Happy Christmas to you all! I hope everyone enjoys their time off and good luck to those working throughout. (gift)(snowman)(tree)

Hi Ollessendro,

If you are passionate about doing it, which you seem to be, I'm sure you could make it work financially. Since you're in Economics, you should be able to get some funding - if not through university/government then through industry. Obviously it is a sacrifice, if you're currently make good money, but ultimately you should only be earning less for 3/4 years.

If you are going to make a PhD application then I suppose you can just begin establishing a subject/research question and applying for funding. Since the process will take several months at least you will have plenty of time to reconsider your options.

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Hi there,

I agree with Lindalou's comments; a PhD thesis generally does come from an area that already has considerable research in that area (and more currently being done). In fact, a lot of academics will tell you that doing a PhD that fills a 'void' can be harder - as you have to decide which element of that void to fill, and with less background work done for you, you can have lots of areas that potentially could be covered.

If lots of other people are working in a similar area then obviously you will have to keep very up-to-date with their publications, research, etc, but it can also be a good thing. I imagine your potential supervisor is also aware of the extent of research being done in the area, but do mention your concern. :-)

To be honest, I wouldn't factor ''dropping out'' into the equation at this point. If you are interested in the research area and are dedicated then you should be willing to stick with it through thick and thin - since love/hate relationships are the standard in PhD-land. ;-)

Good luck with your reading/decision!

I was almost afraid to read the replied, for fear I would suddenly feel behind! :$

As some of the posts below suggest, more practical-based fields tend to start writing later. I am doing an Arts/humanities PhD, so while I have written a significant amount of words, I am still only beginning to determine my methodology. Most of what I've written should still be useful though, it is just a question of how I will eventually structure the material.

I agree with those who say that provided your supervisor seems happy, you probably have no cause for concern. I am very results-oriented (read, impatient!), however, and need to remind myself that it is a marathon and not a sprint.

Hi Lindalou,
I'm afraid I can't help with your paradigm question as it's all outside of my area, but I can certainly relate to your frustration and panic. It really is a theoretical jungle out there [tree pun intended :p].

Perhaps your supervisors are actually as confused about things as you. I think they like their candidate to 'convince' them independently, and then they will adopt your position on things until someone else convinces them otherwise. I'm inclined to say you should stick to your guns - a big part of the PhD process is taking a position and in the end you will probably find it harder to defend the position that you feel was forced on you.

Hi FrogPrincess,

I tend to write in the passive voice when organizing my thoughts, but try to rearrange (some) sentences when editing as it can make things flow better. A lot of the time it really is as simple as moving the end of the sentence to the beginning. I think the passive voice is a natural urge; we generally speak with gradual explanations rather than outright assertions.

I wouldn't be too worried about it if no-one has brought it up. I agree that the literature review is easier to write with a passive voice. I think phrasing sentences differently can help give impression you are more in control of the material. But if you're being critical rather than simply reporting then I'm sure that will come across anyway.

That's great news about your book chapter being accepted! I would take that as a very positive sign that your 'voice' is up to scratch. (up)

You have a form of Viva after only 100 days of starting your PhD? Or 100 days prior to your confirmation viva - which I take it would be further in. I'm not sure I understand!

That is very poor administration, to circulate such incorrect information. They should really have a research handbook where all the requirements are formally laid out for consultation. Either way, well done on having now achieved a goal well in advance! (up)

I'm not sure if it's because read (and internalised) so many PhD advice books before I started, but this is generally how I have been feeling! I really do think it is a mental struggle as much as an academic one, and if you can keep positive the process can be made much easier.

I have *believed* the positive feedback from my supervisor, while knowing that difficulties and more critical (constructive) feedback is to come and won't be an indication that I am unqualified - purely there to help me improve. I used to quite a negative person and have been amazed at the things I have achieved since adopting a different philosophy to life. It sounds very cliched, but when you visualise yourself achieving something enough you can gradually will it into happening.

I think part of the problem is that PhD candidates are generally very critical people, who can't help but apply the same modes of research questioning to themselves.

I'm sure you ARE doing fine, Cornflower! Keep up the positive thinking. 8-)(up)

Lots of different replies and very encouraging to see most people do take at least a week off. Thanks in particular to those who said 3 weeks! (up):p

I think I will have a flexible on/off schedule, so that I get the main days off 24-26th and 31st-1st plus other random days as plans come up. (robin)

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Hi Catherine,

I've been using openoffice.org software - it's similar to MS Word, only free and has some different features.

Have heard great things about Scrivener and keep meaning to try it out: http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php?platform=win
It used to be just for Mac users, but they have recently released a version for Windows. They have a free trial and it is only 40$ after that. Thanks for reminding me to give it a go.
8-)

I know this likely varies with deadlines, but I'm curious as to whether people generally take a set period of time off over Christmas/New Year?

If so, would it be a set number of days or flexible arrangement?

As a 'type A' kind of person, I find it very hard to relax if I know my time could be better spent - even though deep down I know relaxation is important in the longer run. If anyone has any tips for guilt-free time off (if such a thing exists :p) then please share!

(tree)(sprout)(snowman)