I'm not sure what to say but if that's your experience I feel sorry for you. My sups provided minimal input, in my opinion, and it did choke me having to thank them for all the "support". Thankfully, the project I was doing, while of no real interest to me, was pretty straightforward to do but I did feel very frustrated at the lack of feedback. Things would have been much worse if the project had of been difficult. It depends on how far in you are etc etc. You have my sympathy.

Dalmation, probably having the best private prep on her CV helped as well. In life, it really can be about who you know and not what you know:-(

Although I've finished my PhD I did read it and would recommend it. Thanks dwro8ea

Just up and going to spend the bulk of the day by myself but will have dinner with my family later. Cornflower, I hope you're OK, your not the only one on here that has indicated they will be alone and I have a friend who lives alone and has been diagnosed with the flu and has been told not to have any vistors today.

I hope you enjoy today, whatever you decide to do. Merry Christmas.(gift)

When you say, "it came to light that I have not had as much supervision as I ought to have had" is that your opinion, what your sups have said or what another party has said?

It is a poor show that they didn't comment on your progress report but I'm confused because you say they have ticked you as 'unsatisfactory' and asked you to resubmit the report. Did they or didn't they comment on your report?

I think it's also a poor show that you submitted two chapters yet received no feedback and were then put on probation. More positively, you're 3 years in and so they'll be anxious to get you through it and probation (although this is only my opinion) might suggest that they intend to keep a closer eye on your progress. Sounds like a back covering exercise but they and the University will be working to get you through the PhD so hopefully you reach a successful conclusion.

Best of luck with it all!

Totally agree with Sneaks on this.

Wow...Minus the job offer I could have written your post Wally. That's my thinking. I'm dying a death here but share all the same concerns you have. I've only been away for conferences and only to Europe. Would I do it? With a very, very, heavy heart I think I would. My attitude is I would be going away for a good job, there's nothing aside from my family to keeping me here (parents, siblings) and if it didn't work out I could always come back but know that at least I gave it a try. I know many people who have moved to Australia and only one regretted it (it wasn't that he didn't like Australia but just he was dreadfully homesick). That said, all the people I know that have moved were part of a couple and so had each other. I totally understand your concerns though and have probably ran each and everyone through my head.

I hope you make the right decision for you.(up)

I wouldn't be guided by Word on this matter. If you're that concerned (and I don't think you should be) ask someone who you think will give you an honest opinion on your writing. I'm not entirely convinced my supervisors read much of what I wrote but think they had a good sense of my writing style. Focus and be calm!

Not sure if this is of help or not but I haven't a clue whether I write in a passive or active voice but it doesn't concern me because it's never been flagged up. Take a step back, your supervisor hasn't made any reference to it in terms of your writing and so maybe it's not the issue you think it is.