Girlwonder: you've made the right decision. Self-funding a PhD if you have ANY financial or professional doubts whatsoever is a terrible idea. It's bad economics: there is an over-saturation of freshly minted PhDs and a dearth of academic positions. The odds of securing an academic post are low. This shouldn't be a reason NOT to pursue a PhD per se - as the qualification offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth and development - but it's senseless to take the financial hit of self-funding (no less to forego the 3-4 years professional experience you would otherwise acquire) when there are no guaranteed prospects of landing a job at the other end. Unless you are *obsessed* with research, that is...but few people really are, and doing a PhD can be extremely tough. You really, really, wouldn't want to attempt doing a full-time PhD and working simultaneously.

As others have suggested, I'd recommend waiting, applying again, and giving it a shot if/once you've secured funding. Best of luck to you.

Hi impgrrrl. Sorry to hear about your situation. To echo others: I would advise speaking to your supervisor asap. I endured 14 months of my PhD - with similar issues to yours (major anxiety, downward spiral of low productivity and depression) - before it became unbearable and I spoke to my supervisors last month. Contrary to my expectations they were both supportive and understanding. I've just interrupted for a year and instantaneously it feels like a huge weight has been lifted. Not sure if you're funded but I've been allowed to 'pause' mine for the duration of interruption (so there are no negative financial implications). Your supervisors will be less sympathetic if you keep on plugging away without explaining your circumstances: they'll likely assume you just aren't applying yourself (this was my experience, at least). The academic environment can feel ruthless and unforgiving at times, but in my experience people immediately drop the aggression and become sympathetic if you are candid about the fact that you are having personal difficulties (staff and other students alike). Your situation probably isn't going to improve by itself over time: the further you progress, the higher the pressure and the worse you will feel (again, such was my experience). Don't suffer in silence: get everything out in the open and you'll be offered support. Finally, remember: PhDs aren't for everyone. Withdrawal in no way demonstrates 'failure' - it can represent an act of courage and having the sense to realise that your skills are better suited for something else. Life's too short to put yourself through hell for a bit of paper and the hollow status a new title confers. Just bear this in mind! Best of luck!

Hello everyone - I've got a quick question. Any feedback would be invaluable.

In brief, my situation: I'm 9 months into my (ESRC funded) social sciences PhD, and I've been miserable throughout. The departmental atmosphere is aggressive, I'm significantly less qualified than my peers, my supervisor has been largely absent and otherwise utterly destructive in all feedback, and has made it explicit that he regrets taking me on. The topic has changed to the extent that it is a) unworkable and b) painfully dry. My motivation and self-confidence are non-existent, and I've become embarrassingly unproductive, although I've completed the mandatory first year lit review / methodology paper assignments and am (possibly) on track to have something workable for the upgrade (due in approx 4 months).

I've wanted to quit since about 3 months in, but - heeding my parents' advice - I decided not to make any rash decisions and slog it out for a little longer. Obviously I'd like to minimise the sunk costs, so quitting with an Mphil at the end of year one is the desirable option. The problem is this: there is scant information on the criteria for i) the sufficient volume of work to qualify for an Mphil and ii) the marking procedures (ie the thresholds for 'success', or at least a pass). This information is - perhaps understandably - withheld, as I imagine the dept seeks to discourage individuals from taking this option as much as possible.

I'm wondering what the vested interests are for the department / institution in this situation. I've been led to believe that quitting will reflect badly on the dept / my supervisor - given that I'm ESRC funded - and some have suggested that the department would PREFER to award an Mphil rather than have another attrition statistic. Will discussing this with my supervisor damage our relationship even further? Is it worth suffering another 4 months on the distinctly uncertain prospects of getting an Mphil? Does anyone have any knowledge of the sufficient workload to qualify for an Mphil? Many thanks!