Hmm, I don't know if he's leading you on or not... He's very busy and works very long hours, so maybe he doesn't have much free time? Though, he should still have the decency to explain this to you if he is. But then part of me thinks that if he was really interested in you then he would make time. I know that if I were in such a position in my life, even though I'm doing a PhD, I flippin' would.

A part of me also wants to say that you can do an awful lot better than be in an ambiguous pseudo-relationship like this, if you want? Do remember (as if you need reminding!) that you're in a new place and it can take a while to settle down and get to know the people there better. If you invest too much in him and it's not reciprocated, then, you might find yourself in a world of pain. Plus I don't think all the 'lego bricks' are there for making anything more, like a proper relationship.

Sorry, I'm working this out as I type. I think you should go quiet on him, seek new opportunities and leave the ball in his court. If he does like you, he'll make the effort. If you've found somebody else in the meantime, then hard cheddar to him. (up)

I think there's a certain market demand for a thread that can adequately sit between threads that describe abject panic and the like and threads that describe excitement and major achievements. Not like the one goal thread, but like a little thread for a self-pat on the back.

Okay, I've got just 2 more interviews to do tomorrow (so 2 more lots of transcription) - and thank God! That's the end of data collection (and by the end of the week data analysis) of phase 2 of my research. Bye phase 2! That just leaves phase 3 (which I've already planned how best to get my data for), a less demanding mistress - one which will only require SPSS as our relationship guidance counsellor. So feeling quite happy-ish about it. I'm also getting my systematic literature review published in a nice journal as well. That's my half-light at the end of tunnel. What's yours? (sprout)

I've been told that any posts that may arise at my uni are 50-50 teaching and research. People within my department are retiring in the near future - and my discipline has hitherto been quite poor for academic research, so it's not like there's a lot of competition. Although I think there are only 15 universities in the UK that do my subject. If I'm almost wildly optimistic, I could end up getting an academic post, and will probably do it because there's not a lot else I can think of. I just hope that they never expect me to teach them clinical skills - students will laugh more than learn. If this doesn't come off, I'll just get a job, any job and then re-plan what I want to do. I work within rheumatoogy and outcome measurement - big fields - so there has to be some type of job within that I can do. You know, I'm not actually that worried. What will be will be and what is meant to be will be - probably the wisest words I've ever used on this forum :$

I haven't done a serious thread in ages, so I think this one will be valuable. Now, if you don't get into academia, what kind of career would you consider. There's no need to list a specific job, of course. I am and could be a health professional, but having never practised (since doing my PhD) the thought of doing it makes me shudder. My supervisor even admitted that I was terrible (I know, cheeky person) and that, well, we all have skills and mine wasn't that. I can talk the talk but not walk the walk. So, I'm not sure myself. I could work in industry but it doesn't really float my boat (left wing alert). I'm good on a telephone and am well spoken, but cannot pronounce 'R' without sounding like a pirate. I can also run a restaurant, a shop and know my way with logistics. So, it's belly up for me at the 'mo'. Maybe I could work in a lab and I have lots of skills, but, meh, I just don't know. I'd be interested in hearing what other people think they may do.(up)

though he only wanted to work with Gordon Brown, not that fish in a condom-faced David Cameron, so he didn't fancy his chances...

Can't say I'm looking forward to applying for jobs. My PhD is based on such an obscure little area and would require such an obscure little post. Hmmm...who knows...

I honestly think you've got in. Well done!

Yes, definitely the quality of and not quantity of data for qualitative research. I'll add that I know of theses that consist of only 5 interviews (and call themselves grounded theory-based) that have passed as theses. For mine, I've done...

20 interviews

3 focus groups

2 expert reviews

10 cognitive interviews

then there's the quant stuff

which has involved 32 clinicians and 60 patients - not yet done - and I think that's it.

Very well done, Jinkim65!!! Bet that's a big concern off your mind! (sprout)

Since I've never travelled out of England, ever, it only stands to reason that, in our surely highly successful government, I should be foreign secretary.

A dog is a much bigger commitment than a cat, imo, and you have to put a lot more effort into ensuring it has an excellent quality of life. That's why I'd never get any pet for myself. I suppose there's always sea monkeys and gold fish though. Not to digress from the purpose of the thread, but I had tropical fish once but then I bought a crab and it really changed my little ecosystem by eating all the fish.

Transcribe two interviews. Ambitious because one of my interviewees has a very strong Newcastle accent (which I like by the way) and speaks really fast. Pffffff...

Personally, and tragically, I think we're going to end up with 'Dave' as PM. I've just cheered myself up though with a sudden realisation. Look at this picture (http://mkcommunists.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/david-cameron.jpg) and tell me whether you think he looks like Dracula crossed with a Ginster's pasty?

Then the hare disappeared again...