You could work for Mr Kipling, removing bakewell tarts which haven't got a cherry on top. I had a friend who did this as a summer job once. But woulnd't you get bored with such a job? I mean, there's taking something too far, and this kind of menial job becomes the bane of your life. Believe me, I'm experiencing this right now...

With the patent stuff it is supposed to be one of the hardest professional qualifications in the UK, but could use my subject and has PhD entrants.
There's a balance between being challenged without causing myself to burn out. Maybe just a break like you said would help.

My current job has really made me realise I want to get back into research. Sadly I have to wait until next September :(

CC, I;, so sorry you're feeling like this.

I think you need to be compassionate to yourself. Whilst I agree that it is important to finish the PhD, I thnk you need to step back from it for a while.

I have battled with depression and anxiety throuhgout my PhD and still going through it now. I took some time off and it helped to just do nothing for a while, to regain my focus. A good supervisor will understand that. I wish you well :)

Take MistaG's advise, CC take some time out, come back refreshed and push to complete. Once you have you Phd you can put the whole sorry experience behind you. It sounds like you're suffering from a serious bout of anxiety and depression, and I really feel for you. Hopefully you will start feeling better in time, just don't give up no matter how dark the days seem. There is always hope. FFxx