My PhD could be considered social science and it was very predictable throughout. This made it boring but it made it easier to stay on track and finish on time (no blind alleys as such and a straight run, aside from the corrections). The examiners took their job seriously, my supervisors didn't, in my opinion.

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Thanks Bilbo, it was good in a way because I was probably able to complete sooner because I wasn't that attached to the work. I worked and worked hard but found it easy to let go and don't hanker for the research. That said, I was very lucky because it was funded and it saw me through 3 years of the recession.

Interestingly, I didn't find it intellectually challenging (just the stats aspect) and it didn't keep my mind ticking over. I found it easy to switch off from it.

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I must admit I was gutted, and still am, that I never got to do a PhD an in area that interested me. I tried for years and eventually ended up doing a PhD I'd no interest in, under very, very poor supervision and so even though I passed the viva I never felt any joy and felt and feel very removed from 'my' PhD. Under different circumstances, passing viva could have been one of the best days of my life...

Thanks everyone. I've no interest in being an academic and never had, even before I witnessed the stress some put themselves under (or are put under). I fell into research by accident and like being able to set my own hours (within reason) which is probably why I stick with it. If it was 9 to 5 I know I couldn't stick it. Doing research would suit me, even at assistant level, so long as I was left in peace and trusted to get on with things. However, I would only be happy doing this if I could stay in the one place, moving around for research contracts would not be for me as life is too short and I want to start living it...

I think this thread is good in that it gives an insight from many. I've enjoyed reading the posts, to date.

I've never really understood why someone would want to be an academic, if they know what's involved. If I can do research I really feel passionate about I can really enjoy it but I don't like the idea of churning out loads of journal articles, loads of red tape, a heavy, stressful workload, being put under intense pressure to achieve certain things, constant deadlines and working extremely long hours (but I do like to work hard when I'm working). Just observing academics over the years I have to say by far the majority strike me as being really stressed (surely this is not a happy state) and so I'm curious as to why so many want to be academics.

Discuss and debate.:p

Fantastic! Glad to hear your result. This weekend is reserved not for corrections but celebrating!!!(up)

Detail all your living expenses (what's the minimum you need to live on) and then be mindful of the economic climate. I'd pitch about £23,000 - 24,000. Also ring your uni careers office and ask them.

I was very fortunate because I had no significant revisions to make to my writing and my planning was such that it didn't require much polishing either. What I mean is as I was writing, the thesis generally fell into place. Having said that, I would not be convinced my supervisors read the thesis in full (nearly 100% confident they didn't) which would help explain the minimal revisions prior to viva. The examiners gave much, much more feedback after viva than my supervisors did over the course of the three years but I was given minor corrections, which mainly revolved around the results chapter but included some extra writing but no rewriting.

There's a very good thread on this forum, the one goal thread, why not contribute to it as you'll be able to help keep others motivated and they be able to do the same for you.

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Writing can be overwhelming but you need to do it, deep down you know that you'll have to do it sooner or later and it would benefit you more to knuckle down to it now, while money is coming in. If you haven't already, make a plan with some flexibility built in and monitor the plan everyday. I tried to write about 500 words a day, as realistically I know I can't write with speed but I was producing quality work. This meant that I was writing about 15,000 words a month (usually at a minimum) and so a thesis could be produced in 6 months. I found it extremely difficult starting the write up but once I started and was able to see the word count mounting it made writing much, much easier. For me taking small steps worked and so try to find out what will work for you.

Good luck!

Why not post on the one goal thread if you lose motivation? Chin up, work hard and you'll get there!

I was unemployed before doing the PhD and did it in order to pay off debts which were severely dragging me down - I'm now completely debt free. I thought the PhD would carry me through the recession and it has eased pressures greatly but honestly, even before starting, I was pretty convinced it would not help me gain employment. Had I self funded I'd be absolutely livid at this point because I'd have my original debts and more from self funding.

My dry wit is alive and kicking!!!

Typos weren't mentioned in my viva and I still haven't noticed any. Just wish they'd confirm the corrections are exceptable:-s

Glad to read about the good sleep you had. Best to expect the unexpected as my supervisors told me my external would go to great lengths to put me at my ease and I can tell you she did not. She was very professional but direct, straight to the point and took no time for pleasantries whatsoever. Given it's a Friday afternoon, like you, I'd like to think the examiners will keep it short but expect the unexpected.

(up)