I just read the article. I agree with Jen, it is scary! I guess it is the desire to avoid that regret (and potential damage to my career) that's keeping me going some days.
I am so eager to start that I cannot imagine I could ever have a problem to finish. I am not saying it is easy but I am sure I would do it within planned time. The only thing that comes to my mind is that there is something wrong with the choice of candidates, maybe wrong people are picked...
I guess I might change my mind once I face such problem.
I'm very doubtful I'd complete mine within the time. In the early days when I said i was going to do it 3 years everyone (and I mean everyone) laughed. 3.5 years seems reasonable.
Re: PhD (submission pending) - surely that is completely false as she wouldn't be allowed to submit it after 20 years??? I doubt the Uni has received 20 years of registration fees!
DanB - I sell PhDs in Cattyness through Belford if you're interested? Tricky is certainly demonstrating the 'life experience' I look for in my £19.99 (plus VAT) doctorate awards...