Thanks :-)

Another example came to my mind. If you play football and you shot a ball with the intention to fire a strong shot at the corner of the net, then your shot came with medium strength and was at the centre of the goal but it was still in the net. Would you ask the referee to disallow the goal because you want to score a " brilliant" one? I would be happy to score an " average" goal and try to score a brilliant one next time.

It's as though I've been tied up and blind-folded, and the ball I was given is actually a volley ball, and has no air in it. I didn't sign up for this. It isn't football. I don't feel like scoring. I want nothing to do with the whole set up. Whatever the quality of my goal, it doesn't represent my ability or my desire to play.

That's sort of what it feels like if going with the same analogy.

But if I go through with it, hopefully I'll end up moving on to somewhere where I can really play football. And what you've written is absolutely my attitude in general. It's just that this situation feels different. Like I've been sold short somewhat (a lot). I don't want to go into the details of it, as I don't want to feel sorry for myself or get anyone's sympathy. These things will soon be behind me. I just feel the need to explain that it's not just an attitude issue like in your original analogy (although I admit my attitude has been challenged by it all).

It's like I was aware from day 1 that things weren't right (for me). But I thought sticking it out and trying to adapt myself was the wise thing to do. And now as I near the end, I sort of am thinking: hang on a sec, was sticking it out really the best thing to do? Absolutely not. I should have secured something else and left! Like in the lab I visited... Where I actually learnt things! Oh, what a fool I've been!!! Oh but hey, maybe it's not too late... I could downgrade to mphil even now... It's not too late...

That's been my perception of the situation, and then my recent and somewhat sudden (and perplexing) thought process.

I am actually quite surprised you are still unsure what to do here.
Have you had any advice from anyone who genuinely thinks downgrading is a good idea with all the considerable downsides listed on this thread?

Have you listed pros and cons for both decisions?

I am still in the decision making process. Summarizing pros and cons is helpful but I think the main thing is minimizing risk. I.e., Do / can I have something else lined up before leaving? Or is there something lined up for me if I complete the PhD (e.g., something more could come of some of the separate work I am doing with people away from my institution - and it may be better to just finish the PhD and move on to that rather than "stepping backwards"). My decision may end up depending on the (hopefully tangible) prospects of those two things.

I was only banging on about my situation and thought processes (in the last reply) because I felt the need to explain the situation better because I didn't find the football analogy quite fitting (although I could see where Eng was coming from). I'm not stressed about it now... just letting it mill around in my head and seeing what sorts of things I can find out / potentially secure while I come to a decision.

You know sometimes I feel we have rich discussions in the forum which are impossible to have with colleagues and friend.
I think I got a better understanding of the situation. I am not fully aware why your PhD did not go as expected but hey. Guess what? Completing to this stage and having done work which is according to research standards worth a PhD is a sign of strength not a sign of a wrong decision. Sometimes we hope for something but we get totally different thing but it is still fine.
Now back to MPhil / PhD, you have conducted a research which is according to Uni standards sufficient to be awarded a PhD. So why do you want to sell it for a lower price? And hey again, the PhD title is important. We have gone already long discussion abou it but a last reminder. Do not be the researcher with the "special" title. I have MPhil because blablabla. I started a PhD but .... I plan to do a PhD soon. Being "normal" sometimes helps.

And somehow, that helps! (not trying to be dramatic - just ran out of space)

I think you are coming to the right decision here.
There are vast swathes of people who have or will obtain their PhD who dont have a fraction of the ability, personal awareness, willingness to show personal integrity or willingness to put themselves through critical evaluation in the manner in which you have done. You deserve a lot of respect for that. Do you really want to voluntarily allow those people to outrank you after all this effort?
I wont lie, it is nice to sit back during difficult times and say "I am a Doctor". Only about 3000 of us a year in the UK get to do that. Come and join us. You have worked your socks off and more importantly, you have earned it.

Oh great! I just re-read this with stirring classical music in the background. Now I am tearing up a little. I am a man. This CANNOT be happening.....just....sorry....where are all the damn hankies?....EXCELLENT, I have now woken both my wife and the dog.....

Ha! Can just imagine it! :-D

Hi, Tudor_Queen,

I see that you have had plenty of good advice and that you already made a decision on the matter.

Finish your Phd and wear your title like a badge of honour, a proof of your efforts and battles. All the best!