Sorry, but no good news to report. I've got on the property ladder and am trying to upgrade slightly but have been told I've no mission because I'm a student, like yourself.

Thanks Joyce. You hit the nail on the head. I made the point that I would only do what I felt comfortable with because it would be up to me to defend my work at Viva. I did offer a compromise and I hope my supervisor goes for it.

Many thanks for the replies which confirm my thoughts. I'd actually contacted my supervisor almost immediately and expressed my concerns and argued my case but haven't heard anything back yet. However, my supervisor seems reasonable and so hopefully things should work out.

I don't want to go into detail but would you use a questionnaire that hasn't been tested a great deal and that has been shown to be flawed (it's still in development) as a major part of your PhD? I was told by an academic to stick by the tried and tested and I'm inclined to agree but my supervisor wants me to use this questionnaire (IMO they have a vested interest).

Many congratulations and I'm sure you're glad it's all over. Very good idea as well and I hope it's acted on.(up)

I always have the greatest respect for those that speak their mind but it can lead to difficulties (I should know from my own experiences). What's done is done and hopefully if you argued your points well it should set you in good stead. I like to think it shows passion but not everyone thinks like me



:-(

As regards a research proposal, be guided by your potential supervisor and / or University, as requirements vary greatly.

There is always the possibility that you could apply for, and get, a fully funded PhD (easier said than done though). They tend to be tax free and around £13,000 p. a. but if you like your current post it's understandable that you would like to work on. A part-time PhD is very hard work but it can be done.

Hi Pamw,

Keep a record of ALL your spends over the next few weeks and you should be able to see where you can make cutbacks. You'll probably be surprised at how much money you waste (as we all do). Also, try to do some forward planning and save for bills before they come in. Set yourself a realistic weekly budget and try not to go over it.

Hi Jade,

All the best with your PhD. It's always great to read positive and upbeat posts. Thanks for passing on the advice.

(up)

Thanks BHC. I'll definitely not be gearing my career towards academia (which will ease the stresses of the PhD). I think I'd rather retrain than go down that route. On a very postive note, the PhD topic would be directly relevant to another career path and this alternative career would interest me. I would just need to find a way to fund more study.

The PhD is relevant to psychology and I am aware of other training options in psychology but would the PhD be useful for anything else?

Sorry, my post was badly worded. I meant I don't want to be a full time researcher during all my working years, unless I can work in specific areas (can't detail these as I want to remain anonymous).

I've given motivation careful consideration and believe me the thought of being unemployed will keep me motivated. I feel confident that I could at least happily complete to MPhil level but feel that for the sake of another year it might be best to stick with it for the PhD. Certainly, if someone came forward with a very good offer of a job I would consider taking it but it's extremely unlikely to happen where I live (and I can't move).

I just want to know what options, if any, are open to someone with a PhD (social sciences) who doesn't want to be an academic. I actually enjoy research but don't like publishing and am not at all competitive.

Well done TG and could I just say I found reading your posts in relation to the Viva very helpful.

Thank you and I hope all goes well for you.

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The PhD subject is interesting enough and I've had to spend time doing much worse jobs! I'm very fortunate to have gotten funding. Being unemployed is what causes me stress. Much happier than I was only 4 months ago!