Hi all,

I'm learning very, very little from my PhD. I feel terrible for saying this as my supervisors are lovely people but I'm not entirely sure they're reading my stuff. I get comments, very general verbal comments from one as they don't seem to like giving hard copy or feedback via email. The comments just tend to be you're doing well but no specifics. So really how do I know they're reading my stuff? The other has offered some feedback in the past but since acquiring a number of other students and appearing to me to be very stressed the feedback is again very general and sometimes when I ask specific questions these go unanswered. I'm analysing data which I really lack confidence in doing and I'm being told everything is correct but I'm convinced some of it isn't and don't want to waste time writing up stuff that is wrong and having to backtrack.

Any suggestions? I have no-one in the department I can ask.

I'm feeling very frustrated :-s

Wanted a job or to do a PhD that reflected my interests but couldn't get either. I very, very much needed money and so the studentship is the ONLY reason I'm doing a PhD. I do feel bad in that someone else would probably enjoy this but it's a hard life and I had to look after number one.

It certainly puts things in perspective... I'm so happy for you that you received good news but am sorry that you had to go through that, especially in light of what you've already been through. So sad to read about your sister as well - that's truly terrible in itself and I'm sure your still feeling a great sense of loss. You've been through a LOT - be kind to yourself and don't feel guilty about having a breather - you deserve some time out.

...*a fishy tale if ever I heard one...and a sad start to the weekend for you...a pet's a pet and, in many ways, a family member. In fairness, your parents tried to do the right thing in getting you a new fish and I think they did the right thing in not telling you as in reality you were away and there was nothing you could do. A good way to look at it is, and it might help you to bond with you new fish, your parents got you him/her because they wanted to save your feelings and because they care for you and love you.

*sorry just couldn't resist.

I'm not best placed to advise as I haven't reached that point but I just wanted to lend you my support. Remember, you're closer to the finish line than before. Have a talk with your supervisors and pay careful attention to the feedback you get from them but pay particular attention to the feedback you got, and will get, from the examiners. You'll have some work ahead of you and although you've had a soul destroying experience, try to put it to one side and focus on the task in hand. If you do everything the examiners tell you in the feedback it will stand you in good stead. I'm sure the uncertainty is killing you as it's a terrible position to be in. I feel for you...

All the very best - chin up!

Sadly DanB yours is not necessarily a view I'd agree with. I always said I'd do a PhD for one of two reasons because I had passion and drive for a topic and, indeed, I constantly tried for 6 years to be allowed to study my research interests at PhD level and made no headway. Eventually secured a supervisor who shared my research interest and who loved my proposal (she made no changes to it) and yet I couldn't secure a funded place. I think she was really taken aback by this as she seemed to think it would be a home run. The other reason I said I would do a PhD is through complete desperation and as a means to secure an income. Guess why I'm doing a PhD?:-s

You're only doing what comes naturally! See the NHS video below.

http://www.nhs.uk/video/pages/medialibrary.aspx?page=35&filter=&id={95b2e54d-46f8-47eb-a1c5-d5694f7cf1bc}&tag=&title=nhs+videos+|+flatulence&uri=video%2f2008%2faugust%2fpages%2fflatulence.aspx

Thanks Stressed, your kind words mean a lot. I suppose reading this thread just made me realise what a raw deal I feel I'm getting from my supervisors, as supervisors.

However, it's a lovely thread and I'm happy to read that others are having positive experiences.

======= Date Modified 10 Aug 2010 14:40:36 =======
I envy you all. It's MONTHS since I saw my supervisors, I've LONG since indicated I need help but I'm still waiting... and I have not had a single thesis related piece handed back to me and I'm heading into 3rd year! I haven't a clue if I'm doing great or terribly, feedback is just a word to me. Absolutely lovely people but as supervisors I think they're pretty woeful.

Hi Sneaks,

I don't think my post will be much help but just to let you know I share your sense of frustration. :-(

If you feel you can make time and can progress with writing aspects of your thesis you should do so. You don't need to run everything you do past your supervisor and what she doesn't know will do her no harm!

You have my support!

Great news! If I remember, things were very tough for you near the end of your write up but you stuck it out and hopefully this is the start of a new and better phase in your life. Many congratulations!(up)

With the surplus of graduates wanting work I'd say it's very well situated. :p

I was in this situation and decided to reject the offer. It would have been my ideal PhD as I loved the topic but knew I wasn't prepared to self-fund as it would have just been too stressful constantly worrying about time and money. The PhD I'm doing leaves me cold but it provides an income and, for me, that's a great relief. I suppose it depends on just how much you love the topic, if you can afford to self fund or can find a way to self fund and what your end goals are and how helpful this particular PhD would be for you. Completely your decision but I'd be inclined to look at other PhD's with funding.

Great to read - well done and congratulations!(up)