Hi,

I am 4 months into my PhD and I have really not enjoyed it at all. I am on an ESRC 1+3 and after doing my MSc disseration I had a feeling research wasn't for me. But I told myself I would at least start the PhD and try it.

However, I am really unhappy. I dont like the environment and the pace and I know I dont want to stay in academia. So I applied for a job that came up that I was really interested in (as a 'lets see what happens' thing). It turns out I was offered the job after my first interview and I really am interested in it. The job starts in February.

So my question is what do I do about my PhD and the university? Do I tell them straight away that I have a job? Or do I wait until the new year when I can quit and go straight into the new job. As I said, I am funded and do have rent to pay :/ But I don't want to be selfish.

Has anyone had any experience of telling their supervisor they have been offered a job and want to leave? Im so worried about telling him.

Thanks guys