I am one of those people, who have realised that a PhD is not for me. I have a good studentship, an amazing project and yet, i do not enjoy it and it does not motivate me to wake up every morning. I want to completely opt out from science, yet i feel like i am being a quitter, therefore i want to try and at least push to get an Mphil....

I am just about to finish up my first year and supposed to write up a report for a transfer. I would like to change that in order to get an mphil instead, or perhaps to push my phd to minimal limits and still go though it. I have heard that a minimal PhD registration time is 2 years. Is it even possible to produce a scientific (systems biology) phd in such a short time??? i could definitely push myself though another year of misery, but not another 3 years... (i have a 4 year studentship)

I am wondering, how is it best to bring up to my supervisor and advisor that I want to quit? I am quite an emotional person so i would find it hard not to tear up as i feel like they think i am not competent enough for all of this and just giving up (perhaps my personal issue of attitude that i should never be a quitter)...

I have already had conversations with my supervisor that things are not going so smooth over the past year, this had to do with my PI's attitude towards the way i work (i have a varied schedule, one day could be 12 hours, another day 5 hours, etc. and he wants me there 9-5 every day like a robot.), but i have generated a chapter of results already, so really i think it is just a conflicting way of thinking from both of us, as to my view, i have tried my best and pushed myself to the limits over the past year.

How would employers look at me if i have an MPhil ? How do you explain them when they ask "why you have quit your PhD"?

Anyone with experience?

Many thanks!