I am slowly beginning to realise that this world of academia is not as friendly and helpful as I thought. Now I've moved away from the department which I did my PhD in, I've realised that a lot of people in academia are arrogant, stressed, competitive, and extremely unhelpful. I hope I never turn into one of them

I agree! It would be much more fun

but I'm not sure if its acutally about arrogance, I think its more to do with lack of social skills

Hi Sara, welcome to this cool forum
Unfortunately I have a crush on someone I really shouldnt and its getting a bit awkward.

MARIA-Z, do share all

Sara - I didnt really do any work on my PhD in the first year because I was doing a postgrad diploma in research methods. So the real work only started in the second year.

Nimrod81, I really think it differs alot according to disciplines. when I say I worked about 5 hours a day, I really did work in those hours (I worked at home, and not having internet was a definate help re. work production!)

I'd like to say hi
To Golfpro and Pea
Cos they're nice as pie
And so lo-ve-ly!

I like Pea too!

Happy birthday! Have you run a marathon yet? Apparently its one thing everyone should do at least once in their life

Then is this the postscript?!

Just had hell of a day made to feel incredibly stupid by one of the professors. My friends theory is that they are all autistic so no social skills

It was the worst and best day of my life I think! The moment they congratulate you makes it all so worthwhile

Hi Jojo. I think the secret to my success (ooh it's nice to say that) was just to work consistently. I reckon I probably worked an average of 5 hours a day, 5 days a week and that way didnt even have a mad stress at the end.

I saw each chapter as a mini (or rather a large) essay and just concentrated on getting each one done before moving on to the next.

As regards the rest of my life, I took plenty of time out. I did loads of excercise which I think helped me be disciplined with the thesis. And alcohol was a great help too. I hardly ever worked at the weekend as I thought it was really important to see my friends and do the things I enjoy.

One other great tip was drinking Tia Maria through the difficult parts. It really got the creative side of me going!

Ooh, I think DanB and Pea both write lovely poems!

15 minutes to go until I go home. Should be going home to sleep, except have just been persuaded to go out and celebrate again! Oh well, life is hard

That is quite an extreme thing to do. but I just splashed out on a WW2 RAF watch that cost me £200, and now I cant get any money out of the bank. It depends on whether you think buying the book will make you happier!