Delighted to learn I'm not the only one who spaces. I actually thought it was still the norm to indent, so glad to see it's gone out of style. 8-)

======= Date Modified 20 Nov 2011 16:18:37 =======
Hi Laura,

You seem to have a good idea of pros and cons of each. I'm not too sure why people would quit altogether rather than aim for an MPhil, but you certainly wouldn't be seen as a cop out for taking that. For example, in the future you won't need to explain that you were doing a PhD but decided to stop at an MPhil; some people do set to get an MPhil in the first place. (I have a taught M. Phil -I radically changed direction- although I never even think to distinguish that on my C.V, now that I think of it!)

If you are not passionate about your topic and if you do not need a PhD for the future, than I think I would go for the M. Phil, if in your position. Jabaru posted a thread describing his/her M.A. by research viva here, you may find that useful: http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=21073

Good luck tomorrow, hopefully your supervisor will have some good advice for you. :)

Congratulations, Dunni!
And thanks for that run-down; I am only new around here, but a list like that is great motivation to anyone at any stage. (up)

Well done, Jaburu! Thanks for sharing :-)

It probably depends on the university, but depending on where you get your funding there is likely a cutoff of what you can earn on top of that. For example, I can only earn 2k a year on top of what I get funded, so very little and certainly not a part-time wage. If I were to earn more than 2k then the funding would be reduced by that amount. So I have no incentive to, with the university funding designed to get me to focus entirely on research.

Maybe this isn't the norm, but I suppose they see the average candidate as not needing both the funding and an income at the same time. Obviously, this isn't the case when you have 2 kids. Hopefully someone else has a more positive outlook for you. I take it if you are supported by a private company then you could have both sources of income.

======= Date Modified 18 Nov 2011 23:44:24 =======
Thanks for sharing that, Dr. Jeckyll, I won't have to give mine for a while, but is useful to hear how someone else did it. :)

That's unfortunate, Hypothesis. Have you spoken to your supervisor about it? I know that it's not in their hands, but I'm sure it would be acceptable to send the examiner a polite email/letter of enquiry, given that five months have passed.

I can only imagine how impatient I would be, particularly after working hard to get it done in time.

I know it must seem crazy to all of you sitting behind a stack of sub-standard essays, but I have always dreamed of the day when I get to correct a student's work! (formally that is, not to help out a friend) :$

Naturally the reality of it is much less exciting, but I hope that some day soon I will get the chance.

======= Date Modified 16 Nov 2011 21:37:53 =======
I can relate to your hermit lifestyle. For me, the PhD is isolating enough as it is without living by yourself too. I'm in my third year of living with 'strangers' on campus and I love it. I am an introverted person and I could have chosen to have a studio rather than a shared apartment, but I find it helps to have other students around.

At the moment I live in a six bedroom apartment. For me it feels easier to do work when there are others doing the same. Not to mention that med students getting up at 5am makes my life seem comparatively easy! I still have plenty of privacy and, while we don't sit around talking each day, it's nice to have a coffee break and a chat with someone in the kitchen. We have a communal cookie jar and occasionally a few bottles of wine.

However, when I lived with two friends things were much less rosey: they didn't get along and I was stuck in the middle, trying to act impartially. When you live with strangers, there are naturally more boundaries and less expectations for sharing time together. I find this is a good thing. Also, when people live with friends they can sometimes let bad habits override a positive personality!

======= Date Modified 12 Nov 2011 23:57:59 =======

Sorry to hear that everything has been turned on you again. I am not familiar with what happened with your first supervisor - it seems clear from your post that they were not very helpful - so do you think they could have told you two of your chapters were fine in a selfish act, in order to seem like they were doing a good enough job? (and to save them from having to give you more feedback). I know that might not be the case, and that it might not be a nice thing to consider, since obviously you must be upset to hear you now have more work to do than you thought.

I agree with Pjlu though, if you value this new supervisor's judgment, than I would try to accept the advice they have given, even if it is difficult to hear. Maybe this new person will help get you right onto the track you need to be on.

I hope things begin to look up for you. All the best.

Hi Hailey,

Have you seen a doctor who has suggested a six week break is the time it should take to recover? Obviously I don't know the extent of your fatigue, but maybe you could begin by taking two weeks off and then get back to trying to finish on time?

I'm also not sure how an interruption is different to an extension? Since I take it either way you would finish at the same time. What do your supervisor think? Naturally your health should come first, it's not worth destroying yourself at this point. Best of luck with your decision.

I'm far from completion, but I'm certainly with you in spirit. You can do it! Keep up the positive attitude and I hope you stay motivated! :-)(up)

Very helpful posts; thank you for taking them time to share! Well done on passing, you must be so happy. (up)

Congratulations, Dr! Thanks for sharing your positive viva experience. I'm so happy that it all went well for you. :-)