Notime

It sounds odd that the university would make counselling a condition, but if that's really all they're asking in order to support your requests - why not go for it? The service will be confidential, and if you're feeling that you've lost motivation through poor management, it might actually help. At worst it will be a bit boring, at best it might genuinely benefit you. All this only stand of course if you still want to try and write up. Might there also be a relevant academic you have faith in who could look over an outline of the results and give you their opinion?

As for career suggestions, I'm afraid I'm adrift in that sea myself and have no better answers than you! I'm currently attending open days and looking into voluntary work though to try and dip my toe in possible waters. I think it's hard to get perespective when you're in the phd mire, fingers crossed it will all become clearer when we get past the writing.

Hey sneaks, how's it going?

Noticed you've been MIA like me. Hope you're not drowning in non-phd (or actual phd) work?

Oh dear, I'm in a panic. I went away over christmas, but rather than invigorating me for the final push I've come back anxious and disinterested :-( It just all feels too much, I haven't got so much as a firm introduction outline and I'm still in the lab.

No one in my group has finished anything close to time, but I really wanted to. I feel like I've run out of steam and even trying to plan feels too much.

God that was a pathetic vent. On the upside, I do feel a little better for admitting it to someone. Time to revisit that gantt chart methinks....

Hi Patrick

I went into my phd (I do genetics) with only a Bsc to my name. What got me the offers was really the year I'd spent in industry developing lab skills. So I'd say if you've worked in R&D for a year that should stand you in good stead, especially if some of your work has relevance for the phds you've applied for.

As for hearing back, it can take a while depending on university paper shuffling and when the closing dates were for the posts. If you've applied directly to supervisors on spec, then keenbean's suggestion of chasing them up could well be worth a shot - never hurts to look motiated! If on the other hand these are formal applications for advertised posts, it'll just be a case of your hearing when they complete the process of selection. However it goes though, don't be afraid to approach people you'd like to work with and always feel free to ask for feedback.

Good luck!

I must respond to walminski's poetic take on honey, but in defence of my beloved brown spread!

On the joys of marmite (its virtues, inFInite) or Ode to a yeasty delight

A salty apothecary
For last nights debauchery
Cure for spirits most
Upon the humble toast
Topped with cheese for cakegirl
None for wally (such a churl)
B vitamins for all
marmite, I am in your thrall

I have a minor fixation on Louis de Bernieres latin american series. Not trashy but immensely colourful and will definitely take you away (especially if you have a thing for the magical realism genre like me). There are three in the set but they're each wonderful in their own right:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Louis-Bernieres-Box-Set-books/dp/0749386347
If you want something a bit more solid his Birds Without Wings novel is wonderful too (and all far better than the captain correli stuff).

Hi Matt

I'm assuming you came off your tablets gradually? Even if you did, there can definitely be a difficult adjustment period, I've been through it a few times myself. It definitely sounds like you need a break, I know that whole clock-watching, sleepy, verge of tears thing well and it only happens to me when I'm very stressed or hitting a real low point. Are you in contact with a doctor or therapist who's helping you through this transition, it really sounds like you need some support. You sound as if you're a bit isolated at work, are there any clubs or socieities you could join to get you a bit more social activity so it's not so lonely?

Aside from that, if you're getting good marks and working solidly, perhaps now it's time to learn to trust yourself and work on worrying less? It's going to be a tough 4 years if you keep doubting yourself and never feeling you've done enough (a certain amount of this is par for the course, but it can be downright disabling if it goes too far). A phd really is a marathon and learning to manage yourself in a sustainable way is as important as any piece of lab work. My advice would be to down tools, take a break, see your family and keep in touch with your doc regarding the meds situation.

We'll just have to trust Catalin's score keeping for now.

I'll have an "R" please carol.

Absolutely sneaks. And I'll bring a gingerbread house for us to decorate as well (decorate and then eat, obviously).

Good call catalin, cocktails to start and then some tasty aged rum so we can sip that by the fire as dean croons away.

As for hangman, is there an E in there?

The only person I introduced to marmite who didn't like it was my french exchange partner when I was 11. She was a very strange girl and I think her dislike actually offers a raft of points in marmite's favour. Aside from its sheer virtue of tastiness, marmite is also my favourite hangover cure. Hot buttered toast with marmite (spread thinly as others have explained), a bagpuss dvd and an oversized duvet = tequila cancelled out and the world is right again.

Oh, and crumpets toasted with marmite and melted cheese - a better winter snack doesn't exist. So wally - go suck your marmite-free peas you heathen!

Hi guys

Not sure that I can be classified as a worker given my recent lack of productivity, but it is getting nocturnal and I am (vacantly) sitting in front of a computer attempting to work, and of course streaming black books episodes.

I seem to be well and truly in holidays mode, I've just stopped caring even though the deadline draws ever nearer :s

No sue! Never marmite's angry twisted little cousin, never.

Oh dear, I can see a terrible fallout from this......

Oh walminski, say it isn't so?