Also, to help you think straight and clear your thoughts, if you can get access to a counselling service go and see them. Talking about things will help you put things in perspective and decide what to do for the best.

Talk to your partner and see what they think. You don't really know the timeframe yet. I know you have the urge but don't just jump on a plane but talk to your partner first, perhaps put the wheels in motion as regards the admin stuff with the university and try doing some work in the meantime to distract you. I do hope you have a good support system where you are.

LilMsss, you'll be fine and the good news is if you have to be careful with money you'll have less to spend on distractions and should finish your PhD that bit sooner!!!

Good luck.

Drew, I feel so, so sorry for you all. I'm not sure if I can offer any constructive advice as it's a very sensitive, personal and difficult situation. I don't know you and can only speak for myself but I would need to be there. You are not being selfish, you have to take practical considerations into account and you are half a world away. There's no right or wrong answer to your situation but you should go with what you 'feel' you need to do. I feel so sorry for you all and just hope it's not a situation I'm ever faced with.:-(

======= Date Modified 08 Sep 2011 08:09:46 =======
All credit to her.

My pet hate is people spreading word about someone passing away on Facebook. I told a friend by email that someone we knew had died, it was quite a sensitive matter, and they then blurted out to everyone and anyone on Facebook. A bit like, "oi, did you know such and such has died?" :-s

Fantastic news, Sneaks :-) The timing is very good as well as you're so close to finishing!

They could be putting it on a credit card or get extra help from family.

======= Date Modified 07 Sep 2011 06:03:44 =======
I've lived on an even tighter budget than that for 3 years. I haven't been out in a very, very, long time...The reason being to clear all of the debts that gathered through funding an education that has lasted many years. My PhD was funded and I took it solely for the funding and to get off unemployment. I will shortly be unemployed again, if I can't get a job, but with all my debts cleared, thankfully, and I should be able to resume some sort of social life. I can afford one now but want to get this finished as soon as possible. The PhD was worth it for financial reasons (I made much more from it than being unemployed) but, for me, an extended stay in the education system hasn't paid off and quite honestly I don't believe it will.

To answer your question, I think you can live like that long-term but it depends on what you've been used to and how disciplined you are with your money. However, aspects of life will pass you by. Is the scrimping and saving worth it? For me, no, but it really depends on the outcomes associated with it and whether you achieve these. In the end, will it get you what you wanted? If so, then yes, it will be worth it Unfortunately, you'll not know the answer to this unless you complete.

Good Luck!

Edit: I've lived on a tighter budget than you for 6 years and the last three years I've had the option of being able to turn on heating if I want and buy beyond 'value' brands. For 3 years I could even do these!

Her problem isn't with you, it's with herself. Most likely she feels insecure, unsure of herself and so needs to project a certain image. I can understand it would be annoying but try not to take it personally.

KB, I've done all that but to no avail. The only thing that has worked to some degree is saying I'd have to approach one of their colleagues for help if they couldn't. However, I now need to tread carefully as these are future referees.

Squaredot, I hope your mood picks up but the knowledge you've just earned your first star may help ;-)

Just keep remembering, you're not alone...and you can do it.