Hi,
I started a PhD last sept, in an area of research that was pretty new to me. I was getting depressed by the lack of progress but kept trying to convince myself that things would turn out ok. Then in the last couple of weeks I just got so frustrated that I decided I couldnt continue with it. I want to do a phd but feel that my I just cant do justice to my project. My supervisor has been really supportive and suggests I take time off to consider what resarch I really want to do. I feel ashamed at probably having to drop out, but feel I need to be honest with myself.

There is no shame in quitting, don't beat yourself up. I agree with the suggestion to take time out. Think about it and if you really feel you don't want to do it, there is no long run benefit and you'll just be miserable then drop out as you need to do what is right for you. If you think you'll regret dropping out then try and keep at it for a bit longer. First year is very hard (though I'm finding second year is no picnic either).

I agree, do not feel ashamed for doing what makes you happy, and if you're not happy with your phd, then the best option for you is to quit while you're ahead. life is wayyy too short in doing something that makes you unhappy! loads of people quit their phd after their first year, it's very common! i wanted to quit after my first year! and i wish i had the courage to do so!

i infact admire your courage for standing up for what you believe and admitting that things aren't working out the way you thought it would be. that is something that should be revered!

do what makes you happy! you have to really really want to do a phd to stick with it for the long haul!

i wish you the best in whatever you decide

Hi,

I am doing a science PhD and am definitely feeling the same way. Do you have any end of year assessments/viva/report monitoring your progress. If so, I would suggest giving it your absolutely best shot and waiting to see the outcome before making a decision. If the area is new to you (as mine is) maybe you are expecting too much of yourself at this stage?

Good Luck

It does sound as though you're being a little harsh on yourself, both in terms of your progress thus far, and your expectations of yourself for the future.

If your supervisor supports you in taking a little time out to think, then I'd do that before you make any decisions. Whatever you decide, there is no shame in it. I recently quit my PhD after nearly two years, having been thinking of doing so over a period of months. I have absolutely no regrets about doing so, but that's partly because I did spend a lot of time thinking about it - had I left when I first started questioning my place there, I might have had doubts about the wisdom of my decision subsequently, whereas, having taken the time, I'm sure I made the right choice.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide!

TomL85, I recall I was in a similarly difficult situation when I started. I felt the odds were stacked against me in that it was a relatively new area, seeking to utilize new techniques, with coursework (in a third language which I needed to learn first) and way from home. I sought opinion on this forum and with the encouragement I got plus self-motivation, my esteem returned and am rising to the ocassion. I don't think quitting should be among the first options, recall the adage about winners never quitting and quitters never winning?

Hmm...I agree with Kerosen, but only partly. I think that you should definitely take time off to consider what it is you want to do - that's not quitting but finding yourself. That's important because if you have no direction, you cannot progress, and you will end up feeling more miserable. I am in a similar situation as you right now although I am now in my fourth year. I enjoyed my first two years, but in the last two years, I saw things happen that make me wonder whether I want to be in this line. Think carefully, and check out other options before you decide.

Hi Tom
I'm in a similar situation right now. What you may need to consider is what you will get out of your PhD at the end. Keep an eye on the big picture. If completing your PhD will help you further down the line then keep this at the back of your mind and it may help you get over stumbling blocks like this. If a PhD won't really help you, or you don't want to continue in that line of work, then I agree you should seriously question whether to carry on when you feel so unhappy.

Hope this helps
robber