Well, I am doing a PhD and my boyfriend is an accountant - not much hope for me then?!?

This is a really interest question about who academics socialise with and how academia is perceived by those with "real" jobs. When I go to the hairdresser and they say "oh, have you got a day off"...I almost want to say "yes, I work in insurance" rather than "I am able to work flexi time as I am doing my PhD"..."PhD?" Exactly. This is no reflection on the hairdressing profession, but rather an example of the daily battles we as future academics face when asked "what do you do then?"

I agree with Freddy and Stu. I think there is a time and a place to fish for info about those who fail to finish their PhDs and this is NOT it. Writing-up, beginning and researching a PhD is hard enough at the best of times without somebody actively seeking out those people who have had to make the AGONISING decision to quit. I suggest you draw on your own miserable experiences and take it from there. With all you deep thoughts on the subject you must have enough for a thesis! Cheers all! Apologies to regular posters.

drinking...biscuits...and a bit more drink!

Yes...this is a common PhD symptom...treatment - get the ****** thing finished!!!! Alcohol and sweet treats - writing uppers nightmare!

Sorry, I meant DJWICKID not DJWICKED

DJWicked...this is very disconcerting i know. However do you think their criticism is constructive, rather than the other "what is this rubbish you have written?" If so - long may it continue. I am hoping to submit soon too and my supervisors are organising a mock-viva, perhaps if they haven't already, suggest this and see if you get a clearer picture this way...I am sure we are allowed to have more than mock-viva! From previous posts on this forum it appears no two supervisors are the same, but if we are feeling isolated or like there is a lack of interest it is also up to us to badger them. Talking of badgers...did anyone see the Apprentice?!

Hi EatingElephants,
I am really sorry to hear your supervisor is giving you a hard time. I think you were well within your rights to speak to the head of school. After all your supervisor is a bad listener and gave you no choice. I think if she continues to blame you for this situation, I wonder whether her other students are experiencing something similar and it is her problem rather than a clash between you and her. To bad mouth you to the head of department is rather unprofessional and I would have expected her to at least pretend she had realised how her behaviour was impacting upon you and your research. Speak to your head of school again and see what she suggests. I agree with an earlier poster about complaining being a last resort, however I think you were given no choice and it was more like an informal 'let's sort things out' than I am taking you to the college board. You mention the H-O-S was your first supervisor - could you go back to working with her? Good luck and be strong! Hilary

Hi all,
Went away for a while...Internet was major figure in procrastination so tried to turn it off for a while...anyway have succumbed once more!
Guys I think we are in the awful April slump...cheer up all! Almost summer. Bright mornings for doing lots of work, nice afternoons for doing more work - or watching sport (another potential procrastination device) - and warm summer evenings for drinks (Pimms, G&T, beer, chilled wine - all of the above please) after work!-) Yeah!
Cheer up all!!!!!

On that note, any advice for getting done what you know you need to do but can't seem to get it done? As in chap to write, know what I want to write, just can't write it?! HELP!

Check this site out...unfortunately you have to pay...but how hilarious. you can give you professor, tutor etc. marks on how good you think they are! Access should be free!
http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/benefits.jsp

I am in totally the same position. My desk is infront of a big window and I seem to get distracted by the goings-on in the street. I also find "quickly" checking my emails is usually not so "quick" - and yep, browsing for houses on rightmove. What a fab site. Bought a flat two years ago and would love to move to house with a garden...so can work outside in the summer. Not sure what can be done about these distractions. Other than working in the library - Lot of friends swear by the British Library (get loads of work done) and all the other people there studying seems to motivate them. Cups of tea...another distraction! Also posting messages and phoning people to tell them how distracted you are is another!

"Love Actually" (Mia I agree...also quite nice in this film too!)

Colin Firth (yum!)

Hi all! What are your motivational strategies? By this I mean what motivates you to put pen to paper? to go to the lab? or even get out of bed!?
I am beginning the process of writing up and can find a million other things to do before sitting down at my computer (INTERNET and posting on forums being one of those million other things). What are your strategies?
Thanks, Hillyg x

I think it depends on what you want to get from the seminar. If you just want to be able to put the seminar on your cv then try not to overcomplicate, however if you are looking for advice from peers and staff in the department then have some questions at the end for them to answer rather than them ask you questions you currently aren;t ready to answer. good luck

Desperate Housewives! (something else to distract from the important business of writing up)