Just thought I'd give you an update...

Basically, had an interview on Monday. Company was everything I'd hoped for-interesting work (they make systm one, which is the patient's records system for the NHS), decent pay and good prospects, nice people and a nice space to work. They let me know that they wanted me then and there. So I'm taking the job and starting next week!!! Have told Uni, which was hard...my supervisor had just come back after visiting another university, and it was a bit of a shock for him. But its the right choice I think. Haven't bothered asking about an MPhil, since I probably wont have time with the job and stuff, and the way I see it the time isn't wasted because you have to try things to know they're not right for you.

Hi guys,
I've just heard I've got an interview for the job on Monday!! Assuming I like the company and they like me, I think its likely I'll be leaving my PhD. I haven't said anything to anyone at uni about this. Does anyone know the usual procedure for leaving (ie: notice I have to give, what happens with my funding etc.)
Thanks,

Ryan

Thanks Otto, those were my exact thoughts. PhD research does seem detached from reality, and any job opportunities possible with a PhD seem to want experience to some extent as well. This means that 3-4 years down the line, I'll be getting the same job I could get now.

Thanks for the advice guys. I know I haven't been doing it long, and that by it's nature a PhD has peaks and troughs. I haven't really been looking for jobs actively either, I just found this one whilst casually browsing. I only applied because everything about it seems right (location, salary, area of work etc.), and I've NEVER found a job that ticks all the boxes!

On top of this I have recently applied for a job as a software developer, just because it seemed like a good opportunity. They liked my CV and sent me an aptitude test, which were some programming tasks. I've spent the last week working on these problems much harder than I've ever worked on my PhD. Just waiting to see if I get an interview now.

So basically now I'm in limbo. If I get the job, I'm dreading leaving my PhD, because I like my supervisor and other members of the group. But at the same time I really feel like its not right for me. If I don't get it, I don't know whether to just look for other jobs, or carry on or what!!

Any advice would be appreciated. Also, anyone know about the process of leaving ie: how much notice you have to give etc...

Thanks,

Ryan

Hi there,
I feel like I need some independent advice on my situation. I have been doing my PhD for a little over six months. It's in a subject I had an interest in at the start, however lately I've started to feel uninterested and directionless. This coupled with the fact that I don't seem to work well without structure has led to me spending little or no time on my work. I also now feel like there's no way I want to be an academic, and so I'm starting to question why I'm doing this.