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I want to quit my PhD. Advice and Reassurance.
C

Hi all. First time user, first time poster.

Here is my situation -
I think I want to quit my PhD. I am a fourth year, History PhD student who is currently supposed to be writing up their thesis. However, I am in a situation where, after several topic and scope changes, and complete loss of inspiration, motivation and engagement with my project, I don't think I want to or even can finish. I am burnt out and looking to move on. Not to mention the fact that my mental health is taking a serious hit from the stress and exhaustion I feel just thinking about the work. The obvious answer is to just quit, I know, but I am hoping for some advice or reassurance that I am considering doing the right thing.

So many times I have heard people say things like "Oh you've come this far, you may as well finish." I know I have sunk a lot of time into it, but I cannot begin to express how unhelpful this is. I don't want to be involved in academic or university life now or in the future, so I also feel as though completing my PhD is a somewhat pointless and an ultimately damaging experience.

Apologies if this is a retread of other posts on here. And even more apologies for sounding so whingey.

Any help is greatly appreciated.