I need to quit my PhD and I don't know how to do it. I am having major problems with my supervisors and my research funding has fallen through meaning that I can't do half the things I wanted to/needed to do - I will now miss out on a lot of things because of my supervisors mistakes (training, conferences, equipment etc). I was heavily pressured into doing this PhD and a lot of things that I was promised will not ever eventuate (and wouldn't have regardless of money) which is very disappointing. I love my project but my supervisors are incredibly hard to deal with - I can see the writing on the wall. I have been to the university student ambassador and she has told me my options are to leave or suck it up - making a formal complaint with the faculty (even though I have reason to) will result in "making my life hell" for the rest of my time - what a joke. I would like to work while I think about what to do next, but I don't know how to apply for jobs when my supervisors are my only referees? I can't just up and leave as I have bills to pay. Can anyone help?

Hi Lolly,

Well firstly, sorry to hear of your situation.

The advice you have received so far sounds quite frankly terrible! The first point of call if you have a problem is to approach your supervisors (especially the lead supervisor) and to voice your concerns in a calm manner.

I know this is a lot easier said than done but resolving these problems sooner rather than later will save you a lot of distress further down the line. These problems will only escalate without intervention. Do you have an advisor you can speak to or failing that another lecturer / academic? Some of the best advice in my PhD actually came from people outside of the loop. In this way their opinions and advice are often unbiased.

It seems most of your issues lie in respect with funding. If you have a PhD position then the University WILL have some money somewhere to support you (even if you can't afford that expensive bit of kit you have been yearning for). Don't be suckered in by individuals, it's best to see the heads of your research institutes to ascertain the levels of funding that are available. I have had grants fall through in the past and whilst it's never nice if you keep pushing you will get through it.

Most importantly you have to enjoy what you're doing. I would seek some advice from your peers first and then weigh up all of your options to help you decide what to do next. Also, how long are you in to your PhD?

I hope some of this helps :-)

Hi Matt, thanks for responding. I am 8 months in, and I have had problems right from the beginning, not only with lack of funding, but supervisory problems as well. I have been to my principal supervisor, several times, who backs me up in private meetings, but then backs down when it comes to "crunch" time. He is also failing me in other very important areas - and I think I am doing myself a disservice staying with him. The original issues are just not being sorted out, and more problems are arising because of this. I have sought guidance from a highly respected academic a while ago, who told me to try and fix it, failing that, to leave. She said - quite frankly - given the situation, it's not worth the trouble. She can give me a reference, but I need 2 referees for job applications. I am finding it difficult to leave when I need my stipend until I have a job - and to get a job I need referees. Essentially I'm in a horrible catch 22. I have been told I can look for another project and apply for another scholarship, but I feel dishonest doing this, and I fear I will meet the same problems by not taking enough time to think things through. I wish I had taken more time thinking about this PhD before jumping right in - hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

Hi Lolly,

First off all, I feel very sorry for you. I am also in the same situation. I am also a PhD student in International Business, currently in my 4th month There is no funding from my university whatsoever and as a result I will have to self fund my PhD (£14,000/annum). I am not even sure what career opportunities are there for me if I complete my PhD. My goal is to start my own business or go into a consultancy career, bit not sure how PhD will help me with that. I want to quit my PhD.

Can you advice me what should I do and whom should I get in touch.

Saurabh

Hi Saurabh, do you have an academic adviser/counsellor you can get in contact with that is not your supervisor at your uni? They are there to give you confidential advice on what is best for your situation. Unfortunately the ones at my university are not overly helpful but yours may be, so give them a try. If you are struggling to fund your own PhD perhaps there are also scholarships you can apply for to help you out financially. But deciding whether to stay or leave is definitely a hard decision to make, and I am yet to make one too. Anyone else have any helpful advice?