SixKitten and Bobby: sounds like those other people just need to grow up. What's the problem with two people who work/study together, getting together?

Maybe it depends on the institution. Where I did my undergrad there were a few student/lecturer relationships and no-one batted an eyelid, but where I am now - although as far as I know there are no such relationships - even the suggestion seems to shock people. Who cares what two adults do in their spare time?

Hi Sara!

Well, you timed it well: Christmas party season, mistletoe and all...should be easy to make your move

I can't imagine ever feeling comfortable with people paying for me or serving me, no matter how qualified I was. I'm lucky here, all the profs are confident enough in themselves to be able to take pleasure in seeing young scientists coming up.

Depends who you work for. Where I was the wage was 17,000, but that was a small company (8 staff). Bigger companies probably do pay more than academia.

Maybe it depends where you live. The ones I know in industry are on 17-20,000 and in academia about 20-24,000.

Yes, that's a point. Maybe he was feeling threatened by your new title and wanted to reassure himself he was still "better" than you. Tosser.

Happy birthday!

And don't worry about what you should do. Milestones are nothing but trouble in my opinion; take life at your own pace.

(mind you I'm 30 and haven't done much, so who am I to advise

It's not impossible. If you work at least 3 days per week you can earn enough to support yourself, and pay part-time tuition fees (which are usually around 700 quid/year). Then expect your Ph.D. to take about 6-7 years.

The record at our university is 12 years to complete.

By the way what is your dream job?

A week is not a long time in interview terms. I was offered an interview once 2 weeks after my referees were contacted. Especially if it's an academic position, you know the speed university administration moves at.

I'm very flattered to be included too! I feel like part of a big cozy family now

stroop means syrup. They're kind of like hard waffles with caramel inside that you put on top of your coffee cup, till they go soft. If you're in the UK Asda sell them.

How do you survive that? You must have to wear mammoth skin just to stay warm. And the heating bills must be huge.

I've heard of one fail, but apparently the girl had been told to get her act together many times so she had sufficient warning. Don't know the girl personally though.

Hurray!