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oops, hard day yesterday obviously. well spotted LOL

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I am having a similar problem. I would be so much more productive at home when it comes to writing and sorting out figures, but because my PhD is lab based and my supervisor is always around (and believes you should be at your bench doing lab work mimimum 9-5), I'm worried I won't be able to get away with it. I'm sick of doing it in theevenings as I'm too tired to do it properly and then I find I can't relax as I haven't left myself enough time. Sometimes I consider leaving at around 3pm (I'm super organised and can usually get my lab work done by then), but noone else ever seems to do this. They prefer to leave everything to last minute when it comes to written/computer work, however I really want to finish on time. I wish more people would have an open minded attitude to working environments and productivity!

Alan Carr :-)

I can tell you're really excited, you've dedicated 4 threads to Obama! I'm really glad he's done it though.

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SCAN

Hi I'm from Manchester, great city! My brother is severely autistic and there is a wide range of schools ranging from schools specifically for people with learning difficulties to integrated schools that have special needs departments. What's also great is that there are colleges helping with independence and careers that aim to integrate those with autism into the community and teach them life skills. There are a few 'buddy schemes' set up which allow children and teenagers with learning difficulties in the nearby area to meet up and play/make friends etc. so there shouldn't be any need for isolation. Aside from these issues, Manchester is one of the friendliest cities around, and also one of the cheapest to live. Although its an industrial city, there is plenty of greenery around. Salaries aren't so high as a general rule, but that is usually compensated for by the fact that everything is much cheaper. I honestly thin you'll be fine, you may even enjoy it!;-)
Good luck!!!

actually I don't think this is such a great thing! Someone in my lab had her paper written for her like this, in fact everything she wrote was rewritten by our supervisor (even if it conveyed exactly the same as what she wrote in the first place). Now not only does she have no confidence in her own writing style, it has come to thesis writing time and our supervisor is nowhere to be seen. She is now struggling so much to write as she is used to having someone rewrite her stuff. This could be a particular problem for those whose first language is not English and needs the practice. I should also point out that our supervisor has been in trouble for this 'rewriting' recently. Having said that as long as you know your stuff inside out, it shouldn't give you problems with things such as vivas, however it can undermine your confidence. Its as though what you have written isn't good enough, especially frustrating if what is rewritten says exactly the same as what you wrote in the first place, just reworded.

Olivia I really think your destiny is to become a pirate. Give up your PhD and sail the 7 seas!!!;-)

I know its a real pain, but try to rise above it. Sounds like you're dealing with yet another academic ego. This happens frequently, academics can be so narrow minded and some can enjoy putting other's work down because they believe their own work and research area is far superior, and so only value their own input. Bear this in mind and don't let others try and sway you. As long as you believe in what you are doing, keep at it! A major skill in doing a PhD is the ability to stand up and defend your own research. I have faced many supervisors who have tried to tear my work to pieces, but because I was able to give a good argument as to why the research was worthwhile and was able to show that I know what I'm talking about, and can think critically, I was able to earn their respect (even if they still didn't agree with me). I know it can be very offputting but I really think you will be ok, unfortunately in academia, it seems one has to develop a tough skin (easier said than done- I end up taking some criticism personally).

Scienceishard doesn't quite know how to feel. Her brand new method for an experiment worked but not well enough to give her any data! Bittersweet, took me 12 hours to set up as well:-(:-)