bellaz--I think it's perfectly okay to tell your sup how much you're struggling with this. In fact, I would definitely suggest it, as keeping him/her in the dark will only act to increase your anxiety (I presume that they've set you a task, and you're now biting your nails, dreading their email asking how you're getting on with the piece?) This is perfectly normal. We all struggle with this. In fact, I was talking to a seasoned academic last week who still has this anxiety about writing. I think this feeling becomes increasingly intense at PhD level due to the amount of material we are trying to assimilate.

Whoa, I'm going through the same SAW. This is the third time I've been ill since October. I can totally empathise--can't seem to get rid of this chest infection, and it's zapping all my energy. I sit at my desk with the intention of studying, and then drift towards my bed after half an hour. I'm sure the PhD is the culprit!

Hi Pineapple--just want to give you a great big hug. Like olivia, I think you need to take a little time out. I would actually suggest (based on how you're feeling at the moment) a week's break, if it's possible. It sounds like you need time to pamper yourself and do non PhD stuff. Don't be impulsive about jacking it in--you've worked really hard to get here. Then again, if you're really feeling strongly about it, then only you can decide the best move. You've got support here, anyway. Come and have a rant whenever you need to.

Jouri, I do see your point. However, in terms of an academic career after the PhD, it is widely acknowledged (in my field anyway) that PhD students are expected to publish and present during their PhDs. I've seen the CVs of the people we will be competing with for lectureships/postdoc positions, and it's very competitive, I assure you. They've all got several conference presentations and journal articles under their belt, alongside their teaching experience.

Oh, and no matter how daunted you are at the thought of presenting your work, remember that you won't be the only one.

Hey eddi. This can vary, depending on the student's confidence with their project. From my observations, most students start publishing/presenting in the second year, and alot of that is to do with the confidence that comes from starting to teach seminars, I think. If you haven't already been to one, I'd consider at least attending a conference this year (not presenting) to see what it's all about. Smilodon's suggestion re: the poster presentation is a good one--great way to get yourself known in your field. I have known several people to complete a PhD without publishing/presenting, but if you want an academic career after, I wouldn't suggest it.

Ah yes, Mr. Butterworth--read that a while back and it's the best thing going for PhD students as far as I'm concerned, brilliant! Cheers for the Dilbert ref olivia, anything that keeps me laughing gets a thumbs up!

Cheers Rosy! I'll be looking out for that one. I've moved on to 'Getting your PhD'(2007), which is hopefully more inspiring than the one I just finished. I find that alot of the humorous material written about PhD life is quite comforting, and strangely motivating! I'd also like to refer the books to those close to me, as sometimes I don't think they have a clue as to what being a researcher entails. I think they look at us like lazy buggers luxuriating in our reading. If only they knew!

I just finished reading 'How to Get a PhD' (Phillips & Pugh), and I've gotta say, I was really disappointed! I really don't feel the text engages with the true, every day issues faced by PhD students. Can anyone suggest a good text? I'm looking for something that I can use as a reference point when I hit the ebbs, so something humorous would go down well.

Yes, I see your dilemma. I've had this issue before. It's a tricky one with a whole spectrum of answers dependent upon the personality of your sup. Work from his unfavourable response, and maybe endeavour to be a bit more reserved with him for the moment, I think. That way you won't feel embarrassed and sit around worrying about it.

I agree--don't think that the prospect of not having other PhD students in the department is important. To be honest, I don't see the PhD students in my dept anyway, but have instead made friends with PhDers in other departments. As olivia said, you'll have a chance to make friends by attending lectures, seminars, training sessions, events. I think this can actually be an advantage, as sometimes I've noticed that there can be a great deal of politics involved in getting too close to fellow PhDers in your department.

I had a month a while back of complete and utter inactivity. I think I was just wrapped up in other things, and was feeling restless so couldn't concentrate. I see your point olivia, about paid work and the PhD. However, in work you have a routine and structure, set hours and someone to answer to if you don't fulfil your responsibilities. I think of all the challenges of PhD life, the greatest test is self-motivation rather than intellectual labour. In those terms, the previous degrees you've undertaken don't prepare you for the considerable leap into the PhD, which is so utterly divergent from any previous academic work you've done, and this is the hardest transition to make.

When I voiced my concerns to a fellow academic (about post PhD life), he made a very poignant point. He said "Hey, in saying that, you're already assuming that you're going to even get the PhD!". What he said was quite fitting, in that it made me see that we don't know what lies ahead, and need to focus on the task at hand. To even finish a PhD is a huge accomplishment in itself, as I've known of many people dropping off from the pressure. So just getting the PhD would be an awesome feat.

Hi LostinOz, I can totally sympathise with your feelings, as I'm sure most PhD students could. I was having the same overwhelming fears, but then I decided to just live for now and see where it goes. I decided that my PhD is a personal venture more than anything, even though I would love to have an academic career. This is the crux of the PhD. It's not formulaic, as with some other more vocationally-orientated degrees where you pretty much know you will find work when you finish. My heart goes out to you--it's a daunting prospect, I know.

Ohh god, the dreaded writing issue. Tell me about it! My supervisor is asking me to write a piece after each supervision, but to be honest, the crap I'm producing feels like a big fat waste of time. I don't feel ready to write anything yet--understand exactly where you're coming from!