Perhaps we should stick this at the top of the forum?

"Once you've looked into whether there are any benefits in becoming a postgraduate, whether you can pay for it, and where the best place is to do it, you may feel you've had enough of research. In that case, a PhD is probably not for you."

(From http://education.guardian.co.uk/students/news/story/0,,2275344,00.html )

Thanks for posting the Guardian article link. It plays right into my topic and as I don't read the Guardian it was an easy shortcut to current thinking on what it is to be a postgraduate student, nationally if not regionally.

The art of it--sort of like a Salvador Dali painting! Which reminds me of the episode of Gilligan's Island when Salvador Dali went to the island! For a very small island, it sure had a lot of visitors--all of whom remained very tight lipped about the inhabitants!

I did a PhD for all the wrong reasons... but was 100% determined not to quit. Did I want to break into the research world and make some earth shattering discovery? meh.. Did I want to become a lecturer from an early age and help infuse knowledge into young minds? Nope.. Did I have a passion for my research? *snort* hahahaha.. no...

1) I didn't want to get a job
2) I liked the Uni lifestyle and got on well with my BSc supervisor
3) I liked the idea of having the 'Dr' title.
4) I found the idea of a blonde haired woman with a large chest holding a PhD most amusing as it challenges a number of stereotypes.

Do you think... sometimes.... there is a danger of taking things *too* seriously? I mean, don't get me wrong.. I was totally freaking out over my viva and writing up took over my life - but perhaps it's a good idea to put a humerous slant on the PhD without knocking its value?

"4) I found the idea of a blonde haired woman with a large chest holding a PhD most amusing as it challenges a number of stereotypes."

Well, hello there ... *wink*

yea like a carry on film

"Well, hello there ... *wink*"

5) My boyfriend was doing a PhD and I thought 'why not do one as well, he seems to enjoy it?'

*winks back in a very non-sexual, respectful manner*

My PhD was like a carry on film, it was absolutely brilliant and the best 3 years of my life... wonderful office mates from all walks of life... half days, where we would toddle off down the pub at 3pm and come in at 10:00 the next day with stinking hangovers... and the *best* office parties, where we would invite all PhD and staff members..

.. we got called the 'friendly office'

I dunno, I have read so many depressed PhD students on here and feel really sorry for them as I never encountered many problems at all during mine...

Speaking of which, finally have a graduation date - June the 27th