======= Date Modified 14 Jun 2011 21:23:48 =======
Years ago, I sent hundreds of emails (hundreds - seriously!) over the course of a number of days and got a job as a result. Sadly my dream job turned out to be my worst nightmare but in priniciple the speculative email worked.

I'll PM you

I would also suggest you get a job first and then leave for many of the reasons the others have outlined.

Thanks Doodles, I'm still not entirely sure but after a lot of reading and thinking I think it's becoming clearer.

Thanks Sneaks. I've managed to teach myself enough to answer most of the questions but am struggling with one test. I've looked at a number of books (including Field) and am still struggling but this could be down to sheer panic and not being able to think straight.

======= Date Modified 11 Jun 2011 11:54:41 =======
OK, I'm coming to the end of my PhD and have been held up on two counts. Lack of feedback as regards my work and lack of knowledge and help as regards statistics. My data was collected over a year ago and I've constantly hinted and said to my supervisors that I need help with statistics. Eventually... help was offered but in my opinion either my supervisor lacks an understanding of statistics, teaching statistics, or is so socially awkward that working in close proximity proved extremely difficult to say the least. I learned nothing in the very short time we worked together. My supervisor seemed very embarrassed and kept making mistakes and I became embarrassed and was glad to escape after a very short time.

At this level would I be allowed to pay someone to teach me what aspects I don't know. I wouldn't want or expect them to do the work for me but I need to learn and do this stuff.

BilboBaggins - I think you are right and that's what the OP wants to know. I did laugh though as I assume the others were using dark humour (or perhaps not) in terms of post doctorate opportunities (or lack of) in the present climate!!!

Absolutely fantastic news - many congratulations!!!

Thinking of you today and wishing you all the best!

That's great news Pam as you've been through a lot. I hope everything goes well.

Yes, seriously. Feedback on other work has been much quicker but has also taken months rather than weeks to receive.

It took 18 months for me to get feedback on my literature review and even then I only got a couple of comments and wouldn't be convinced it was read in full.

Please try not to dwell on it as it'll do you no good. Besides you never know...

Fingers crossed!