======= Date Modified 26 10 2009 18:10:03 =======
Hello everyone

I`m coming up to nearly 1 year of PhD. I`m a part time student working full time. At first i was really enthuiastic, reading all the time. Nowadays i can`t just seem to get into it. After i finish work all i want to do is relax and i just can`t be bothered with the PhD. I initially started it because it was something i wanted to do for me and after numerous failed attempts to get funding decided part time was the way. Work are good with time off, but i end up using all my annual leave on the PhD and the thought of another 5 years doing this is not good.

I off in 3 weeks to start an initial 2 week visit for my overseas fieldwork. The way i`m feeling now is to go out there and see how i feel when i get back but am having doubts- if it`ll be good enough to pass the viva, can i keep this up for another 5 years and working full time etc.

I don`t want to tell my supervisors of my doubts just yet. The way i`m feeling i don`t think i want to stick with the PhD- i`ve already decided i do not want to work in academia in the future.I`ve already spent £2500 on tuition fees, books, travelling and don`t want to walk away with nothing. Does anyone know any options open to me? Can i just do a MPhil- how long is an MPhil or even change it to a MSc by research? Thanks