Don't panic it sounds to me like they are confident that everything is going to be fine so feel reassured and not patronised! GOOOOD LUCK!!!

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Just a quick RANT: I just gave a really important presentation to my fellow PhDs, members of staff, supervisors etc. I thought it was going quite well and my supervisor was kind of smiling at me so I took this to mean everything was fine. I had a few questions at the end which I answered quite confidently. THEN my secondary supervisor decides to swoop in and trample all over it. He pointed out inconsistencies and mistakes. He also challenged me (quite aggressively) about a point I made. I don't know why but maybe since he is an authority on my topic, I couldn't really defend my work and I was left feeling completely humiliated. F*ck him. Isn't he supposed to help and encourage me rather than point out the inadequacies in my work and make me look like a tosser in front of the whole department? Couldn't he have just kept quiet and spoken to me about it later? I know it was pretty bad because my face was burning hot and my friend immediately said 'let's have a glass of wine'.

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Guys thanks so much for your posts, I am going to look into tuition. How hard can it be to tutor Alevel English...?! M,x

Dear fellow impoverished PhDs. I was just wondering if anyone aware of any legitimate work from home jobs--data entry or online tuition or ANYTHING? If so, could they let me know the details? I am POOR and need some flexible work asap. Thanks all. M,x

Natassia. I'm sorry to hear about your problems. My advice is to make these issues known to your course organiser and supervisor as soon as you can. They will help and support you because it sounds like they regard you as a very good student who takes their work very seriously. I know a girl who- during the final months of her masters degree - lost a close friend in an accident and found out that one of her parents (who had a progressive illness) only had a few months to live. All of her friends were aware of the hideous stress that she was under but she didn't tell the university about it until her supervisor basically started complaining that she wasn't progressing well. She had a break down while writing her dissertation and got very ill. Although I don't know too much about how she performed in the end and how much support she got, she did tell me that she suspected that the university didn't believe her. There was a lot of stress and upset and it could have all been saved had she just been upfront at the start, rather than let it all get out of hand.
You need a break, and your entitled to it. Hope it all gets better over Christmas. M,x(robin)

1. Get a tan.
2. Brush up on French and Spanish.
3. Successfully organise a conference.
4. Comprehensive plan of thesis
5. First chapter

The first point is CRUCIAL. As for the rest..

There is not one thing about me on the internet. When I type my name, username, email address etc nothing comes up. However, when I google image myself, a photograph of a balding female wrestler/body builder comes up. :(

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======= Date Modified 18 Dec 2009 15:15:56 =======
hmmm...well, just for the record: MY NAME IS NOT MARIA, it is FRANK. (turkey)

Yes of course you are PHD-able! You have a good masters and relevant work experience (I'm sure in your application you could make it seem even more relvant?).

I imagine that you'll need letters of recommendation from your masters professors, and if these are good, it will enhance your application. I think you should indeed approach them, let them know your plans, and perhaps even ask their opinion about how capable you are? ALso, ask for any advice they are willing to offer.

At the moment you only see arguments 'against' being your supervisor--ie an academic record that isn't shining. Well, think of how to turn that around: show them that there are plenty of reasons FOR supervising you! Approach potential supervisors, show them that you are interested in their field, that you have good ideas, that you are committed, and that you are prepared to work hard. Getting a supervisor onside is crucial to a succesful application (at least it was in my case--my academic record isn't great at all).
Good luck, M,x

I was looking around my research class the other day and it crossed my mind that one (or more) of my fellow phds may also be a fellow forum user. What's more, I always insult the people in my department to you guys--and you could BE THEM.
Oh dear, I've become paranoid. Time to pack up and go home for Christmas. (tree) M,x

My parents live 2.5 hours away from where I am doing my PhD, and I haven't secured funding for my second year so am thinking of moving home and commuting when I need to (next year, I have a flat at the moment). I am studying literature and only really need to be at uni for a weekly research class, meetings every now and again, the odd trip to the library/archives etc. All in all, 2-3 days a week. So, I think that its completely feasible to study from home.

It is very tough deciding whether or not you want to do a specific topic, because you're right, how can you know until you get into it? Also, I imagine that since it's fully funded, you might not have that much room to adjust your approach/ideas when you get started. While these kind of things can be scary, I still think it's an amazing opportunity, so don't be too tentative, because as you say you have touched on the topic before, and enjoyed it.

I'm doing a topic I love but there is lots of shit to get through which is very very tedious at times. ALso, I'm not being funded, and this is causing a LOT of stress. So, from what you've told me, I'd be inclined to tell you to go for it!

Hmm..

First of all, congratulations!! Second of all, if your heart's really not in it then even though it's fully funded, you have to really be sure that it is what you want. If being away from home and not working on the topic you want to is going to be a big problem, then I'd explore alternatives. HOWEVER, it is an amazing opportunity, you might LOVE the university and enjoy being away from home. SO, do weigh up all the pros and cons before you decide. Could you start the PHD working from home and see how you get on, and if you'd need to move? M,x

Hi Matt,

I think you desperately need a break! Seriously, can you take some time off over Christmas, clear your head, spend time with family and friends, and SLEEP? I think that although you are worried about getting your work done, it is absolutely essential to have a rest. Otherwise you'll work right up until your deadline in mid-Feb feeling resentful and frustrated.
Four years is quite a long time, and it's all about learning how to strike a balance. Too much work will inevitably make you stressed and upset. I had a total nightmare writing up my MA dissertation. I am not joking when I say I tried to work 16-18 hours a day. This was completely unproductive. I got very depressed and in a hideously destructive cycle.
If you're feeling low and lonely, make the time to see your friends. Possibly speak to your doctor if you feel that might help too. Don't worry too much you're entitled to a break, don't tire yourself out! M,x