[quote]Quote From sneaks:

I'm looking at a job in a private uni this month and as its largely teaching, then I worry about my career [quote]


What is a private university? I've never heard of one.

It is far better to have something than nothing and it is far better to be employed than unemployed in the eyes of future employers. I really hope you get it and then you can use it as a stepping stone towards what you want, if necessary. You did the right thing in applying.

Best of luck!

This thread is very reassuring to read. I expect my thesis to be short, although I'm in the social sciences, and am thinking it may come in at around 60,000. I'm pretty sure I'd need to submit at least that and I think if it was much longer it would just be full of waffle. My hope is to submit a quality over quantity thesis and I sincerely believe as long as I've got everything covered and well explained then the word count shouldn't be a problem.

I know these things can't be helped but I'd be hopping mad. (turkey)

Why not? Whenever I do something I think, does this add to my point, is this informative, helpful, does it hold my interest (trying all the while to look at it as an objective observer).

If you think it would add to your literature review, go for it!

Hi Jenny,

Doing a PhD evokes extreme feelings of anxiety in most of us at some points and, I think, OCD is rooted in anxiety and so I can understand your concern. Unfortunately, PhD's are very individual things and progress or otherwise can be affected by many, many things and so I think it would be very difficult for anyone to comment on your progress, apart from your supervisors. The reality is only you and your supervisors probably understand your project at this stage. Please try to be guided by them. They, like you, will be wanting progress and they'll probably not let things slip or not let them slip badly. Could I suggest you make an appointment with your GP and the counselling service at your University as they should be able to help you manage your anxiety better.

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What a lovely start to the day reading this! Many congratulations Dr Rick and enjoy your well earned break.(up)

It's great you have a date. Wishing you all the very best for the prep and the day itself!

Thanks Ady and Bil. I intend to keep it short but don't want to overlook anyone and so thanks for the pointers.

Hi everyone,

I know this should be further down the line of write up but if I can get one page completed it would be a start!

In the acknowledgements should one thank the participants who helped with the research (it was questionnaire based research)?

Aside from supervisors, friends and family, should anyone else be included?

Thanks.

Many thanks, I've noted these now. You're a star!

Hi karimsara!

I do feel for you and only you can make a decision as to what to do.

It's only my opinion but if you are reluctant to do a PhD anyway then you certainly shouldn't self-fund. Give yourself a reason for doing a PhD. My reason for doing the PhD is because I was unemployed, didn't feel it was likely I'd get a job soon and I wanted the income from the PhD. Not good reasons but I've stuck with the PhD and, for the most part, have worked hard on it and so, for me, I can justify my reasons. I am very organised in how I approach it and this helps to get me through it. Why am I seeing it through to the end? I still have most of the writing to do but I'm more than two thirds through the funding and feel it would be very wrong to drop out now as it could have an impact on future funding and I need to do right by the department and other potential students. Had I been able to collect the data sooner I might have left with an MPhil but it wasn't to be.

Please, please don't do a funded phD unless you feel you can commit to it as dropping out could have implications for others and you really need to take that into consideration. To be fair to me, I did feel I could commit to it when I took it on but did not anticipate the hold ups etc and so when these got in the way my motivation ran low. When I was able to work I made good progress but when there were hold ups and I couldn't make progress I found it difficult to get into again.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the very best of luck!

You are my major source of inspiration on this forum and you wrote a post ages ago about preparing for Viva. I think you noted 5 points/areas that someone needs to be aware of when preparing for Viva. I meant to note these at the time but never got round to it. Could you please remind me what these are?

I really appreciate your posts giving hope, practical advice and you are a winner if ever there was one, IMO.
(up)

Hi Ady,

Many thanks for remembering and asking. Yes, I'm still with the PhD, just (haven't made much progress though). I'm determined to see it through as unemployment is the only other option. I'm taking the view that the PhD for me will be a test of pure endurance, rather than any enjoyment. Besides I've come this far... I'll continue to jog on, finish the marathon and then the excitement will kick in I think!