The picture is so true... I am in the middle of drinking wine, and it's not even 4 pm yet.

In my case (R&R) the external only returned the second volume of my thesis (he kept the first one to compare it with submitted thesis number 2, and I was happy with this arrangement). The internal, after I contacted him, returned to me... both volumes of my thesis, and it was a delight to have them. The volumes were marked with handwritten comments on the margin, thus, I knew exactly what I needed to correct.

Of course it took the internal almost 6 months to return the printed thesis to me, and I had to chase him via the supervisor.

A bit of chasing wouldn't hurt in my opinion. Gentle chasing, via the supervisor, works best. Better be polite and professional if you can.

Mara Sp.

I sympathise. I also have to cover my mum and dad's expenses because of bad economy. Good news is that If you are in the UK, the Xmas period is great to make extra money if you work as a temp. Who knows? They may even keep you employed after the end of the holidays.

My philosophy is 'if you don't ask you don't get'. Just be nice, polite, and show genuine interest, about the PhD topic AND the supervisor.

As long as you answer in a positive manner, there is no right and wrong answer. Just be honest. For instance, say that you love research, that you love teaching, etc... All they want to see is that you are determined to do the work.

I find your supervisor's behaviour simply unacceptable. If I were you I would remind him that doing this fieldwork is your personal right, and that others have done similar things. As part of my PhD I had to travel to India, Pakistan, and the Middle East and the fact that I am a young woman never stopped me from travelling and working there all alone. I even had to spend over a month in these countries, all by myself! After all, you are responsible to look after yourself. You have to deal with sexism, not favouritism. This is discrimination! If talking to your supervisor doesn't work, talk to your student union or to your mentor.

How is your doctorate funded? Well, your supervisor is only trying to suggest things, but do consider their views, as they know what bit of your research has been 'done' before and how you can potentially add originality. You are so early in your PhD that you have to realise that your research proposal may have changed *100 times by the time you hand it. It's all normal and no need to panic.

Mara Sp.

Caro is right. I think that you are going through the phase of 'WHY' and 'WHY ME', like I did, 3 years ago.

It's only natural. Then, our mind tries to find reasons, excuses, we blame others, we blame ourselves, we blame everything, etc...

It took me about 8 months to get better after receiving the R&R.

My supervisor was not even on campus when I had my viva. I received an email from her 3 days later, saying to me that everything is going to be all right if I do the corrections as requested.

She is truly wonderful. She spent ages reading my thesis, before and after the R&R. These things happen.

This ^. Otherwise your examiners will mark your bibliography as incomplete. You include everything in your bibliography. Every single thing. From books, to websites, to personal communication... even youtube videos (if you have any)!

First of all, take the job, never say no to a decent income!

Second, your work experience (relevant or irrelevant to your potential PhD topic) may actually help you land a PhD, more than your masters degree can do. Work experience is much appreciated in PhD applications. It shows potential supervisors that you can work hard and learn.

If you really want to work in academia, you will find a way. You said that you considered the option of doing a PhD part time. Nobody's stopping you. Also, you will be the one who will choose your PhD topic and field, and your boss or office and the nature of your work have nothing to do with it. I know of someone who is working on internet security (full time) and is doing a PhD in chemical engineering (part time). See? Completely different fields.

I looked at last year's conference booklet and most speakers used third person. Thanks. I think I will do the same.

Now, after x number of years of doing the PhD sometimes I think of how nice it would have been if I had found a job instead of starting mine. I went through hell - literally. And I needed the money. How about you start working, you put your foot on the work ladder for a year or two and then reconsider? Jobs don't grow on trees unfortunately. It's never too late to start a PhD. I recently met a PhD student who is 60 years old.

Your last phrase gives me hope... lol.
Soon I should hear back from my examiners.

I haven't started applying for postdocs yet as there is nothing I am interested in, but I would also advise Ganesha to ask for references from people who have been real role models in her academic work - e.g. what about your undergrad dissertation or your master's examiner / advisor Ganesha?

This is an academic abstract for a very speaker-friendly graduate and early career researchers conference, with a very welcoming and supportive environment.

Yes or no?