Hey guys,

I need help please. I started my PhD in october but have absolutely no motivation for it, havent done anything at all yet and would like to quit. I started my PhD straight after my Masters, which i did straight after my BA, all at the same uni, so i havent had a break and i think thats contributed to feeling totally demotivated. I dont enjoy the subject and am not sure i want a career in academia, so its seems pretty clear that i shouldnt be doing this.

There is a problem, however, because i got a scholarship to do this PhD. The uni are paying my fees and giving me a maintenance grant for each year so i feel like i cant let them down. They are obviously expecting me to pursue an academic career and are pushing me towards this. I would feel so guilty if i quit, as i know lots of people cant do PhDs cos they havent got the money. Also im not sure what would happen with the money, as obviously by now i have spent some of it. Would they ask for the maintence grant back? And what about the tuition fees theyve paid for me?

I dont know what to do, i dont see the point in staying as my heart isnt in it but i dont want to let down my teachers or my parents, who are so proud of me. Also i worry i will regret wasting such a chance later in life, especially as there is nothing specific i want to do career-wise, and i may end up in a dead end job.

Any help from anyone who has been through something similar or has some advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.