Hi Stresshead,

I'd give it a go and see how things develop. However it is ultimately your decision so please don't think you have to do things in a certain way because other have. What works for other may not work for you.

I am about to start my PhD (next week) and although there are nerves, I am really looking forward to it. I don't know that much about my subject as my UG degree has nothing whatsoever to do with it (it's science based and I have the technical skills rather than full blown knowledge). I decided to do a PhD after my graduate employer threatened us all with redundancy. I later found out my job was safe and there were times when I thought I had jumped the gun a bit by leaving my job. I am now in the mind that I'd rather regret something I had tried than spend the rest of my life wondering what if. 3 years is a very long time but I remember saying that 4 years was a life time away when I started my UG degree - and boy did those 4 years fly by.

I know my post isn't really advice but just wanted to let you know that there are others out there who have doubted their decisions at some point in their lives.

Good luck with everything though :-)

Michelle

Many congratulations Lara :-)

I've only just joined the forum so haven't had the pleasure of knowing you but I have to echo everyone else by saying you are a true inspiration. I start my PhD next week and will soon be delving deep into the worls of isolation and despair. lol.

Good luck for the future, you deserve it (up)

Hope you're feeling better. There is nothing worse than having to do something major when you are ill.

I'm glad to hear the first class went well (up) I'm really looking forward to teaching, although it'll be some time before I am let loose with a class, and I know i'll be a quivering wreck. I think it's the fear of looking like an idiot and I know from my undergraduate years that some students are not sympathetic.

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I have to agree with Ruby. I tend to go for the formal "Dear" if it is an initial email enquiry then follow on with the same greeting they have used in their reply.



I use pretty much most of the greetings mentioned when speaking face to face with a person. I think it depends on the situation, the person and my mood.

Thanks so much for the advice :-) Just think, in a few years time I could be posting something similar to your own post (well hopefully :$).

Michelle x

Many congratulations on getting to this stage :-)
I'm at the other end of the scale and will be starting my PhD next week. I'm feeling very excited but i'm sure the final stages of the writing must be even more exciting.
Good luck with your job applications (up)

Michelle

Hi Paperdoll :-)

I'm about to start my PhD too. I have given up my full time job to do it and my last shift is next Friday - I then start my PhD on the Monday. I am so excited and can't wait to get stuck in.

Good luck to yourself and to all other new PhD students out there. Enjoy (up)

Michelle

Well the countdown to the start of my PhD is on and to be honest I can't wait. Just wondered what I should expect from the first few weeks/months of a PhD? I know every PhD will certainly be different but would love to hear from anyone who's in a more advanced stage of their project.

Michelle :-)

Thank you all for your replies. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into things. I've been out of uni and in graduate employment for a year now and I really miss things like being busy. I kinda miss the stress too - is that weird? lol.

I suppose their are pros and cons to everything and a PhD isn't for everyone. I'll just do my best and see where it takes me. Just wait, i'll be the one posting the negative comments soon. lol.

Michelle

Hi guys,

I'm about to start my PhD in 2 weeks and have been reading this forum regularly for hints and tips. It concerns me just how many people hate their PhD, don't get on with their supervisor or just want to quit. Is there anyone out there who actually enjoys doing their PhD and are their any pro's related to having a PhD?

Many thanks,

Michelle

I have applied for jobs which have advised that they will not contact anyone who is unsuccessful and therefore if you haven't heard within 6 weeks of the closing date you should assume that you will not be invited for interview. This seems a bit different seeing as the interviews are only 3 weeks or so after the closing date. It could be that they are deliberating over who is being invited for interview and they may well have been overwhelmed with applications. Try and stay positive and assume right now that no news is good news. Good luck with everything and fingers crossed you get the result you want.

Hi all,

Well i'm entering into the big bad world of the unknown and will be starting my PhD in October. I am so excited about getting started but feel a bit scared as I really don't know what to expect. All the hints and tips that have been posted on here have been invaluable and have helped answer a few of my many questions. Thank you all for taking the time to help us newbies.

Michelle