I'm still new here, but have seen mostly whining and PhD-newbies on here... (believe me, I'm a whiner this week for sure!) I thought we might all want to put up something that we actually LIKE about our PhDs... at least so the newbies don't get so scared and so we "more experienced" might try to remember why we started (as hard as it may seem to remember).

So what do you all say?

1. I can work at home for 2 weeks if I want to. 2. It doesn't matter WHEN I work, as long as I get it done. 3. I get to study something to incredible depths, which I prob couldn't do otherwise. 4. I get paid to work in my pajamas on my couch listening to loud music. 5. I have all the resources I need for free thru the Uni. 6. It's pretty cool to work on something that no one else has... :)

I started my PhD this week and couldn't be happier. Times are somewhat flexible, everyone is enthusiastic about what they do, and I'm finally getting paid (albeit modestly) for doing something I really love and passionate about.

Before I started I was somewhat disheartened by the volume of whining PhD students on this and the MSN forum. I realise now that the disproportionate number of discontent:content PhD students quite likely represents the lack of other media for students to voice their dissatisfaction and seek advice on sensitive matters. Anonymity also favours this medium for such purposes. Conversely, there is a lack of necessity for content students (i.e. the majority) to want to register their satisfaction on internet forums for everybody to see.

Flexible working hours. I'ma morning person and so get in at about 5am, and can be finished at 2pm some days. That means then I have time to do personal stuff in the evenings.

There are lots of positives of PhDs but since we try to be better all the time it just happens that we seek advice at our weaker points. Anyway-after all those years doing part-time and summer sales jobs during undergrads and MA, I can't be more happy to get paid to do something I want for a change at last.

I felt exactly the same when looking on this website. Im 2 months in and think its fantastic - obviously you dont romanticise the pressure your under - I took years out working in various pressured environments and so really really appreciated being my own boss and reading up on something I love all day every day.

I agree with Gina. It is definitely much better doing your own research into stuff you care about and interested in tnan being being in an office environment or a job you don't like!

You get satisfaction when you get results and know things work. However it is a long and sometimes tedious process so that's probably when the feeling of loneliness creeps in and saps your motivation! Hence the no of downbeat posts! But it's good to air your probs rather than keep them bottled up or you'll go crazy! It's also better to do it here as people understand the process whereas others might not!

hey, i'm only a few weeks into mine. but, as a complete newbie, i thought i'd add my thoughts. i love being able to come and go as i please (within teaching and seminar constraints, but they aren't bad hours). i like the fact i have supportive supervisors who i can approach whenever. i like the people in my office now i've got to know them. most of all, i like i can still have a lie in a few days a week !!