Can I ask, how many people were offered (or made to attend) instruction on time management skills before embarking on their Phud ?

I think it is significant that all you 'suggested' reasons involve external influences e.g. health, financial etc.
There is nothing there that would reflect a shortcoming in oneself such as lack of motivation or lack of planning.

You say you wasted a year because you couldn't figure out what your supervisor wanted you to do.
Which was, to explore past papers and the library ....on your own !
Could it be he was hoping you would find some self-determination if left to your own devices.

Soooooo, your PhD is delayed.
As you seem unwilling to accept that the problem might be 'you', you are unable to identify the real reasons for the delay, and you thought you would do a quick survey to find out the most common reasons in the hope that you could find a magic bullet for all your woes.

Sorry, pal but the answer isn't out here.
It's in you.
I would strongly recommend that you get a book called "How to get a Phd" by Pugh & Phillips......and then take yourself off for a week in the hills and read it thoroughly.
Give us a shout when you get back.
We'll be here !

Angus

I'd wait a couple of years first.

When your current deal ends you will, presumably, then automatically go onto the mortage providers standard repayment rate.
Some of these are not too shabby at the moment.
I would check out what this is before I worry about finding a new provider.
As you no longer have a salary, you will not be elligible for the very best deals, i'm afraid. You may be as well staying where you are.

You'll be waiting a while then.

Top half - smart casual.
Bottom half - naked.

Same way the newsreaders do it !


p.s. Can I strongly suggest that the room behind you is TIDY !

How about removing the possibility of people thinking you are a fraud by pointing it out right at the start.
When you get up, introduce yourself by saying something like "I feel such a fraud standing up alongside experts, talking to a room full of experts"
People love self-depreciation. They also love compliments - and you just complimented the whole room.

You say the area under discussion is only tangentially related to your thesis. Then limit your presentation to that relationship.

======= Date Modified 27 Jul 2009 16:12:20 =======
I suppose this sounds sexist, it's not meant that way really, but I find that guys from varying backgrounds and abilities seem to sort of rub along, you know.

Women, on the other hand, can be really MEAN !

Not saying all. But some, definitely.



Don't know if this is just me speaking from a male point of view.

I'm happy to be put right if it is just a perspective thing !

Could it be that you have nothing at all in common with the suburban mums ?

Aberdeen and Manchester both have strong Safety Engineering dept's.
Where did you get your Masters ?

======= Date Modified 24 Jul 2009 09:03:17 =======
Headache & fever....!
Any urge to go Oink ?

Hope you are feeling better soon.
Fairy'nuff about the cancer scare !
Just as an aside......
when I stopped smoking, I used the Nicorette inhalator.
Very good. Really helped.

You really sure you want to give up smoking at the same time as writing up ?

I know you should stop, but give yourself a break.

Sorry, unfair to be so negative without reason.

Ikonye, your post 5 minutes earlier to this one asked about scholarships.
You will need to get funding from Kenya.
As you are not a UK citizen, there are no scholarships available, unless you can find a charity to fund you.

If you are not looking for a scholarship then there are any number of universities happy to take your money in exchange for a place on a Masters in forestry.
go into www.google.com
and enter the following search words "masters university forestry"

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo

I found the following book very useful.

How to Get a PhD - 4th edition: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors
by Pugh & Phillips.