Thanks Pjlu, for your positive words. I would hope that a publication and conference record at a post-doc level would do, and I am going to make enquiries. Unfortunately I didn't do any research modules on my supervisor's 'advice'. Oh what I wish I had known in hindsight.............!

Unfortunately supervisor has been awful, you'd think I'd been ill on purpose! Nowhere near enough for thesis. Will try the SU....thanks...

Thanks for reply, I should be in final year but really only done one year due to health problems. Currently suspended but have to give an answer on future plans hence decision time now. Can't talk to supervisor, can talk to disability officer but not until next week.....can't possibly go back!

Am quitting, it was never going to happen (disab/health). Have publications. Any way they will award masters? How can I make that happen (went straight from ug to PhD on studentship)? Have to write withdrawal letter soon so ideas on a postcard (can't type for long in response so excuse brevity).
Thanks and HNY

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Although my PhD is social science so definitely not anywhere near a lab, I've read this thread and Danni's story with great interest. Having gone through of hell with my supervisor then had an accident which put me out of action for nearly a year (but didn't stop the deadlines) I suspended due to clinical depression and terrible anxiety, and to give my injury a chance to really mend.
Feel so much better now and much more like my old self that I've just written the letter to tell them I'm not going back. Like Danni I started my funded PhD straight from undergrad. I don't think that would have been any sort of problem if I'd had a supportive and experienced supervisor, but I didn't. It is interesting that my school has totally reshaped their policy on health issues for grad students. Just a pity they didn't think of that earlier. It has taken a few months to 'separate myself' from what has happened and also from the feeling of being completely let down by a school where I had a great time as a very successful undergrad. I'm now doing something I really love, and have the prospect of earning more then I ever would in academia. I too posted on the forum about the problems I was having and thank everyone who offered advice and support. I wish you all well, but I would also say to anyone in a position like mine or Danni's, be brave enoughto walk away.

Well, having been in a similar situation but kept grinding on for another year, my advice is to get out now. If you're sure it will not get any better, get out NOW. I have had two offers of supervision, both have made it plain that they do not have a high opinion of my current supervisor. Am still trying to decide what to do but I will not be going back. Go seek those better opportunities, potential supervisors may be more sympathetic than you think!
Good luck!

Just say thanks, but no thanks!
Do appreciate as have similar experiences but maybe I am just more to the point or even rude? I dunno, but I have to avoid those people . Take care, it is your choice, but doing you're own thing is not any one else's business

Am so sorry and completely sympathise being in year 2 and having pretty much decided to bail out if I can get a job. I know how frustrating the recruitment websites are. I did have my CV from previous career 'tweaked' by profi CV writer and that was good, but am now at the stage of exploring whether recruitment consultants that I can actually get in touch with will discuss posts and therefore do ther relevant tweaking. Am in the middle of this at the moment so will let you know how I get on,
Sorry not much help, but completely understand and will feedback if I get anything useful.
And no, you don't sounds like a moron you sounfs like a completely compos mentis human being. Hang in there!

Sympathies. Have not been in your siutation but I do know that it is worth investigating whether you might be eleigible for a grant from a charity or trust? Especially in the medical field?
Not easy but worth a look..
http://www.findaphd.com/student/funding/Funding-2.asp

Many congratulations Dr KB! Delighted for you and thanks for the advice you've given me (still don't know what to do LOL)
Enjoy celebrating!

Buzzy

Lack of social graces to say the least....as to the rest.....what a harridan! Can only sympathise, go get her in the viva and wave two fingers on leaving I should say!

Thanks Corinne, but I think I am at the end of the line in the current situation. I have been ill for some time through stress etc and have a disability which has not been acknowledged in progress terms. If I can sort this out during my much fought-for suspension we might come to something. Or is that unrealistic and I should see if Starbucks are hiring? Sorry, confidence at all time low and not looking for sympathy! Appreciate you guys as have few to talk to nearby.

Thanks KeenBean and all, I am constantly amazed by the amount of Phd students who are made ill be the whole deal then strung out to dry. There seems to be a complete absence of pastoral care in many depts/unis.
Basically if I did this I would have very little to do with the department, I have been off-site for a year anyway. there's no reason to suggest quiet sup couldn't keep a secret and I'm wondering whether, in any case, if it did come out it would just highlight the uselessness of the current sup?
Our head of Phd research is only interested in getting people in and out of the sausage factory as fast as poss. I'm technically 2 yrs in but due to illness more like one as he whole last year has been non-productive (for good reasons).

@Delta if I were to do that would be in another area of my subject. but Idon't think I could go through that again

I'm actually in yr 2 but factually yr 1 (due to injury and resulting issues)...have to consider whether I would do this or get another job (if there are any!). I got injured last year and thought I could just get through it but now have disability allowance etc, but funding was suspended in spring due to 'lack of progress'...aaaargh.
I was so up for walking away but I know I can do it and have proved it, but the situation in my department is that they would, I think, just like me disappear off the radar.............