I've often thought that. Something I'm considering once I've completed, albeit in summer 2013, is heading abroad to work in the Middle East/Asia/Egypt for a few years and maybe a couple of years in Australia. I seem to have this deluded idea that six years spent over there will allow me to save a fair bit.... Could anyone advise whether or not the jobs are there?

Cheers

Evening all.. Hope everyone's looking towards the Christmas season. Just wondered what everyone's living situation is and how they cope with those around them at home? It's looking very much like I'm going to be moving out from my parents home... A bad thing in one sense. Even though I'm 25 I'm single and I moved back in to save some money as well as helping them out financially. One of my parents runs their own business which has been hit with the economic downturn and figured they could do with some money...

Problem is neither of my parents seem to understand what I do for a living (I'm actually lucky enough to be in reciept of a scholarship so I very much view it as my full time job!). Furthermore, because I study it also allows me to fit some part time teaching hours in throughout the year and 8 weeks full time work over the summer - things I couldn't do if I worked elsewhere. I think the feeling often is that my studying can just be 'fitted in around' everything else I do during the week and it's starting to really get me down... No support at home and such like.

Wondered if anyone else is in a similar situation, either with kids, siblings, partners or parents and how you cope?!?

I've had a look at the fasttrack scheme.... V. competitive but something I'd consider. Are there similar jobs within local government - aside from London?

No I hadn't Sneaks... Good pay/prospects/conditions?

Bilbo... Not yet. To be honest right up until Christmas I've up to my neck in assignments and deadlines. I presume the careers service is confidential?

Hi Sue,

Thanks for your response. When you say industry experience, how would people advise getting these whilst in the midst of doing a PhD? (sorry not meaning to be dumb!). I am currently teaching part time (6 hours a week) at a local college, coupled with undertaking a teaching qualification (is a fall back option...). Just wondering where I could fit it around? Is my uni likely to have some information?

Rebel

Evening all,

Sorry to have an attitude like the grim reaper but was wondering for those who have almost come to the end of their PhD (or nearing it) what is the job market, aside from acamdemia like. Though I've still a relative new starter I really think by the time I've finished (if I ever do) I would have had enough of academia by then. Primarily due to attitude of some senior academics I've met recently (sorry trying to keep an air of mystery surrounding identity so don't want to say anymore). What I'm wondering if being a PhD graduate (presuming I make it) and almost 29 with little industry experience... Would I be able to get an industry related job or straight in on a graduate programme? For that matter, would a graduate programme even take someone at 29 (six years after UG had finished)...

My PhD is in the sphere of Business and Management.... I think I will be ready to go back to academia a few years after but the thought of spending my life from now reading articles fills me with dread, and would almost rather get out now than prolong experience and heart ache (which I'm currently experiencing).

Thanks in advance and be gentle!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Mark...

I guess I'm in a similar situation to you in the sense that I've just started mate. I have an awful lot of problems that I put down to being 'new'. The thing I would ask is what is your relationship with your supervisor like? Whilst I barely know mine I would say that they are incredibly approachable (again different fields may have an impact), and willing to help if there's something that I don't understand.

I also find it helps to not compare yourself to people at different stages... I've literally just started, someone in thier final year of their PhD/post-docs are likely to have a far greater knowledge and understanding of the subject area. What I would ask myself is 'Is there anything at this stage that I could do to remove this dauntedness?'... At times it can be self-confidence and communication... On other occasions it can simply be I haven't read enough and need to work harder.

Thoughts appreciated.

Like an idiot when I first started my PhD I thought I'd have plenty of time to head away on holiday. The next four years were going to be an oasis of studying with constant visits abroad for holidays. Indeed, in 2010, 2011 and 2012 I had earmarked Canada; Singapore/Australia/New Zealand/Japan and the USA respectively for my trips abroad. Granted I was looking to tie those in with conference presenting (which I still might) but think it was a tad ambitious!

Still I am settling for some breaks over the course of my PhD. I'm definitely heading to Greece next year (June) for a week to see a friend. I'll also head over to Oman (probably October next year) as I've got a brother workign there. Canada in 2011 is a possibility as by then would hope to be ahead but I think these grand travel plans I had/have may be saved for a sabbatical a few years into my career!8-)

So do many supervisors read this board then would you say? I guess there's not many students at NUBS doing co-creation... Having said that on second thoughts there is!!! Maybe I shouldn't give away too much over time?

Fab once I'm able to get into it.... Many supervisors/students in general read this forum?

Thanks, what are you studying mate?

Hi all,

Hoping that everyone's doing well this afternoon. Further to my albeit brief first post I just wanted to drop a quick line and ask for a bit of advice. I am panicking... Big time! I've only been enrolled on the course for two months but already I'm thinking I've yet to make any progress... Some days I come in and wonder around aimlessly on the cpu checking various email accounts/news websites/social networking accounts and not really getting anywhere. Take today... I came in at two with the intention of writing 2,000 words for an essay that's due in next week. Almost 17:00 and nothing. Does anyone else have this same problem and how do you overcome in?

I guess part of it is, due to being a new starter I've no idea where to start almost! The sheer idea of writing 100,000 words is scary and petrifying, yet at the same time I think I've got it in me to push on. I've generally done well previously in my student days (picked up a certificate this week for a distinction in my masters) and really don't know what's wrong... Perhaps I just need to learn some new skills.

I am doing an MRes at the mo... Maybe that's just 'getting in the way' of research as there's a fair few modules for that and work that needs to be handed in during the interim which is disrupting my research.

Just wondered how to get this vehicle moving before it's too late... I have spoken to my supervisors about this and they've been extremely supportive... Great in fact! Maybe it's just my own mindset... :-(