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Quitting before I've started

D

Hi, I've been offered a PhD in a science field on the UK. I have funding and have signed up to start later this month. The issue is, I have decided I no longer want to do a PhD. I feel slightly trapped as my supervisor acquired funding for me. Additionally she is my supervisor for my masters project which I am handing in on Monday. What should I do? Is starting a PhD and quitting in the first few months a very bad decision? Thanks

What changed your mind?

Though if you feel strongly that you don't want to do a PhD, just be honest with the supervisor. It would be even worse if 6 months in you realise that you aren't enjoying it and quit. Don't be emotionally blackmailed into doing a PhD, it is probably one of the worst reasons to do a PhD.

E

I agree with rewt. If you are going to quit, quit now better than tomorrow. Your supervisor won't be that angry that you think.

Quote From rewt:
Don't be emotionally blackmailed into doing a PhD, it is probably one of the worst reasons to do a PhD.
Very well said

D

Thanks for your responses. I will consider them closely. I changed my mind for a number of reasons:

I lack a passion for the project and planned to treat the PhD like a job
I have no desire to become an acedemic
I was strongly motivated to take a PhD to get rich, though I am now aware there are easier ways to do this
I want to move on and switch up cities, as I have been in one place since my undergrad and I am excitied for a change
I don't think I'm capable of completing the work required to get a PhD

Are these good reasons? I am open to suggestions please help me :)

B

I think getting a PhD for becoming rich is a good joke. There are other good reasons to do PhD beside academia. Of course your supervisor will support you because he needs labor! Honestly If you NEED to ask here, you possibly are not ready to do it firsthand. Do you like to learn? Do you have career goal? Talk to other PhD students there to get some first hand opinion.

E

Hi. I am sorry to say that your reasons to do a PhD were wrong and your reasons of quitting are also not good. Switching city does not sound for em as a good reason to quit a PhD. Furthermore, there is no easy way that guarantees someone to get rich otherwise all people would have done it. If you quit thinking this will lead to you becoming rich, this would be wrong.

Quote From Dj117751:
Thanks for your responses. I will consider them closely. I changed my mind for a number of reasons:

I lack a passion for the project and planned to treat the PhD like a job
I have no desire to become an acedemic
I was strongly motivated to take a PhD to get rich, though I am now aware there are easier ways to do this
I want to move on and switch up cities, as I have been in one place since my undergrad and I am excitied for a change
I don't think I'm capable of completing the work required to get a PhD

Are these good reasons? I am open to suggestions please help me :)


If you don't have the passion or interest you will struggle. There are crunch times that will require stupid amounts of work. You will need to be self motivated as your supervisor will probably not be that helpful and can be a struggle for motivation even if you are passionate.

Just be honest with the supervisor, your reasons are very valid. If he is worth is salt he can reopen the application process and transfer the money to someone else.

If you aren't sure better not to start than to quit. You aren't quitting anything, just choosing a different path.
I'm a year in and now just feel regretful that I ever started.

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