Just a thought: I get the impression that quite a few people feel low and also are doing a PhD. Obviously potentially there is a bias as the ones who do OK will problably not post something like "I am so happy...." but on the other hand it is striking how often this comes up. Could well be that "Badhaircut" has a point that working conditions are not excellent and possibly the dependent position is quite draining. May be we should get counselling or training in becoming more assertive? Or should the system change?

Hi Otto,

sorry that you feel the way you are feeling.
Do you also feel aggressive towards yourself or towards others? Difficulties with patience and getting snappy regarding small things?

If so time to have a break, not necessarily to quit for PhD, with time you feel better again and will renew your energy. Better not to make any major decisions now, so near towards your goal (= PhD)and just give yourself some time!

Rutherford

do not think that someone who works 9-5 by definition works hard, more the contrary: it may be easy going if there is a clear structure and fixed times.

For me people work hard who actually make decisions are productive and creative, people like surgeons, CEO's etc.

yeah, maybe it is me who is strange

maybe it is strange to expect the supervisor to respect the student and vice versa

Bazzaab,

all the best, keep in touch and tell how things are without your study

404

definitely! The secretary tried to connect yet something must have gone wrong as I heared my supervisor and her speak to each other and it was very easy to recognise the voice and what the supervisor said. Then secretary spoke to me again claiming that supervisor was busy and to ring again next week.

I am just not used to this type of behaviour

thanks for your replies,

you seem all quite cool about this issue and apparently it is normal that one has to wait for a long time.
Maybe did not express myself clearly: Obviously I had discussions with the supervisor before the research proposal and I have been doing a literature review for many months. Then when finally finished it and sent it in. I can even live with having to wait, yet find unprofessional behaviour (not wanting to speak to you) unbearable.
I believe in mutual respect and in my every day work where I deal with clients and collaegues this is not often an issue. I would expect from a supervisor at least a minimum level of professionalism

Have sent my research proposal about a month ago and still waiting for a reply. Understand from this forum that everything takes ages in academic circles, yet got fed up and started ringing. Spoken to the secretary stating that supervisor not there while hearing her talking on the background, asked by secretary to ring back next week. Is that adult behaviour?
I have send an E mail exactly describing explicitly the experience and stating next week I will be busy! Is this childish?

epzds

interesting position.
Seems that you are getting on well with your supervisor (which based on the postings in this forum is not always the case!) and as such you could consider moving, as you do not know how things will be in the future (both regarding organisation in Bristol nor regarding your supervision there). Obviously as with any choice there are advantages and disadvantages regarding any decision and finally you have to choose. Go by your feeling!

Hi Bruscar,

seems a difficult dilemma.
Obviously your view may still change over time, yet you seem to have very strong feelings regarding your PhD at the moment. It may be a good idea to speak to an independent person or for yourself to put all the pros and cons of a decision on a piece of paper to make it easier to decide how to continue or to stop.
As always with these issues you are the only person who can make the final decision

hi Fluffymonster, congratulations and well done!! Strange isn't the feelings which you have! Surprisingly this seems not to be uncommon; After a "major life event" (even if positive) people often feel empty and not really happy (although they should be). It often takes a little time to realise what you have achieved and be happy with it. Regarding your remark that you could have done better is a typical hindsight insight: If you would have known in advance what would be coming and would not have been nervous you would have done better. Yet obviously life is not like that and I think most people would feel the same. Just congratulate yourself, the happy feeling will come

Hi Juno,

I see your point that it is important to have time to reflect and think things over. On the other hand it seems a bit much if you are just waiting for weeks and nothing appears to happen. May be it is a matter of communication: If one gets explained why everything takes so long (had to help X, Y, Z, had to do teaching etc.) it would be easier to accept.
Often I think there may be a lack of respect?

Hi Bazzab,

see what you mean. Had the same issue today: I rang 2 weeks ago to get in contact with supervisor; she said she would read my proposal and to ring again two weeks later. Now two weeks later rang again and the secretary told on she is on holiday, try again 11.04.2007!
What is this? In a commercial company you would be out of business I you would treat your customers like that. Or are we just "students" who must be happy to get some time with their supervisor?

Hi Nimrod81

just seen your remark. Yeah did a lot of reading around my topic, but might have missed looking it from a different perspective. As mentioned above, I will look at this new insight and see how to approach this.

Hi Fluffymonster and 404

I realise I am a bit vaque but both of you understood the gest of it.
Thanks for your replies. I think you are right, better to look at things from the positive side and see how I can do things better and try to turn this into my favour.

regards