So it is vacation time and I haven't done anything in my PhD which by the way is in Humanities. First, I'm currently doing my PhD in England,and I truly hate the country. It is gray/cold all the time, expensive (I'm come from poor States, sorry I didn't know that), racist, British ego is super huge and people are very fakey/optimism here - (and honestly their sense of humor is not that great. They look more like bullies) I have only spent one year doing two drafts (that doesn't mean that they will stay in the thesis) and the thought of going back to the UK, pretend that I love the country and obviously the dreaded... What are you doing with your life, you need to do this, yadda yadda... Doesn't appeal to me anymore or better yet... I don't care. Yes, I'm depressed and wondering what kind of job I can get with a Ph.D. in a world where competition is rampant and the unemployment rates are even much higher that we can imagine. I guess that my error was to hide in grad school 'cause I couldn't find a job. Well, thoughts? I know that this site is full of British ppl so maybe their 'Hallmark-optimism' intellect can help me. PS: Now I know why the British conquer Africa 'causeee They have blue skies there ,-)

Insulting someone's culture is probably not the best strategy to get them to give you good advice...

Well, thoughts? I think you've answered your own question really. If you're studying in a country that makes you so deeply unhappy and depressed, it's probably not such a good idea. If you consider doing a PhD to be futile to your long term prospects, again, it's probably not such a good idea. If you think 'Hallmark-optimism' from what you perceive to be fake personalities with super huge ego's can be of any assistance, can it?
Yep, the weather is pretty grim in the UK. I should know. I live on top of a hill in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes, being depressed can alter the way you see and deal with things, so it might be an idea to consult your GP (physician) and see if there is anything he/she can do to help you. On top of that, when you're back in the UK, why not consider getting involved in some activities at your university. Tarring everyone with the same brush is a little bit unfair. There are very few people I have come across who are fake or excessively optimistic in the UK.
The job market is pretty grim for academia at the moment, but this is a world-wide problem. It won't be the same forever, though. I think you need to seriously question why you started a PhD? If it really is because you couldn't get a job, I think you may have created problems for yourself rather than found a solution. With a PhD, you really have to enjoy what you're doing to some extent because it's only going to get harder. Do you really want to try for a career in research and academia when you finish? Or do you see yourself working in industry (it's still possible with a humanities PhD)?
Provided you enjoy your work, all of the problems you perceive are solvent. Honestly, if you think that British people have super ego's and act fake, you just haven't spent enough time around them (doing fun, social things) - and that's why you need to get involved and try and enjoy yourself. Best wishes.

1. "haven't done anything in my PhD"
2. "gray/cold all the time"
3. "spent one year doing two drafts"
4. "world where competition is rampant"
5. "hide in grad school 'cause I couldn't find a job"

Forgive me, but I fail to grasp - which of these observations above is the fault of the British? The first is a personal lapse, the second a metereological occurence, the third an estimation of personal progress, the fourth an accurate observation about modern life, and the fifth a realisation that has dawned on you.

And, just in case, I am not British. I've spent 22 years of my life since birth in a sun kissed tropical country.

Your attitude infuriates me. I have some good advice for you: assuming you didn't mean to be deliberately insulting, you should work on your communication skills.

P.S. Racism is one way of exhibiting prejudice - have a scan through your own words and see if you can't find some more.

Hi- I hope you feel better, having put your thoughts in writing. You don't mention which Humanities discipline you are studying in but you seem to be very passionate about issues around internationalisation, globalisation, colonisation and cultural differences. Are these topics you could incorporate into your PhD? You might feel more positive about your study and being in the UK if you are working on a topic which matters to you. I'm doing a Humanities PhD too; and I am British and very proud of it, and my sense of humour;-) though I married an Aussie and have lived there most of my life. Good luck

Awww that is so cute, take care.

It's quite natural to blame the people and culture around you in this kind of situation, because the other option is that it is your own fault that you are not getting on well, not making friends etc. Am I right? Well it may not be their fault OR your fault, if you ask me there is a huge component of luck in these things. From my own experience, I have moved around quite a few times for short-term jobs, in a number of different countries, and mostly I have made friends quickly and had a generally good time, but on a couple of occassions I didn't seem to gel with anyone, didn't make friends despite joining groups etc, and it was a lonely and miserable time. And sometimes it can just take longer than you'd like to settle into a new culture and find people who you connect with. Maybe you are just unlucky in that you haven't found the right people yet. As I'm sure you know, a PhD can be a long and tiring journey, and having a few supportive friends around is essential to most people, I think.

As others have already said, you could try joining in some groups and activities, and consider visiting your university counseling service or a GP to see if they can help you. If those things really do not help, or if you don't want to continue with the PhD anyway, then I'd advise against staying in a situation that for what ever reason makes you so miserable if you can possibly help it. It will affect your physical and mental health, if it hasn't already. Take care, and try not to be too hard on yourself or the British ;-).

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I thought us brits were known for being pessimistic (?) I know I am - I am often called eeyore because I'm so doom and gloom :-) Maybe you're confusing the 'keep calm and carry on' or 'stiff upper lip' attitude with optimism - that's not optimism that's just sheer bloody mindedness.

I think you need to look at what kind of work would be open to you in the states with a PhD - as obviously you don't see Britain (where abouts are you anyway, cos down south its sunny 8-) ) as a place where you can fulfil your long term goals. It is my understanding that the system is a lot different in the states i.e. the academic sector is much more competitive, but there are also many careers where it is impossible to progress without a PhD.

I think British humour can take a while to get used to, but if you're experiencing the 'usual' workplace banter/joshing, then just don't take it personally.

I agree, go and see your GP - its free :-)