A bit difficult to comment on your situation (if that is what you are wanting) as I guess it differs from institution to institution. It is a lot more independent that undergraduate study, but one can still expect to receive support and replies to email etc. So maybe your particular course was just a bad one in terms of those things. My experience wasn't like this. Well done for getting through it and good luck with your results etc.

Hi Arcturus7

This seems fine to me. Leaving sooner rather than later is the best here, I think. And to maximize your chances for future opportunities, I would be very open and honest with your supervisor, as presumably you are going to need references for your future applications. If he will not write one (can't see why not if you explain where you are coming from) or you aren't comfortable asking him, do you have others you can ask? You won't be radio-active. People will be able to appreciate your reasons and respect them, as long as you are open about things. Open where needed that is - I wouldn't even bother telling people unless directly asked "have you started a PhD before?".

Separately, maybe you could actually get some experience in the new area rather than risking going into it and realising that it wasn't what you thought it was.

Hope this helps,

Tudor

Ps. Sounds like a legitimate concern to me, not just a moan!

Ask your potential sups... tell them you're up for it but how do you get funding... they should advise - may even know of some pots of money. In my experience, first port of call is always to try go for funding opportunities - if you have the grades. Even if it means waiting for the windows to come round again.

I had a similar issue. Don't think of it as lying. I mean, they went thru the motions and tried to fulfill their role. Keep it formal. A bit like acknowledging your funder or the gatekeeper or stakeholder with whom you actually had no personal involvement. I said something like: I thank my supervisors x x and x for their advice and support during my PhD. Just a formality... If you want to be more heartfelt about family, friends and whatnot, then you can do that in the following sentences. Anyone who knows the situ can read between the lines if that's important to you!

Congrats!

Yes, I have heard of something like this before - more senior person / supervisor seems jealous of less senior person's abilities / achievements. Just keep your head down, keep applying for funding etc, establish links elsewhere and move on asap :) As soon as I got out of my bad experience / context, everything totally changed for me, and I started to love my work again :)

Ps. I agree with pm133 that PhD isn't like an everyday job / work at all. So yes, comparing to that won't be helpful.

Nope, not everyone feels like this. It's definitely good to be aware of these feelings and differences (to how you normally feel), as that way, as you say, you can put strategies to help yourself.

It does sound like things are going well on the academic side of things - but you maybe are lacking a bit of structure and reassurance. You can create your own structure by breaking that task up (there must be a way to do it) and getting that plan with dates and deadlines etc down on paper. You can also write down your milestones as you achieve them (e.g., submitted a paper for publication, did this, got that etc) so that you get a sense of progress and accomplishment.

But reading what you've said, maybe what is most challenging right now is home sickness or culture shock / the more social side of things? This is never going to be easy (8 months sounds a long time but isn't really) but you can definitely do certain things that could help. For example, staying in regular contact with friends back in Australia - but also being sure to get involved in new things here in the UK - so that you establish your network of friends and can relax and feel more at home here. Do you do any hobbies etc here already? Just probing a little to see what might be helpful to suggest! :)

Masters will give you a taste for research, then you could go on to do a PhD if you think it is for you. Or if you feel quite certain now, then you could go for a PhD straight away. Someone posted about this the other day actually - whether it adds to do a Masters beforehand. I found it beneficial, as you get skills you will use later on in the PhD. I'd defo recommend Masters first, especially if you can get it funded. Lab technician / Research Assistant job is another way to gain experience before embarking on PhD and also a way to get a foot in door for PhD funding (just make it clear that is what you are interested in interview; some such jobs are even advertised as having the possibility of PhD funding later). So lots of options to think about! What are your priorities? I tend to be guided by funding possibilities. Good luck!

Do you have an idea or dream that's always there at the back of your mind but you feel too scared to reach out and go for? Or is this just a feeling that you get when you see Elon Musk and think, wow, why haven't I done something like him?!

I am just trying to get to the bottom of what is going on here... If it is the former, then go for it. Identify those things that are causing you to feel restricted or constrained, and make a plan to move forward. Even if it means starting something new and stepping out of your comfort zone!

If the latter, then, well... I think it's fine to be inspired by people like that if you find them inspiring. But don't beat yourself up or compare! Use it as a motivation to work hard and finish your current task!

And you probably won't improve through using essay writing services!

I always make contact about such things. My theory is - if they are toying between me and another candidate and just don't know which one to choose, might obvious enthusiasm might be the deciding factor! A call to the admin office can't hurt! Best of luck!!!

How about other universities / libraries in Iran? Might be your best bet...

• New laws to crack-down on cheating through paid online assignment writing services?

"Sticking to the same overall topic" means that you aren't making significant changes in direction in my experience - so don't worry about it! You're probably going to make loads more changes and venture into unplanned territory throughout the process. Congrats and good luck!