Hi All

So I've started a part time PhD. Originally I wrote the research proposal three years ago to do this full time. I was offered two places but couldn't take either. Reasons were I'd have to move - not possible and no funding. So for various rather dull and complicated reasons, I have only been able to begin now at the age of 43 when I should be earning decent money (I've very little at this stage in my life).

Problem is I've lost interest in my topic and have no work. I need well paid work to do this but can't get any.I've knocked on many doors, applied for hundreds of jobs but got nowhere. Not sure what to do about the first part but I do not like being on my own all day. I find it dull and prefer to have people to bounce ideas off.

I also have a supervisor, who is a very nice guy but knows absolutely nothing about my topic - no one in my university seems to - and is busy pursuing the glory of his own career.

I desperately need work in the short term and work that fits my talents in the mid to long term. I'm not sure what to do.

Advice please.

So you mean you've started a part time non funded PhD and you don't have any other source of income?

I think you need to quit or at least defer until you can find a job and then decide if you want to continue with a PhD you have lost interest in.

I think deferring might be the answer. No not being selective just not getting any work so it's an all consuming worry. I've told my supervisor but he's not interested. I'll see what options I have.

Hey PNPN7373

It seems you have several options: 1) continue as you are, 2) quit, 3) defer, 4) continue but make changes (e.g., adjust your expectations, take a break and reflect, and see if you can rekindle some passion for the research).

Maybe you could write up the pros and cons of each of these, and come to an informed, balanced decision that way? You could even say try 4 for x months, and if not do 3 or 2. That's what I'd do anyway. Hope this helps.

Tudor

If you've lost interest in the topic, leave it. There's no point putting your life on hold for a PhD you have little interest in.

Agree with Hugh. Unless it is just a passing phase and actually you ARE still interested and want to do it.

Hi there, can I just ask-would quitting the part time phd at this very moment have any impact really on your quest for employment?

If you quit your PhD right now, you would still be looking for work right? Would another option be to continue on your part time PhD, while still looking for work and then when you have found employment, make a reassessment of your options? You might still quit the PhD once you have found employment you like, or you may still defer, or you may continue (very slowly), but right now if you quit the PhD, you still need to keep looking for suitable employment.

From an employer's perspective, someone studying part time while they look for work may be more appealing from an employment prospect or on the 'cv'. Just an alternative perspective-which may not be appropriate for your circumstances-ignore if so.