Cheers for the reply mate I appreciate it. At the moment I'm more confused than ever having talked to a few people. Some say go for it and take the plunge in Australia and some say stick with the PhD.

For me I can't make my mind up some days I want to stay and some I just want to jack it all in. I just wish I could talk to somebody about the potential for funding in the future if I was to leave now. Right now if a gun was pressed to my head and I had to make a choice I'd go and hope to get an opportunity for a funded one later down the line.

I've got my regular 6 monthly meeting with my director on friday so wish I could make a decision by then.

Hi guys, new to the forum and would welcome some advice of people more in the know that me.

Currently doing a EPSRC funded PhD at a CDTs. I'm 9 months into it with the aim of starting the PhD in September. However for a few reasons I'm not enjoying the course anymore.

I recently broke things up with my long term girlfriend and had to move out of the flat we shared and go back home. The break up hasn't helped me concentrate and struggling to get anything done. Luckily for me I play cricket at a decent level which has been a good distraction.

Problem now occurs that I've been offered the chance to go play cricket in Australia for 6 months during the winter. I'd love to go as the break would do me the world of good and it has always been and ambition of mine, as has getting a PhD.

However the problem I have is my course. At the moment I'm not enjoying it but I don't want to give it up long term, yet really want to go to Australia. If I don't go this year the offer will never be on the table again.

Ideally I'd love to take a year off with University blessing, try to clear my head, come back and carry on with the PhD, however if that doesn't happen I'm stuck.

If I were to go, I know I still want to do a PhD I'm just worried that the EPSRC would say you've had one lot of funding you can't have anymore if I were to quit. I was wondering if people have dropped out of a funded PhD have been able to find another one that will offer them funding in the future or they would have difficulties getting accepted again.

I'm only 22 so would really hope this isn't the case as I love the research aspect of a PhD just struggling in general atm.

Many thanks in advance