto the respective heads of departments and ask the questions that matter (employment rates of graduates etc).

I think the more important matter is dealing with the personal lack of drive on having an interest in anything. It sounds simple, but it really is a personal thing and something that you have to force yourself at times, but there has to be something that you would really like to try. It is so easy after a days work to sit down in front of the TV and let the brain go numb, but forcing yourself out to do stuff will help (did Tai Chi after a similar experience and although it was a struggle at times, came back after it much more relaxed). Who knows ... maybe it might spark off interest in a potential new career.

I am making an assumption here, but you are young, talented and organised (numpties don't get considered for Masters, never mind finish them). You are accomplished in an area that requires intelligence and that alone would show you are adaptable. You are not hemmed in!

Martie - think this is just a case of who has the final say and who actually owns the work. I would reckon that you actually suss out what is the story with submissions in your college (who needs to sign off on it etc.,). Like the other posters, I can relate somebit to your situation, but am miles away from your point i.e.. you are so close to finishing, don't even think of giving in.

I suppose it really relates back to the point is how much fight you have left. I would maybe come to a compromise and call another meeting just to get the point across to Numb-N*ts that there are very real practical problems in relation to pro-longing the research. Maybe agree to the publication of a paper with this work within an agreed timeframe once you have submitted. Maybe get advice from your own college as to the submission procedure i.e. do you actually need his approval?

If you are so close to finishing, and are commited to doing so, I am sure that neither your college or your super would not want you abandoning ship now. In short, chin up, maybe spend a day or two looking for this information (surely there is a Post-Grad advisor at the Student Union). Know your facts going into such a meeting, remain diplomatic and be somebit flexible, but get across your point as to why EXACTLY this new chapter is needed and is it actually worth the time or just a personal thought. If it is a case of leaving it out and taking a chance on the viva, do so! You have published work and I am assuming the existing work has merit on its own.

Natassia is right - just go out and enjoy it! Its good to be open but usually not too early. Think most of us want to know if we enjoy each others company and then if you are still seeing each other after a few times, then maybe open up a bit. Yeah, I think everyone wants to make sure to get rid any "problems" that they have if ya think there is a remote chance, but if ye like each other, that'll happen in time (things you might think are major hang-ups might not be important to the fella).

As for the drinking, well, hate to be rhetorical, but would you see a guy again who got drunk on a first few dates? I suppose it really depends on what you define drunk as ... a slight bit tipsy but someway in control or bo!!ocked and having to be karted home? Suppose if you were really worried, you could always have that first date at the cinema or whatever to break the ice.

Don't be too hard on yourself - you are after a serious relationship after all. But rest assured, we are all that nervous meeting someone for the first few times. And hey - you did say some of them asked you out, so the first big hurdle is passed i.e. they want to go out with you. Must be doing something right ;-)

Had a bit of time to think about it and it was just me being the drama queen y'day. In truth, what happened y'day was beneficial, as I actually do need to go back and really redefine exactly what I am looking at, why and how I propose to carry out the main phase (had a meeting where a second sup was coming on board, which, long story short, is worth taking one step back - she had only read my intro so couldn't really expect to understand where I was coming from). I was just ready to do surveys this week and thought it was all agreed with the sup, but apparently not. Think it was a bit of an overreaction as it felt as if I was being asked to go back to year dot but realistically, I have most of what is needed already looked up and besides, it might be good to actually revise the Lit. In my own mind I saw 6-12 months of poverty being added on (where's that violin music coming from?), but on hindsight I am confident that it won't be that bad!

Am gonna work for a few weeks and then a week or so off and just do a bit of gardening, reading and some guitar. After all, am saving for the round of world trip next year when I am finished ... anyone on for a trip to Savanah - the Sludge metal capital of the World?
8-)


Cheers lads and ladies - we'll get to our destinations alright

It is not a fixed duration per se so could be anything up to 3 more years!
I know that each and every one of us goes through this at least once every 6 months/yearly so just venting a bit ... Grrrrrrr! Every PhD has its own problems and I think this is a case of mine just reminding me of their existence.
I'll be grand alright - just need a few days thinking

Cheers Pink,
You hit the nail on the head. Could go into the pros/cons of heading off (I would like to incorporate a bit of travel with the teaching), but that in itself would be a paper ha ha.

Had a good hour or two just staring out the window and asking myself a few tough questions. Boils down to also do I think I have the courage to do whatever course of action I decide to. Think I need to talk to a few people ... some of the whole thing is also what would people think, but have got over that hump as I know the people that matter don't care so long as I am happy and being somebit constructive.

That said, not gonna torch any bridges ... yet!

Lads and ladies,
I got into the PhD almost 4 years ago solely and utterly because I wanted to teach - no other motivation! Now, I am just so sick of it and the only reason I am staying is to somehow stay on track for lecturing, but I am asking myself, am I actually forsaking everything else in my life (put a whole load of personal stuff on hold).

To top it all off, I am broke at the moment and no funding. I would have loved to go straight to the pub in frustration but I can't even afford a Babycham. Just pi$$ed off at the whole inequity of it all!

I know everyone says persevere, but if it is a case of perservering and then letting other stuff go in your life, whats the point? To be honest, I would love to travel before I get too old.

Sorry for the lack of structure but just in a mess at the mo.

Creately is a good free-ish online tool for diagram purposes.

http://creately.com/

Hey KB - great to hear about the form and keep to that resolution as regards taking the breaks.

Think it is necessary to take breaks and force yourself to do so, but I think there is always something waiting (that chapter, paper or corrections). You just have to say "F**k it!", grab the Fedora and head to the beach :p

Need one myself and kinda half thinking with survey work coming up, might just take a week now as won't be able to once that starts.

Think you have decided on your priority and fair dues ... it is a brave decision, but just do a tiny bit of research first into how will you replace the lost earnings.

Obviously money is a huge problem, but if you are spending a lot of time earning it in a negative environment, get out of it! Look at your options - maybe some part-time work is the answer. This will mean altering your habits (going out and so forth) but you can and will do it. Sure, you will have less money but will have more time to do your PhD. Maybe spend a bit of time over the weekend actually making out what your financial situation will be (remembering that you should also be entitled to some holiday pay). You may have timed it right as a lot of part-time teaching posts will now be available.

Your parents will understand and don't be too proud if they offer to help. That is what family is for. I am sure that they would rather give you some financial assistance than to see you in a negative situation.

Good luck and one last small piece of advice - despite the bad vibes, do not mention them when resigning. The temptation is strong, but just say you need more time to your PhD.

Mabel - you have to be a Part-time student and meant to be looking for work, in theory at least. I don't know the situation in your part of the globe, but if working part-time it is possible to get Jobseekers and maintain the part-time work to ensure that you have a constant cash flow.

Yeah it is frustrating dealing with these situations but you have got to keep a track of everything and I know its soul-destroying when you have to nearly apologise for someone else's mistake, but keep in there. Keep a record of all transactions and dates and extend this to include ALL jobs applied for when you are applying (would assume that you will be applying for part-time work at some stage).

I would look at the notion of going part-time and how this would affect your day to day dealings with the college (in reality, it wont). Once you go part-time and show proof that you are no longer on a stipend and need work, they will treat you differently. Also, as there might be a wait, there maybe an officer in the Social Welfare to help you out financially in the interim (In Ireland, it is known as a Community Welfare Officer and is affilated to the Health Service). I am in a similar situation as yourself and they have really kept the wolf from the door. They listen to your case and usually give you a hand financially. Any money given is then taken from your Jobseekers when that is granted.

Here's one point as well ... do you necessarily need to apply with your partner? Just cos you live together, do ye need to be officially seen as a couple and not as two people who just happen to be renting the same place ... I know, I know, not romantic, but only a suggestion.

Keen,
If you are worried that you aren't making progress, sure head off to Heathrow and catch up with 23 fellas coming home from South Africa who did sweet f**k all for the past month ha ha! Sorry lads, but just had to!
Enjoy the time off and good going with the exercise - most deffo the best way to get the brain going and feeling good. Dunno if ye have Aldi or Lidl but got a dirt cheap badminton set and its gas craic to just set it up in the lawn and get a bit of fun and exercise. Ya don't need such things as gym fees getting in yer way.
None of us can know what the dark thoughts are as we all have our own, but just reiterating what others have said. If the very worst happened, you can be sure that your advice and help have assisted many people on this forum and no doubt in other parts of your life. A small thought to keep in mind.

Stressed hits the nail on the head ... you will have days, weeks, f**k it, months where you hate your work and constantly ask yourself who the blazes is gonna make use of this! Everybody gets it.

From reading your post though, there are a few questions that you have to ask yourself soon. Is it a lack of money or desire in the topic that is holding you back? If it is the latter, I would personally say take a hit and get a job in industry. If its the former and you are still interested in what you are researching, that is just a fact you have to get used to. Most of us do this by taking up part-time roles and with the way funding is going, this will be the rule rather than the exception. You can somehow work on getting funds from somewhere, but if the drive is gone, that is harder to get back.

As for "waste of a year", I wouldn't worry. If anything, it would suggest to a potential employer that you are more suited to the 9-5. If you were another year/year and a half down the road, then it would be a worry. Why don't you just take a week or two off and just talk to good friends and family about your concerns. Just don't touch work. If it is a case of you wanting to continue, well take the break and enjoy it. Over the break, just decide of one output that you can do easily when you get back - a small report summarising YOUR own thoughts on your work (not a lit review) and start back slowly. You have to take your breaks where everything is left back in the office/lab.

The PhD is a long slog but there are upsides. Money ain't one but a bit of work freedom and the thought that you are imposing your ideas on your work are.