In the meanwhile you get all positive about the future (as one should), you might consider laughing a LOT about your current situation. Eviction is, admittedly, a tough comedy topic, but the hospitality industry brings you into contact with people whom you'd probably only meet at the most advanced level of psychotherapeutical fieldwork. And even if you don't feel ticklish about it, waiting on people at an awful family restaurant can and will prove to you that you can endure any situation life throws at you, and (trust me) will make for wonderful anecdotes later on.

Hello BadHaircut. May I ask, is your PhD in the humanities? It does seem to be the case that the field is hugely oversubscribed, and the gap between graduating and an established position much tougher than in, say, lab-based degrees.

In any case, temp away and try to stay in the scene with publications. And conferences. And contacts.

I know this doesn't help you at the minute, but it might pay approach things realistically and to work besides studying for a PhD even if this cuts you off peers/delays your qualifying. I'm thinking aloud because that's exactly what I'm doing, and often think I miss out on being around students.

I'm studying and working full time, but its an English PhD rather than lab-based. I find the workload ok because my job is easy, but its been an issue to not be seen as handicapped by my supervisor. I do hope to be able to reduce the day-job duties as time goes on, but initially it helps you appreciate your chance and time to study and also is an encouragement when study seems a bit futile (you're pretty much self-sufficient anyway).

Thank you so much, that is really helpful. Just to know, second supervisors are customary in the UK as well?

Sorry about not-very-chipper comment, but I would greatly appreaciate advice.

Started 6 mths ago, supervisor very interested to start with despite my deciding to work FT and not living in city where university is, i.e. mature student that can and wants to carry out academic research but must meet real-world commitments. Took sabbatical soon after and did not refer saying supervision would continue, but has since then delayed meetings, returned work with superficial comments on style and level of English rather than content, and on one occasion not read work submitted for discussion at the following meeting, delaying feedback for approx 1 1/2 months - he won't write more than two-line emails.

I have contacted other academics in the field but none want to get involved in a transfer. I can't quite confront current supervisor because a) I don't want to waste the little time he will give me and b) He has delayed next meeting because its not convenient when originally scheduled.

My question is how to move on from this either within dept. or to another institution without stigma or seeming a high-maintenance supervisee, which is the impression I've had from other academics' responses or lack of them.