This thread made me think a bit... and so I did some research... and I have found where I want to work when I have finished! I have researched some job vacancies they have at the mo, and the kind of people they have on their staff and there is no reason why I shouldn't go for it! I am very excited and reassured about this. Not a bad wage either...

ahhhh, sounds great. I want to do that too!

I want to get a job. I am definitely not staying in academia - am sick of universities!! I am really worried about what job though - and I still have two years to go! I may take a year out after the PhD to network and publish a lot and schmooze my way into a job... Am totally terrified that I will complete and then end up back temping as a customer service rep for a local council... as if I never left...

Do you think you could do this if you were funded? Do you intend to be affiliated to a Uni in France Campingnurse, or just live there while you write up? I ask because I am also keen to write up in France - but not with any particular uni, just for peace and inspiration...

Congrats and good luck!

Like your advice PCGeek!! keep on trucking indeed.

Contrary to erlier advice though I would advise you to work very hard in your first year... I did and it has helped me this year soooo much, I feel like I have so much worked out tht others are still worried about and so have been able to relax my grip a little and ease into a more durable and rewarding work habit. My sups are very pleased with me too because of it and generally leave me to my own devices this year... And I still go to the pub!

Up to you though really. Just be aware that doing this is such a rollercoaster! One day you can get everything... and the next day you can be so miserable thinking you know nothing... But it's great!

Well done!!

ESRC funded and yep, it goes up each year. Simply matches inflation.

Thanks for the info, it's so helpful!! I shall look into it immediately... At the mo I feel like I need as much time as possible. Forever!!

Thanks for your help and apologies again for hijacking the thread a bit...

I really was not aware of this... is it different if you are funded? Because I am very very aware that I have to submit 'on time' which I assumed was when my funding ran out... (I have to do this anyway because I could never write up without any money :( )

Academia seems like too much drudge for too little reward for me. I would rather work in a think tank if I wanted to think, or an organisation if I wanted to 'do'. Perfect job: consultant. Then I get to think, and do!

Marking papers, teaching hours, research groups, admin, writing, conferences... Bleugh!

Love my PhD though! (Which is why I am on here procrastinating...)

This is interesting... I never went to any induction stuff at my uni and nor did many people. You can always go to another course another time you see. I didn't do that either. I would say yes, I have been slower to work out what is available at the library, who to go to for certain q's - but I can ask my friends/the secs this anyway. I would also say that generally I haven't noticed anything other than perhaps feeling a little disorganised, which I am fine with. I think it depends on your personality: would you be stressed and feel worried about missing out/being disorganised if you didn't go? Or are you someone who is happy to work things out as and when you need to? Would you go and say hello to the secretaries yourself and make friends ok? All uni's are different as to the standards of these things so it's hard to say as an outsider... It's up to you!

Hi there. I am funded too and fully expect to complete within the time expected, but smilodon - you say that you can apply for a last year without fees at your uni? Sorry to highjack the thread a bit but I would love a bit more info about that...

J

I am so glad to hear so much love!

Hi! Congrats on your place!
Firstly, if you're on the course then you deserve your place so don't waste time feeling lesser than others because some may be oxbridge grads etc. Secondly, I think a lot of people feel like fraud throghout their phd but you get used to also having to come to terms with the fact that, darn it, you may actually just be good at this! For me personally I am now reaching the end of my second year and still feel like a fraud but no way as much as I did when I started, because I have been encouraged constantly and am getting good marks and feedback... so there is only so long you can stay completely negative. Just stick with it, listen hard, read a lot and enjoy it! You will be fine I am sure. Come to this forum whenever you're stressed...