Thanks caro that's very helpful advice. I'm also worried that this just isn't for me and I would be happier working in a clinical setting with patients - a role i May struggle to get after a phd? Should I be worried that I'm having these thoughts?

Hi,

I am starting a PhD studentship (research topic already set) in less than a week and I am terrified that I might be making a big mistake. I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology earlier this year and worked as a research assistant the previous summer on the same topic with the same supervisor. I was excited about the idea of being paid to do something that I enjoyed whilst gaining a qualification (that could potentially help towards my career goal of becoming a professional psychologist - I say potentially as it's possible it may not). I really enjoyed university and research in particular and for all of these reasons I applied, and was offered the PhD studentship. Now I am about to start and am filled with worry that I might not enjoy it, may get bored of the topic, will be so unhappy i'll be forced to quit, or will complete it but want to leave academia and be unable to find a job. I've read countless posts on here and other sites that make me even more terrified; I am prepared to work long hours and have less of a social life than others but I would still like to spend some weekends with my family and boyfriend and take an annual holiday - I get the impression this is not possible from some threads?

Surely this is not a good sign that I am feeling this way already, or is it normal to be scared?

I guess i'm just posting as I need to get my thoughts into words and wondering if anyone has any words of advice or is feeling/has felt the same way?

Thanks!