I'm here and its finished. I 100% believe my thesis wasn't read in full (and was never going to be read in full) and if it was read I don't know to what extent. By far the majority I never received feedback on and any feedback tended to be at the beginning of a piece and so I'm not confident the rest was read. In a way, some might think I was lucky because I didn't have any rewriting or draft on draft and so the write up in a sense wasn't stressful. Trying to get feedback and waiting on feedback was very, very stressful though. The thing is I believe if a supervisor gives feedback, even if it's a lot, it shows they care and they are preparing you well for viva because they are being critical and trying to get the best from you. I would feel confident facing viva if I felt someone else apart from me had read my work in full but given that I'm not the best person to look objectively at my work the viva could be very unpleasant...I just don't know. I'm resigned to how it went but think I'll be absolutely furious if I don't pass because I don't think it'll will be my fault.

I'll leave others who have been through viva to give you the advice but all the very best for Tuesday.

Fantastic! What a result, passing your PhD and securing a post doc on the same day - very impressive! I really hope things continue to work out for you and thanks for letting us know how you got on.

(up)(up) Thumbs up for passing the viva and the post doc

I'm searching for a very special book to give to my supervisors, 'How to effectively supervise a PhD'.

The job situation out there and across the board is very, very grim. I've asked around in a number of places and people do not see it changing anytime soon. I would grab the job with both hands and even consider doing the PhD part-time, if necessary. My view is coloured given that I'm unemployed but given all you've said, especially if he would enjoy the job and find it interesting, and what I can gather from the job market in general he might seriously be best taking the job.

However, he needs to feel comfortable with any decision he makes as he'll have to live with it.

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Thanks Ady, that made for very interesting reading.

Blackwidow, thanks for posting and I agree with you. I'm horrified at the lack of interest my supervisor has expressed in my future.

lughna, many thanks for posting. Sadly, it's not in the best interest of universities to let students know the reality for many that go through the system.

Stars all round! Ady, tried to give you a star but I can't as you're 5 star!!!

Hi all,

Having read the threads over many months, I'm surprised at how many PhD students seem to be unemployed after they complete. Does anyone know how many PhD students go on to use their qualifications? In a way I feel fortunate because I had no expectations from this PhD and thought unemployment would be a real possibility, which I am (but I am looking for work).

Yes, all the very best for the future and many thanks for your contribution to the threads and especially for starting the PhD tips thread.

Best of luck!!!(up)

======= Date Modified 15 Oct 2011 09:34:23 =======

I'm sorry you didn't get the job but at least you haven't been kept waiting. It does sound as though the decision was made with speed and so perhaps there wasn't a decision to make, if you know what I mean.

Very soul destroying though but fingers crossed for future jobs.

Hi Mac,

I know, I read you post and found it very helpful (up). I just don't know if the same applies if someone only wants to maintain their N.I. contributions

======= Date Modified 13 Oct 2011 13:09:50 =======
Hi Skig,

I'm not entirely sure but I think you literally need to sign on every two weeks, even if it's only to keep your contributions up to date but you would be best to check this.

I'm sorry to hear you don't think the interview went well, it's terrible pressure to be under when you know what might be ahead if it doesn't come off. I can only wish you luck. If you can't get a job, do find out if you can sign for your N.I. contributions, at the very least.

All the very best.

Claudia,

Even if you're not entitled to benefits, ask if you can sign for your N.I. contributions. I just didn't want to face up to unemployment and so didn't even try to maintain my stamp, it's proving costly now!

May we all get jobs and soon!!!