Got a 2.2 (not a 3rd) when it is normally a 2.1.

I did; though I'd need my supervisor's approval if any article would mention my sponsor or university

Sue, that's ace!

(and I fully agree about waiting to get to know someone). But on the positive side, people do say things they regret sometimes, so I hope your supervisor is full of apologies next time she sees you.

It's not a 2.2, that's for sure. 75% is either a 2.1 or a 1st, depending on the university, I think.

An elderly family friend was once introduced to a distant cousin of mine. When he asked the cousin about himself, the cousin replied "I'm a linguist". "Good for you, lad", the EFF replied. "I'm a Catholic meself".

Tunics: that's another fashion mistake. I tried one on and it made me look like a little mushroom.

Gamba - I know, it'a an awkward position you're in. I wasn't succesful either (hence the barmaid job). On the plus side, I can mix a mean Manhattan now - lives up the academic parties

Well, I wouldn't really recommend it if there was any other way - there's no pretending it's easy. But if you really, really want a PhD and there's no funding, part-time is a viable option.

Gamba, there are good and bad points to a "career" job and a "just for the money" job. The latter (barmaid in my case) gives you more flexibility, but as you're finding, you don't always feel great about the job. A career job is better paid, but your employers will probably want more of your commitment. The ideal is a campus job, I think (librarian, technician, admin).

Fair enough, but you misunderstood is all I'm saying - probably my fault cos I'm not the most coherent poster. But O Stoll was being excessively negative (IMHO) and I didn't want Gamba to be discouraged.

Just re-read your message, Jojo...after 7 years the bloke got his PhD - that's a return, surely? Especially given that the full time students have a limit of 6 years for completion.

Jojo - my "why are you bothered" was addressed to O.Stoll. I was part-time for a year and worked as a barmaid, so I do know what it's like. I'm on Gamba's side here, as I though was very obvious - that's why I was giving her examples of other people in my department who have been very succesful with part time work.

It's definitely not easy. If it's possible to switch to full time then I would recommend doing so. But if part time is your only option, then don't despair - the chances are that if you want it enough, you can do it.

O.Stoll - Fair enough. However my experiences are different to yours, clearly. I was telling the truth when I told Gamba that there are many part time success stories here, I know them personally.

Not sure why you are so bothered, really.

A woman who is now a senior lecturer and a highly successful researcher (has won both UK and international prizes for innovation) started first as a volunteer here, then as a part-timer. She's still under 35 and is bringing in more research funding than most others here. Also a man who had to suddenly take over his family business, so had to make his PhD part time, graduated last year - took 7 years but he got there in the end.