15.67% - Officially a geek it seems *faints in surprise*

Now to send this round my work...

Afraid I haven't left and gone back as you have. But I've certainly had my ups and downs with how I feel about the PhD. For a year or so I seriously contemplated quitting. Recently though (final few months) I'd gotten more positive and started to wonder about staying in academia after all.....until my husband pointed out that I probably just have a case of "demob happy".
I think there's always a tendency to see the grass as greener wherever you're not, how long have you been away from the phd and how far into it were you?

Sneaks - at least 5? Are you magnetically drawn to ginger-gene harbouring people? That's quite a ratio!

Babies are a mine field. I always manage a show of enthusiasm and the polite questions about well being but after that I'm stumped. The miracle of life has been achieved, nothing went wrong - what more is there to say really?

He doesn't know what he's missing Wally, with your online charisma you'd sort the man's image in no time! I evidently need to drink more lager, I feel that I'm far too restrained and dull these days :-( that said, you sound rather entertaining when drunk, whereas I suspect I'm just a bit of a tit.

I think I've either suppressed my most shameful memories, or simply convinced myself that they were a good idea. I do suffer from foot-in-mouth disease though, recently I berated the dean of my faculty at our work party, telling him "God, I'm so glad I'm not married to YOU!" ....... erm, quite. This must be why I'm so popular around the department.....
(in fairness, he was being an utter chauvinist at that moment)

I know what you mean bug, I used to be resolutely closed up like that, logic is a lovely shield to hide behind.
You can always change it if you want to though. Nowadays I feel I have more of a choice in how open I am (although I must admit, in my case it took mental health problems, good friendships and a lot of therapy to change my ways!). When you find the Mr RightBug I'm sure you'll let go more.

I really wouldn't worry Algae. I'd far rather have a candidate who said "I achieved my phd goals and then took the trip I've always wanted, now I'm here because I want to be" rather than some burned-out student who desperately grabbed the first job while still making corrections. And to be honest, while learning Spanish is constructive, it's no more relevant to academic ambitions than taking a holiday! If you'd spent two years on the dole then yes, you'd look like a layabout, but choosing to take a break post-phd is just sensible, in my humblest of opinions.

Disclaimer - any opinions expressed by Teek on the subject of Latin/South American travel are likely utterly biased, given her own wish to travel there extensively. (She herself is rubbish at Spanish but very much enjoys trying to learn it)

I don't entirely agree with Jepson. I'm in a similar field (genetics) and for practical reasons the vast majority of phds are funded (in most cases you simply couldn't afford the resources yourself, I spend tens of thousands a year on consumables etc). There are also a lot of international students at this level (2 out of 5 in my lab are non EU), so while it means extra work in terms of arranging your visa and so on, I don't think it will automatically count against you.

The 2.2 is an issue, but it doesn't mean you can't get a phd post. If you get a merit in your MSc that's more relevant, and if you're still stuck then the best thing I can suggest is to get work experience as an RA or similar. I had a 2.1 and no masters when I got two phd offers, and I think it was my year in industry that really nudged me up the list.

It is competitive and you will need to apply fairly widely to give yourself a good chance. But go for that merit and chase it if it's what you really want.

Oh no you don't little flutterweb!

Someone3 this is fantastic news, well done!!!!

I think you can do whatever feels right. If you get on with your sup and would like to say hi then take it personally (champagne always a good idea as Sue says!). If for any reason you don't feel like it then I'm sure you're not obliged.

There's definitely an element of "geek chic" where I work. We have an established hierarchy of who's the geekiest but it's all done with a certain pride (and humour). I like to refer to myself as one when I get overexcited (or start having dreams about DNA) but in truth I'm a bit of a lightweight.

How frustrating, sorry to hear about that NofC.

I guess it just depends on who else applies and how drawn they are to your proposal. People will overlook it if that fits with their preferences on other factors. Best of luck and yes, don't waste time fretting.

Oh I hear you, Big Bang re-runs took up half my Sunday!

You'll be fine Mathkitty, if in doubt give them a graph or gantt chart, always gets me off the hook in style ;-)

In terms of getting started, I usually start with a one slide review of my last presentation or work to that date. Then move into the plan (that I obviously made and stuck to religiously) for the work I've done since. Then results, then analysis and future plans. I also tend to include at least one point on which I ask for input, keeps em awake and means I beat the arsey ones to the punch for questions!

I don't think age is a problem JillW, and it's great that you're back pursuing something you really want!

Experience through work is always a bonus, and supervisors much prefer mature, well-rounded candidates. However, if all your work experience has been in a totally different field then that might be an issue. Do you already have a masters in the subject? If so then could you look into any sort of work experience? I'd second the suggestion of contacing supervisors before, it's always good to make yourself known and to sound out their interests before applying. Don't be afraid of contacting people who aren't currently advertising either, it's always worth showing initiative if your keen on a particular academic's work.

Starting any new job is always just a big case of brain spasm. It's just a result of trying to take in so many new things at once, there's a limit to how many new commands you can process even if they're individually simple. Plus, I think the phd process allows you to work very much to your own tendencies and preferences, being asked to function in the "normal" world again can throw you a little!

Sneaks is right, give it a few weeks and you'll be databasing like a pro :-)