Thanks for the input, Ewardianguy and Ian.

@ Ian

My supervisor said that it will take me the full 3.5 years to do lab work and then 6 months to write up afterwards. My scholarship is for 3 years but a 6 month extension is possible. From what I know, in my department at least, no one is ever written up by 3 years, most take 3.5 years for the work and then write up. I don't know, maybe that's just the supervisors making sure they get the most work out of the student before they move them on. I guess if things had gone better I wouldn't be in this position, but maybe they didn't go well because I don't have enough passion and drive to make it work. It's hard when I'm not that interested in what I'm doing! I sought advice before talking to my supervisor but then I realised after already talking to her, my supervisor didn't say anything encouraging or constructive. This is the 3rd time this year alone where I've thought of pulling out, each time I get closer to doing so. I feel like I just want to move on with my life, they only reason I think I should stay is that there will be industry jobs in which PhDs are highly sought after and I don't want to limit my options with a Masters. But you're correct, I shouldn't be hasty. In fact I have an experiment happening right now and It looks like a good result is coming my way so maybe thinking about it for longer might help.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum. After reading older posts, I can see that their are lots of people with all kinds of experience whether it be good or bad.

My situation is as follows; I initially started a PhD following honors because at the time I actually enjoyed research and my project was so huge that there was still plenty of work to be done. Over time my interest in research has dwindled and I know I don't want to be an academic or do research in general. I'm certain of this. What I'm not certain of is whether or not a PhD is worth doing. I've so far completed 2 years of lab work for what feels like very little success but I might be able to write up a Masters instead. From where I am now it just seems like it's only going to get a lot harder because my project hasn't produced the data my supervisor would have hoped and I feel like I just don't have the passion or drive to make it to the end. I have spoken to my supervisor about changing to a Masters and I now feel ostracized and like I have been labeled a 'waste of time'. The thought of continuing for 2 more years to finish the Phd makes me feel sick in the stomach and I'm literally pulling my hair out on a daily basis worrying about this. For careers outside of academia, it seems like a Phd in most cases is overkill and that Masters will is just as good in developing all the transferable skills. So my question is, is completing the Phd over the next 2 years (if everything works well...) and in the process crushing my soul and spirit worth it? If I change now I could potentially have a Masters written up in 6 months time and could be earning money and doing things that make me feel good about myself such as learning my instrument and playing sports.

Thanks for reading.