I voted 'maybe'. Just my opinion, but I think you'll never really know until you finish (should you decide to do one). If you get what you want from it then 'yes' but if not 'no'.

Also, it really depends on the reasons for doing a PhD. If someone does one purely for passion (and doesn't plan beyond that) and enjoys it for that reason, then it's worth it. If, for example, someone does it for career purposes and for whatever can't get the job they want after completion, then in my opinion, it's not worth it.

Please don't panic! This is normal practice, at least in my university. The thesis is only subject to hard copy binding after viva and after any corrections have been made.

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Try to work daily (weekdays at least), but at a steady pace from the outset. What I mean is don't work too hard as this could burn you out early but try to make continual progress as adopting a regular steady pace will get you into the habit of working which should result in progress and when you make progress you are more inclined to want to work, just my opinion.

In my opinon, HazyJane has posed all the right questions and you should think about the answers carefully when making a decision. I can't top her advice!

To add, keep all your emails in relation to this (especially to and from the internal) as it will prove you've attempted to follow through as best you can.

Definitely contact your supervisor - all the best.

Great news about the job, by the way!

Treefrog, I'm sorry to read that. These are truly terrible times...good luck for tomorrow.

Dazed, your last post made me very sad. Please remember first and foremost you're 'mummy' to children you love and children that love you - you'll always have someone who loves you and that's more than some. Being loved and wanted is the greatest thing and no job, no matter how good or well paid, will give you that warm feeling!

I totally feel your frustration. I've never been at risk of losing my house but, and I'm being serious, I had to semi-starve myself for three years to keep a roof over my head (only one night out and that was paid for) and even went without food for a few days at one point and worked myself into ill health. That's why I did the PhD for the studentship money.

It would be wrong of me to say things will get better for you soon but things would be much worse without a loving family.

I approached a potential supervisor about an area I very, very much wanted to study. After a few meetings spent debating the content of a PhD proposal (we had different theoretical perspectives) he questioned my academic ability to do a PhD. Interestingly, he didn't have one (I found out later) and I'm not sure why, but he had an MPhil. However, I felt and feel uptight that he decided to make such a judgement and didn't explore the ideas further with him.

I'm now doing a PhD and although it's not in an area of interest, I've recently received very glowing comments about my work and have been subject to high praise and no real criticisms. Long may it continue!

I think Doctor_soul and Mackem_Beefy have made really good points and remember if you do decide to go travelling you can also do a PhD after you come back and it could even be a PhD more in line with your interests.

Do what makes you happy - that's the best advice you'll get, in my opinion.

;-)

Hi ady,

I know very little about the process but at my university you have to submit an intention to submit form and I think you do this about three months before you plan to hand in.

Hope this helps.

Only you can make the decision, as you'll have to live with it. I would say aside from the aspect of travel, my situation was exactly like yours three years ago and I could quite easily have written your post!!!

I really wanted a job but couldn't get one. I really wanted to do a PhD in a certain area but couldn't get funding for it but was offered funding for a set project (I applied through panic - I really needed the studentship money as I was in debt and wanted to get out of the cycle of unemployment and I took it because I felt we were in recession and it was only going to get worse). I took on the PhD and am nearing the end of the three years. For ME, it was the right decision as it allowed me to clear my debts and has allowed me to live more comfortably for three years. Doing the PhD itself, apart from some supervisor issues (trying to get feedback) proved to be far less stressful than I anticipated. I've never felt emotionally connected to the project but have viewed it as a job and just tried to get on with it.

I can see reasons as to why you should go travelling now and I can see reasons as to why you should do the PhD (mainly practical reasons like me and for the reasons suggested by your family). However, I'm a play safe kind of person (my nature which I cannot change) and that can make for a boring life and life is short...

I hope you make the right decision for you!

Well done phdbug - your work ethic has been very inspiring.

All the best for the Viva and new post!(up)

I wouldn't select on the basis of which career I think is 'cooler' rather I would try to research which one has the potential to open the most doors in terms of employment. It's important you enjoy your course as well though.

I think Angelette has provided really good advice. Nothing to add really but just to wish you all the best with whatever you decide.