Hi everyone, I hope you can offer me some advice! I'm two-and-a-bit years into my self-funded, part-time PhD in History.

Although there have been some really good moments, it's been a really problematic few years. Financial difficulties and lack of time have meant that I haven't progressed as far as I should have and it seems I'm nowhere near passing my upgrade. I've wasted a lot of time with worry, panic and bouts of depression and now, I am concerned that it's too late to make up for that, even though I have a few years left. My project still feels shapeless and without a clear direction.

My supervisor is about to retire (a bit out of the blue). I don't think this is a bad thing as the next supervisor my department has in mind is ruthlessly efficient/practical and very good at whipping students into shape, which I need more than ever now! In preparation for this I'm re-evaluating my project and what my options are. It seems my choices are to soldier on and try to catch up, suspend for a year or stop the PhD.

I've spotted a funded project at another university which has similarities with my own work, and I'm tempted to apply - the urge to start again with a clean slate if I can is pretty overwhelming. But I can understand reservations about leaving behind the research done so far and my university, although I feel quite isolated from the department and my cohort. I do like my broad topic, even if I have no idea what I'm doing with it.

It's been a few days and I can't figure out which is the right path. If anyone has had a similar experience or would like to offer advice, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!