my other half did BSc, MSc, PhD all at the same uni and I am doing MSc, RA position, PhD at the same uni. TBH I am wishing/hoping I get a post doc at the same uni, cos I love the atmosphere. I think in the 'current economic climate' I would take what you are offered! and if you enjoy it then so what!? The worst that can happen is that in a few years you get asked about it in a job interview and then you can say that you stayed on because you enjoyed it so much, developed good relationships etc etc (making sure the answer fits with their competencies lol)

go for it!

I'm with you here - I read about others using it and scoffed at them thinking it was a load of rubbish and nothing could motivate me, and yes the first few times I lied to myself and told myself I did do the whole tomato haha!

BUT, I have started using it last week (6 in one morning is my all time high so far) I think its great. The only down side is when I get a task that lasts longer, and I don't want a break in the middle because its just got to be done - e.g. I have 60 interviews to analyse, so I would rather do 1 interview and then a break, rather than 25 mins if that makes sense. Apart from that, just wish it wasn't tomatoes cos I hate having 5 a day!

I can definitely sympathise. I have developed and validated a questionnaire for my second study AND my supervisor has got me to reanalyse my 1st study data using a different technique - and therefore is necessary to bring in a whole new load of research in the lit review. The third study is still up in the air, if my sup gets her way it will be completely unrelated to the rest and need yet more lit (she doesn't listen to what I'm doing and doesn't know enough about my research, I feel, to offer me advice), if I get my way, it will lead nicely on from the questionnaire and be a nice little story - guess time will tell!

Anyway, good luck! I think formulating a few models will help clear your mind.

Sorry Wal, you didn't think you had got away with that did you? I WIN mwahahahahahaha

hmm yes, actually the only thing of note that i have been repeatedly told since before starting my PhD is "its all about telling the story" - so try a few 'storylines' out and work out what to keep!

I'm in the same boat - not helped by the fact that my 3rd study hasn't kicked off yet, so I don't relaly know which way my story will go (the current (bad) option will take it in a completely different direction - so I feel I can't write anything until the data is there/or not for it).

I recently spoke to a young viva examiner, who passed his PhD a few years ago. He said the key thing (in my field anyway) in your viva is to demonstrate that you know how your PhD fits in with theory and how it has developed theory - i.e. they want to see a model. If I were you I would sit down and work out what aspects of what you have done make the best model, the one that says what you want, but in a concise and 'tight' way - so there are no gaps to pick holes in. Even if that means not including A LOT of your material (that will potentially raise more questions than answered!). Once you have done this you might be more able to understand 'the story' of the PhD and why you have done what you have done etc.

I would also advise looking at a range of theses to see if you can arrange it in a way you previously haven't considered e.g. VOLUME 1: Wal's crazy thematic analysis and other studies

VOLUME 2: Wal's other crazy studies that mean x, y and z

or summit similar ;-)

hmm, I was having a heated debate recently with someone about school teaching. They were saying that school teachers are worked too hard and I pointed out that uni lecturers have to do the same amount of work, but also have to find time for the research side and all the publications PLUS consultancy/other work because the pay is SOOO bad! Anyway, I think I won?

I haven't been to the cinema in aaages! its quite pricy now I feel. When I do go, I am not realy 'allowed' to see anything good - well I'm allowed but there will be lots of fidgeting and finger drumming next to me from bored hubby - he did this all the way through harry potter (yes, that is my definition of good - not arty films!) I think the last film I saw was Rambo 4? :$

I'm LAST!??? :-s what if I do a last minute cringe worthy kareoke display in true CDWM spirit? any more points on offer?

I have found with the admin staff, a big tin of roses goes down very well and everything magically gets sorted for you!

I have heard the ESRC do have quotas and it will effect further ESRC possibilities for the supervisor involved - which means my sup WILL NOT let me pass on over the 4 years as she is milking the ESRC for everything they've got (quite rightly). Not its not particularly the finishing time I'm worried about - I am more than confident I will get it all written by OCt 2011, its the money to fund from Oct 2010 onwards which is concerning me. I have just blown my savings on a house, a marriage, a car and new house things, e.g. boilers, electrics etc. which does mean we will be completely debt free come october, with just the mortgage and essentials to cover with hubbys salary. Tbh, i forgot about tuition fees! :$ I do have an ISA somewhere of about 7K but I really didn't want that being washed down the drain - urgh! ESRC should fund for 4 years!

9 out of 10 I think - I liked your turkish delight ice cream, but not so keen on chocolate desserts.

the Mods are probably getting a cut

I'm desparately on the look out for any RA related jobs. Problem is its a small department and I think my sup wants to encourage me to get the PhD done - everyone else she has supervised has rich partners so they could take 3-4 years EXTRA to finish. My hubby is doing ok, but without 2 salaries its going to be tight on the budget, so she just doesn't get that i can't take next year off. So any RA jobs that do come up, she doesn't reserve them for me or anything :-( I am looking out for local teaching work at the 6th form colleges, so I can get part time teaching stuff. Hopefully something will work out, but its quite stressful!

me personally - I wouldn't bother. I would try to publish what I have done - so it feels finished, but I think sometimes an MPhil just looks like a 'failed PhD' on the CV for those in the know. Although if you are not looking to go into research then maybe its a good idea so you can explain what you did with the time on your CV. Alternatively you could just explain that by saying you were a 'researcher' and leave it at that and have the publications to show for it?

hmm - on an ESRC note. DOes anyone know if ESRC funded students are allowed extensions and if so how to go about getting one?? I desparately need one come october. Will the extension just be the date extended, or will they continue paying me a bit of stipend money. I'm freaking out over my mortgage payments and how to meet them with only one salary coming in once my lovely stipend stops!