A lot of PhD students get like this I think. It's probably because they know when they submit that's the work that will be judged and they can't make changes between submission and viva. If your supervisors have read your thesis then be guided by them and submit.

======= Date Modified 12 Jan 2012 11:49:06 =======
Double post - sorry!

I had considered that at the time but I was new to it all and thought well I'm being paid to do a job and I work for him and he was one of the best employers I ever had.

I'll know the next time though:-)

I once did ALL the work and research for a project and wrote the book chapter (which didn't need corrected) but being wet behind the ears put only my supervisors name on the chapter, just prior to submission. He saw it and said something like, 'You helped with this and so you should get a mention' and put me down as second author. He had done absolutely nothing! But just starting out and him being my employer I thought it was the norm and was delighted that I even got a mention. He was a fantastic employer though, but now I know why his publication record was so high. You live and learn...

Some people have fantastic supervisors and others don't. My advice to anyone about to start a PhD would be to try and find out about their supervisor but sadly, like me, you are learning about your supervisor after starting your PhD.

Tricky one. One very good bit of advice I can give you is if you are funded don't quit without having a job to go to as it's tough out there. I completed a PhD with very little feedback (and I mean very, very little feedback) but it was soul destroying. However, it can be done.

Best of luck with whatever you decide!

Many thanks Marasp!

BilboBaggins, many thanks. I hope you're OK. I know your contributions are missed here and I actually used your advice for the viva and so thanks!

I told no-one about the viva date because although I knew people would be well intentioned I thought people wishing me luck and asking how it went (a concern in case it didn't go well) would just put me under a pressure I didn't need. In that respect, even looking back, telling no-one was the best thing for me.

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Maybe I was lucky but I was calm on submitting and calm up until the day before viva but on the eve I was a complete wreck. That said, the viva couldn't come soon enough for me. I feel very sorry for Skig with all the waiting on dates etc. I wasn't elated when I passed but very relieved and any joy still hasn't kicked in. I just never want to work with my supervisor again as they were my major source of stress throughout.

Apart from a literature review done in first year. I basically wrote my thesis in the final year but I did have a clear idea of how I intended to do it. That said, if you can write up as you go along it's a good idea.

I think your friend is just different from you in some respects and while I'm with you (I'd feel really uncomfortable in your position) I don't think she gave it much thought and assumed it would be OK. It's early days and could easily fall apart or it could be the start of something serious. If you have a good secure friendship you should be able to have a mature conversation about the situation and reach a compromise.

Now I'm curious about your age!!!

No, UCAS is only for undergraduate courses. Apply directly to the universities that offer the course you want and you can apply to as many universities as you like.

Lughna, I hope you're OK after that terrible experience and your GP was out of order.

I don't think it's deliberately done within academia but it's more a subconscious thing and people tend to favour those they find more attractive without realising it but I am a bit uptight about it.

Yes! In the department I was with for my PhD the ones who seemed to secure work with the department after finishing were very, very attractive females. I didn't even see the posts advertised! This occured to me recently...