Oh, sorry (mince)

Hello Francisco, welcome to the forum. Erm, I'm not really an expert in what you can do with a PhD in advertising and printing technology. However, using Google (hint) and the return button on my keyboard, I found this: http://www.careerjet.com/job/dcd29775d0ff3900d2d63546576d5ee8.html

Good luck

Chrisrolinski, please don't curse me but I think that's a really good move of your supervisor. I say that because at my next meeting that I have with mine, I'm actually going to ask them to get super-tough with me and start imposing deadlines on me for chapters. I've done the research (about two thirds of it), so I want them expecting completed chapters from me for certain dates. Hopefully, this added pressure will drive me forwards more.

I've spent a long time reading about things like this on the THE website and unfortunately, I think it's the way it's heading for research in HE in the UK - more so than it is now. It really annoys me because we're all worth so much more than just getting by on temporary research contracts (having trained for years), never knowing from 6 months to the next whether we'll actually still be employed. And, if you own a car, have a family or hope to get a mortgage, you can't hope to get by based on such uncertainty. It's going the same way for Allied Health Professional jobs in the NHS. With podiatrists for instance, there are fewer and fewer permanent employment contracts and more and more temporary, fixed-term contracts.

Thank you very much for your input on this everyone. Despite the downsides of doing my PhD so far, I don't regret it. I think that it's an ultimate achievement and something to be really proud of. Of course, I'll never be rich doing what I do but I'm really not bothered. It's an end to a means and not a means to an end. Not to moan or offend anyone, but I just don't want to feel like a student forever, so I'm really hoping that whatever I do afterwards [pretentiousness alert] will not involve me feeling this way - it's been nearly 9 years now. I recently did a journal paper peer review and that felt really good because it was a massive study and there was little me, listening to A-ha :$ , scratching my chin, furrowing my brow, eating a cheese string and making comments on the paper - acting like an expert (almost).
One of the things I take particular issue with, doing my PhD, is the utter isolation of the process. Every day spent in front of a computer monitor trying to write something, but with no-one to yabber away with, no mates to have a laugh with. Even with the previous jobs I've done, particularly when doing my degrees, there's always been that. So, I suppose I'm a bit concerned that doing a post-doc and then research in academia will mean more of the same. I'd like to have a bit of fun and a laugh at the same time as working - I don't think I'll be able to act like Dr Spock. And I love teaching as well, especially when I get to implement my Powerpoint special effects.
So, god willing, I'm going to try and develop my career in academia, suck it and see. As long as there's time for me and my life, in the evenings and maybe sometimes at the weekends, I think I'll get by and have fun. My career is important to me, but I think there's just so much more I want than my pencil case, satchel bag, butty box and flash drive.:-)

I'd just like to ask a couple of questions really and gauge opinions on whether you think academia is worth it, after doing a PhD. I'm really struggling at the moment (aren't we all at some point) and just a bit worried that I'll be doing very much the same after/if I ever get to the end of my PhD. I suppose I need to bear in mind that all worthwhile careers are challenging and stretch you, but I don't know if I can continue to work as furiously as I am now after my PhD. Will a post-doc be PhD version 2? Do you think that it's all worth it in the end?
I'm probably going to end up attempting to get into academia because I have absolutely no idea what to do with my life, or what kind of careers I could attempt to do. I could try and work in the NHS but I haven't used my clinical skills ever since I graduated, so that's probably a no-no. With this in mind, I consider myself restricted to academia. I'm not lazy but I'm going to want some 'me' time, so what do you think? It can never obviously be 9 til 5, but do you, in your personal opinion, think academia is a good move and/or are you hoping to work in a university or for a research organisation? Apologies if this has been asked before.

Oh dear, you must have a really attractive avatar or something. If you consider it becoming a problem, you can always add this Sylvia to your PM block list.

Well done Jimkim65 - it won't be long now before you get that PhD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDajqW561KM

CONGRATULATIONS, Bilbobaggins - that's drawn a smile to my face, as I try and write up my research. Secretly, I knew you'd pass though. As a fully-fledged doc, I sincerely hope that you continue to post on this forum. You've made some really valuable contributions and I hope you continue to make many more. Well done x:-)

I think you should have a nice holiday with your family Jepsonclough, as you've been working very hard. :-)