sorry 404 - only just read your post (after I'd seen 999 and posted). How can I redeem myself for this heinous crime?

cue tsunamis, earthquakes, catacyclismic volcanic eruptions, raining frogs,

oi! 1000

992

there!

darn it, wrong lyric, it was 992. Maybe if I post it again..

In the year of our lord, 990....

It's like the clock ticking towards New Year. Mind you, I was reading some Nostradamus the other day and he predicted that when the PGForum thread on last post wins reaches 1000, the world will end.

Perfectionism and a PhD rarely fit together anyway - unless you're planning on spending the next 20 years creating a paradigm shift and then submitting. Attention to detail? Yes of course but not perfectionism. It's just a PhD, a training exercise in producing an original piece of research.

well, I can safely say I wasn't born in 980. Mind you, if I was I could have witnessed Norman the Conqueror and is his boys when I was 86.

It depends on whether you really aren't suited to doing a PhD or whether you're passing through a low motivation phase. If the former, then quitting may maker you happier. If the latter, you'll always regret not completing the job in years to come.

..moreover, much as I'm working long hours during the week (I have to meet a self-imposed deadline in 3 weeks), I am not working weekends - I need battery recharge time!

I motivate myself by thinking of the bigger picture. The prospect of running out of money in 2.5 years time because I haven't finished tends to focus the mind on getting on with the job!

Also, as I want a PostDoc and eventually a career in academia, I like to be seen around the department as hardworking!

Whatever works for you I guess...

I was in a high motivation period before Easter. I was bit concerned that the Easter break would disrupt my momentum, but not so. Did a good day's work yesterday and a productive morning so far. That said, I'm looking out of the window at the glorious sunshine and blue sea and wishing I was on the beach!

6) Whether the topic interests you sufficiently for you to commit to 3+ years.
7) Whether the university actually wants you!

It's still only April and quite a number should be advertised before the autumn. Keep your head up because, as my supervisor said to me when I was applying last year, where there's a will there's a way!