Hi,

So, I'm a 3rd year science PhD student and I am just exhausted. I find myself getting very upset at the thought of continuing but everyone thinks I should soldier on. I came very close to quitting last summer (even started looking into jobs) but I had no idea what I wanted to do and I was promised things would get better.
I have had 3 projects in 3 years and this current project is seeing more results but I'm no longer motivated to work as I spent my first 2 years working my arse off.
Also, due to various deadlines and responsibilities I have had very little time off (about 2 weeks in 3yrs). I also have a lot of personal issues going on in the background which my supervisor is aware of but each time he asks me about it I just cry (I'm crying now writing this). Most of the research group are very nice but the two I work with are absolutely horrible.
When I started I was subjected to discrimination due to my social class and gender and one incident of racial discrimination in this group and I did not know how to deal with it so I didn't report it. But because I no longer communicate with them I have not had to deal with it recently.
I used to love my subject but 3yrs here has ruined it! I do not like the lab I work in (and I cannot move) and my degree. But I don't know what to do as I can not quit after 3yrs - I've come to far.

Please help!

Could you take a break? It really sounds as though you need one badly. Speak to your supervisor about this. Check the funding regulations to see under what grounds you could even temporarily put your PhD on hold.

I took a break in the middle of my part-time PhD. It was either that or I would quit. I had to get permission from my funding council for the 5 months off, and they (AHRC) only granted breaks in limited conditions. But I got mine, and it was just what I needed, to get some distance, recharge my batteries, and come back and complete the PhD.

If you do decide to carry on I would also recommend working out what you have left to do and a timetable for that. Having a timetable in place - even one that can shift and change a bit as needed - can be a real morale boost towards the end of a PhD. So look into that.

Good luck!