Yes, PhDs are stressful, hard work, tiring, supevisors can be bastards, colleagues can be unhelpful. But is life really THAT bad? i think we should all cheer up on here and take a day off(call in sick if you have to) and go and spend the day at the beach eating icecream. Ok?!

Good idea! I start today:)

Well said DJ Wickid! :o)

Go Wickid!!

Ah yes, but my supervisor is not here this week, so do I take aday off now or next week, hmmmm

I totally agree. Doing a PhD beats having a 'proper' job, for sure. And yes, there may be downs, but the highs when things are going well are hard to beat without resorting to illicit activies. Or maybe that's just me.

I agree with Ali. First 18 months, nothing. Now I'm in the 2nd half of my 2nd year and I have results coming out of my ears. There's no other feeling like it when things happen. (Except for the obvious!)

Hear hear.... doing a phd is hard but it is great ..flexible hours..intersting job etc ...we are lucky and we know we are .. have fun

Totally agree! Put it this way would you rather be doing something interesting that you like or be bored in an office somewhere doing something that doesn't interest you or stimulate your mind? ;)

Hoorah! Cadbury's flakes and raspberry sauce all round!!