so glad to hear this!! As a woman i like not having to declare whether I am married, single or poss feminist with Ms, its great. I do agree with Jayney that there is a modesty etiquette but sometimes I don't want to be modest. I spent the whole of my PhD learning humility in so many ways, I think that PhD students suffer so much self doubt and criticism that the Dr title should be used whenever possible to rebuild much needed self esteem

luigi, I am passionate about my subject and I have completed my PhD. However there are other ways to pursue a passion, the PhD route is just one. I was only considering that the title may be a great incentive for many of us if we are absolutely honest

Thanks for that. I agree that the title certainly was not the reason for starting the PhD but it was a great carrot when things got tough.

one thing I know, if you listen to other people you will only find out that there is never a right time to have a baby. what's the matter with now anyway? I have 3 children and we all survived my PhD!

I was just wondering how many of us would have pursued or would continue to pursue a PhD if it didn't come with 'dr' at the end? Its just that I have been reading a thread on another forum where the participants thought it was snobby to list academic accolades. Just interested because I don't think I would have completed without it to be honest. Does that make me a terrible snob?

I fully funded my own PhD - everything. Cost rather a lot over the years.

I had my last baby in the final year of my undergrad but I had the extra trouble of bringing up tiny baby and two other young children whilst doing my PhD. I got through!!

modelling what? prozac?

Of course your supervisor knows a lot about the subject or she wouldn't be your supervisor! You are early into what you are doing and its hard to take in all the work that's out there but that is no reason to feel intimidated - its a learning curve and you are already climbing it. In the end trust me you will know more about your particular strand than most other people, probably including your suprvisor. Just be grateful you have someone so competent supervising you, but also be careful that you aren't writing her notes!!

I just got my book proposal turned down. My paper has been rejected. I have lost access that my next research project was counting on. I'm on a temp contract that ends soon - no sign of another job. Yes I'm so glad I spent the last 8 years sweating blood just to be here. I've never been so miserable.

mine was a social science viva in the UK. External led the whole thing, both agreed the revisions, they meet before to go over these things. It was 2 hours but seemed like less. I was terrified to the point that I wanted to cancel the whole thing! In the end it was challenging and if I'm honest, contrary to what many people say I was really glad when it was over. Remember its not supposed to be adversarial but your chance to defend what you've done and chat about your work in a professional manner.

I have shed tears over this so many times - Academics are trained in a way to find fault with everything, its what we do, its why we research. However we carry that over to criticising our colleagues with a little too much gusto sometimes. Don't worry we are most of us in the same boat. Those criticisms are not insults (well not always!)and even the best have to take it on the nose too. You are not alone.

Hi'

I would take heart from the fact that this person is experienced in PhD examining. He has nothing to prove and knows what you are going through. It is not unusual to think your thesis is bad. I did, and my external was pretty well known - he was great, put me at ease, knew what he was looking for etc. Don't worry.

I am soon not to be affiliated with an institution as my short term teaching fellow contract ends. How can I apply for research funding in these circumstances - do I have to wait until I get a job? Even esrc post doc felowships have to have an institutional affiliation. I am sooo confused and disheartened - can anyone help?

I am social science - for me its always been surname and date - initials or name in ref list/bibliography at end