Hiya,

They very much bug me as well. I was looking for an alert button but there doesn't appear to be one. Ah well...

I can't go into much detail but what happens if a PhD isn't doable? In my opinion, it seems to have been ill planned without much thought as to whether it can actually be done and time is passing. I've been clear about my plans and concerns but think it would not be in my interests to voice these further.

Has anyone ever had an award pulled because the project isn't doable? If it's a University award would they find me another project?

Could well be getting ahead of myself but seriously time is passing, nothing of substance has been achieved and it doesn't look as if it will be achieved in the near future and so I thought it best to ask.

If the supervisor has a keen interest in the project, you think you'll get a merit at masters level and are prepared to self-fund I'd say the odds are very much stacked in your favour.

I would think you'll be judged above all else on your academic ability and you're currently studying and not returning after years of being away from study which is a bonus. It really depends on your potential supervisor and admissions I would have thought. I'm not really sure if you are talking about a funded place or self-funded but it's much easier to get a place if you self-fund.

Good luck!

Rubyw,

Great news. Good to read something upbeat and well done! (up)

As far as I know, if supervisors sit in they cannot say a single word or contribute in any way whatsoever.

Thanks for the replies. If I reach that stage I think I'd also prefer to go it alone.

Can you tell how many people have voted via the poll?

I'd just be interested in your views as to whether or not you would like your supervisors present in the Viva.

Please add comments or share your experiences.

I don't envy you. It's a case of after the decision has been made and really only at a later date will you really know if it was the right one. Unfortunately, ONLY YOU can make the decision. I'd say stick it out if you can, if only for the money and until you secure something else.

Hope it all works out.

Many congratulations and good luck to anyone else waiting to hear!(up)

guitarman,

I have been following your thread and do feel your pain (to use a horrible expression). I strongly identify with all your emotions but having been unemployed I can only say I hated that even more. I got very seriously depressed and I never want to feel that low again. I suppose I know my situation and know that I'd find it very difficult to secure a job and I had and have debts to pay and so I feel better that I'm now able to deal with those things. I suppose the difference might be I knew I was starting a PhD that held no interest and my expectations were not high and so I'm not that disappointed. I also know a PhD will not advance my career in any great way but I'm now able to save a bit, should I decide to change direction. I've really tried to do right by my supervisors but don't feel the favour's been returned and so I'm adjusting to that. I don't think I'll end up with a PhD but I'll make the most of a bad situation which I know, from experience, could be worse.

I sincerely hope things work out for you as I know you're not taking things lightly.

I'd be in a similar position. In that, I'm doing a PhD that holds no real interest and is very slow going which isn't helping matters. I feel angry that I couldn't get to study a PhD in the area that I wanted, especially since I know that the research is much needed. I felt even worse when I heard others had been allowed to study their interests. I was in a bind, needed an income and was told to pick one of the topics specified. I did intend to put my head down and work but feel let down by my supervisors and for this reason I'm losing motivation. I've went as far as possible but really need more feedback about certain things before I can make any real progress.

What keeps me going is that I don't want to be unemployed and this gives me a bit of space to figure out what to do next. Three years is not a long time in the scheme of things and that's all I'm giving it. I honestly don't think a PhD will make a huge difference to my life and so if it works out great, if it doesn't well it'll not be the end of my world.

My advice would be to grit your teeth and plug away if you can until you have a definite plan. Easier said than done, I know!

You're not alone and so chin up!

Good advice Joyce and I feel for you, your daughter and family very much. I couldn't even begin to imagine what hell you went through and I just hope time has helped in some way.

Don't be unnecessarily harsh on yourself. Learning to write is part of the PhD process and doesn't come naturally to many.

The review could be done without my supervisors but they've made it clear that they want to sit in. I've put my concerns in the report but gave a very balanced view I think. My supervisors are good but the difficulty is sometimes they don't feedback and I can't move things forward until they do. I keep sending them emails reminding them about things and so they keep reading the same type of emails. It's extremely frustrating for me as I've a clear idea of how to progress but really need the feedback sometimes.

I've been thinking and have decided to keep my mouth well and truly closed. At the end of the day getting a PhD will have no real impact for me but being unemployed now most certainly would.

Thanks for replying to my post.