Hi guys,

I feel like giving up.
I am 8 months into my PhD. I came into the degree because I was very interested in my research topic. I don't want to get into academia after this and I see this as a personal challenge. I have been doubting my decision to start the PhD because I would really enjoy having a stable job and higher income.

I've been facing some hurdles recently with my writing. My supervisors think my academic writing needs a lot of work. English is somewhat my second language, but I never thought it was this bad. Coupled with the virus and just general poor mental health, I may be extra sensitive towards their comments. We have devised a plan on how to improve my writing. However, I'm losing faith in myself. I know PhD is tough and I will face worse criticisms. But the drive in me really diminished today.

Can I really improve on my writing skills so I can graduate?
If I don't intend to pursue a career in academia, is it really worth working towards a PhD?

Thank you guys in advance. :)

English is my first language and I got told my academic writing needs significant improvement! Academic writing is different to normal English and it takes significant practice regardless of how good your normal English is. I would not take it personally as most PhD students face the same issue and at least your supervisor is trying to help you.

Hi, sorry to hear how you are feeling. I can totally relate to many issues of your post. I have just started the second year of my phd and i too am thinking of stopping. I don’t want to go into academic life either and wanted to do the phd asa personal challenge. My phd is inter disciplinary which feels sometimes like im doing 2 phds and tbh I think i was a bit duped from the beginning regarding that.

I think the previous comment is correct in that there does seem to be a particular style to academic writing which im told comes with practice and reading lots of peer reviewed articles also helps.

Motivation is a big issue - so ive read and experienced.

Its a difficult decision to make , i still haven’t decided. But give yourself time and space to think before deciding. But whatever decision you make will be the right one. Good luck and best wishes.