Why don't you try to get a job as a technician in a lab for a year and decide then? Technicians usually get their own project to carry forwards similar to a phd student. This also depends on the lab head, the experience of the technician and how the technician copes. But you must clarify this with the lab head; if he/she is looking for someone to do the sequencing the job will be boring and get you nowhere.
Many people go from a technician's job to doing a phd- I know of three people who did this at my institute. You'll then know what you want and have some real lab experience to show of with if you decide to go for a phd.

My supervisor is also a master at making me feel rubbish. Don't take it too seriously.

On a lighter note- Here's my favourite saying:

The solution of pollution is dilution.

It referes to chemistry (i.e. just put it down the sink) and comes in handy if you've had too much to drink .... then again, if you've had too much I normally don't remember it anymore anyway?

Don't know who coined it, though.

for those of you who would like to join me:

www.ashwooduniversity.net

Supprise your supervisor! Please your parents!

OR (as Ashwood put it):You struggle in relationships, as 'she'* thinks you don’t have a promising future?

* Err, in my case this would be "he" ....

Important:

"The degrees we provide do not contain words like "Life Experience" or "Online." They are the same degrees issued to students enrolled in traditional programs at the university. "

The degree actually looks pretty of you frame it, AND: "Moreover, we will actually award you a score for the subjects that fall under your field of study on your transcript. Many universities simply write “Pass” which makes it apparent that the degree is based on life experience."

I was thinking about a degree in "life experience" from the Ashwood University for starters.

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I'm working on Non- homologous End Joining (NHEJ), which is a DNA double strand repair mechanism- i.e. also cancer research.

... and I'm not really worried about my supervisor finding these threads- she's got enough to do without surfing the net.

In academia you've got the constant worry to publish enough in order the get the grant you need, and people tend to work a lot of unpaid overtime. Which is ok if you are enjoying yourself, but if you are doing it because you feel you have to it's not so great anymore.

I'd prefer to stay in academia- but it's not arcadia! I'd say the opposite to verdy about having kids: the women I know in academia are constantly being harassed for having to leave at 5 to pick up their children .... working 9-5 is considered (according to my supervisor) as "part time" . Real part time positions don't really exist in science and once you've been out for a few years to take care of children it gets increasingly difficult to get a postdoc (as you don't have as may publications as a male postdoc).

Plus, you can't be a postdoc forever, after a few years you've got to try to find a permanent position somewhere. Since there are more postdocs around then permanent positions there's a bottle neck coming up sooner or later. If you fit through and get a position depends on your work and LOTS of good luck ....

beta, mu, lambda- the polymerases I'm working on.

Well, be prepared to explain your project/results to the others attending. Go to your supervisor and ask him/her if you are expected to show some of your data (if he/she hasn't told you yet this seems unlikely, though).
But you could just as easy end up with a table full of profs reminiscing about conferences they attendet, etc.

Don't worry too much, look interesed at all times and don't order spaghetti!

... almost done!

Well, if your change of direction is a result of what you have done so far- i.e. you have hit upon something more interesting, or your initial theory was partially/totally wrong you could mention it. You'll probably get people asking the "obvious" questions that arise from your presentation anyway.

Have you got enough data for your presentation? If you have enough time then do it, if you are already short on time then leave it out because it can become very confusing if you try to squeeze it in in the end.

... peas! I love peas. And broccoli, zuccini, cucumbers, ....

Ah- that's because we Germans are so efficient! Anyway- I've almost forgotten how to speak German now, bloody hell!

Can I please have a virtual tea mug? So much more british, no?

How about an equally depressing thought: I'm doing my protein purifications in the cold room at 4 C- so it's warmer outside than it is inside! Brrrr ... AND the next door lab are constantly doing comet assays which require a dark room.

crisis

hey- where are my peas?