Out of interest, what's the longest period you have spent out of the phd due to things like lack of motivation or confidence (I don't really mean planned breaks or illness as such)? I've just spent two weeks doing nothing through a total lack of motivation (well let's be honest, I could probably say I've spent the past 7 months doing nothing very useful due to lack of motivation :$), but then all of a sudden I get a week or a few days of interest and I'm off - and then nothing again.

Luckily I also have a partner who is very understanding and supports me and really encouraged me to go ahead and do the PhD. I think all situations are different, so there's no simple 'yes' or 'no' answer.
My biggest problem is, in fact, my family wanting more time from me! They think that just because I am a student again I have loads of free time and some days they pester me non-stop to go round or do this and that (usually saying "but you're not busy, are you"). So from my personal experience they are more hassle to deal with whilst doing a PhD than my partner is!

shani - yes, the more bits and pieces you need added to the prescription the more it adds up. However, the site I have used has a huge range of good quality frames beyond the budget ones you see in the high street, and the glasses don't look any different - I have both £200 glasses from the opticians and the £15 pair, and the £15 ones are much nicer. I am extremely short sighted, so I know all about thick lenses!!!

Hey Olivia, have you looked at www.glassesdirect.co.uk? They start from £15 for both frame and lenses - I got a pair when I had my prescription made stronger but couldn't afford to spend the extortionate amounts they charge in the opticians. I initially had my doubts seeing how cheap they sold lenses&frames for (you think - whats the scam here?), but they aren't bad at all and good quality. I would definatley recommend for people who are on a tight budget.

I can't get one on mine, they won't even consider it, and that's with my partner's full salary, to be honest I wouldn't get your hopes up especially not at the moment! We are going to be renting for a long time yet..

And call me a hermit, but I do quite enjoy it on my own!

I agree - I only really have to show my face in the department because I am also doing sessional teaching, so I know more undergrad students than PhD ones! Anyway, this forum is about as close as I get to discussing my PhD with like-minded people. I also look quite young compared to the other students even though I am probably older than some, I know it's weird to say but I feel like a kid standing there while they discuss important stuff! Not to mention social events with other members of staff... I have avoided them too!

testing what?

p.s. it's quite comforting knowing someone else out there feels the same about this particular issue!!!

Hi eddi - I am in the same boat as you. I haven't 'put myself out there' at all aside from one social(ish) gathering early on and that was now about 6 months ago! My self-isolation was partly the result of feeling inadequate. Most of the postgrads I did meet were all living together and in their later years of the PhD, and I felt very out of place. It doesn't really bother me as I am local to non-uni friends and family, but sometimes I think it may be awkward if I do have to get into one of those situations again and everyones going "and who are you??!"!! I am trying to be more productively social and attend a few conferences this year.

thanks guys - I'm going to look into those books you suggested.
rjb203 - I am social science based. You are right in that to some extent I don't know what to say! Maybe this brick wall I seem to face when writing is because of some inner anxieties about the PhD and the lack of direction I feel at the moment. This may get better in time. I just get so annoyed with myself because I know I've done it in the past with no problems, that is the most frustrating thing. I actually used to find this sort of writing very enjoyable!

Hi cc,
I have looked at tons of journal articles and although I see how they write and the phrases they use I just can't translate it into my own style. I have had my worked looked at critically and mostly those who have read it say it reads fine etc., but I am dissatisfied with the actual process of writing it as it takes me so long when it shouldn't (from experience).

I guess I would describe it as being a complete mental block on writing - not necessarily on the subject matter though - and the more I write the worse it gets!

I am struggling to think of the right words to use and how to structure my sentences so that what I write gets straight to my point. I'm ending up using the same old words and phrases and it looks and sounds dull and unimaginative. My writing is also lacking a creative sort of flow to it. It's annoying because I used to find it quite easy to write (before I took a few years break from academia).
Anyone know of any resources that are good for getting the creative writing juices flowing or any good books that help with this sort of thing?

I just don't know what to do really.. I guess I should talk to my lettings agent however the father (the noisiest one!) works for them and I think they are quite chummy
To think we moved out to the sticks for peace and quiet - I think this is what bugs me most!!!! Ours are the only houses in the area so it's not as if I can anonymously complain either!