Yes, it's possible. I'm married with 3 children, and in the first year of my full-time PhD. I've had to mark out my territory at home, and limit the number of evenings spent reading. It's been a huge adjustment for my family, as they've assumed for years that I'll always do the shopping, school run, dry cleaning etc., and things have definitely changed on that score. I expect the reason it's tolerated is because it's fully funded, and may enable me to access a wider range of opportunities in the long run.

That she (or they) had been primed during the tuition stage, which clearly you're saying isn't the case, but your situation could certainly be interpreted in this way externally.

Yikes, only do this if you're willing to invest a whole year, and then have to walk away due to the absence of funding for subsequent years. If you're comfortable with that scenario, then go for it. If not, then weigh up the risk very carefully.

Yeah, but I'm a mum, and I'll worry about my daughters when they're still in their 50's. It's just the way it is.

Alot of people love talking about themselves: so ask lots of questions, and they'll feel like they've had a really good conversation. Networking is about building bridges, not necessarily telling everyone about what you're doing, in the initial stages.

Hi OP, your embarrassment and anxiety indicates you fear criticism, whether or not it's legitimate or warranted. As a parent of a teenager, in all honesty, I'd have concerns about the situation, but that doesn't mean that you've overstepped the line. It's just a parent thing, I guess.

I can only offer my own experience: a shortlist of 6 for a fully funded AHRC, - although I've always wondered about the extent of the long list. I haven't asked my supervisor, - I'd love to know, but just seems like vanity to pursue it.

Aw, Sir, I was hoping for an excuse to buy it. I have a tendancy to acquire things, rather than solving problems, but that's just me. Thanks for your contribution.

What's your experience?

You'll have to write a killer research proposal to stand a chance, but it is possible. I was at home for nearly 10 years with the kids, after a 7yr career, did my Masters, and landed a funded Humanities PhD last summer. I've no idea where this will take me in 3 years time, but I'm getting the biggest buzz from having a go. Good luck.

Parenthood? That can keep you busy for the long 18 year wait for funding....

Our post would be so stuffed: I don't like the idea of getting letters addressed to

Mr & Dr......

Just sounds clumsy and plain wrong.

I've a 12, 10 and 5yr old, and am in my first year. The only way I've managed this is by landing a fully funded AHRC award. The killer is the intermittant deadlines: I had to submit 5000 words on Jan 7th, which wrote off my Christmas, and pretty much for my entire family. The mistake I made recently, with regard to a deadline, was assuming that I'd be as productive during half term as I was over the christmas period. Big mistake: at christmas, my OH was at home for a fortnight, so we shared childcare during the day, and I wrote at night. This time, at half term, he was at work, so I had all 3 children during the day, and was too shattered to write in the evenings. It will be worth it, and my kids are so proud. Plan, plan, plan.

Bank accounts and passports? Are you joking? Do you put it on your utility bills? Your store loyalty cards? I just don't understand how a non-academic environment legitimizes the use of 'Dr.' My sister is a consultant surgeon, who saves lives on a daily basis by completing transplant procedures: she's quite happy to be 'Miss', so I'd feel such a fraud wheeling out an academic title in irrelevant contexts. Horses for courses I suppose.

Feeling your pain AJ. At least the agony is at intervals, as you're unlikely to hear out of office hours. Bit like labour, imo. For me, landing the studentship was a turning point in my career/my life, as I'd been at home for years with the kids, so I think the interviewer was a bit surprised at how pleased I was: it's so difficult to explain what it means to go from housewife/mum to funded research scholar overnight. Crossing everything for you.