Overview of satc2013 on PostgraduateForum.com

S

Signup date: 13 May 2013 at 11:06pm

Last login: 19 May 2013 at 6:46pm

Post count: 5

satc2013 5 posts
11 years ago

Quote From wowzers:
Statistically, moving house is one of the most stressfull life events you will ever do plus phds are stressful and expensive. Whilst you may feel you have more opportunity to travel living away from home, could you honestly cope with being cut off from family and your community? Which would have the most negative impact on you completing your Phd, not going to conferences or missing your family? Living at home has its benefits too. You could get your Phd behind you before making another dramatic life change? I hope I don't sound too negative but from someone who has over 20 years work experience behind me I can see that prospects of a new career are exciting but and this is a big but, no career is ever more fulfilling than having a great family bond :-) If you really feel the need to break away from family then that's fine too but just be prepared that change isn't always good, although it could be fantastic. It is a dilema. Good luck with your choice.

I know both things are very stressful. I am just fed up of home, and the many restrictions. I don't even like them as much as I used to before, and the distance grew bigger over the years.
The only thing that is preventing me from breaking away with them is a feeling of guilt/ingratitude. I could not do a phd whilst not being at peace with myself and my family. It seems like the only option would be for me to stay here :( Hate my life.

S

satc2013 5 posts
11 years ago

Quote From Dont_Run_On_Time:
Some of the best PhD thesis did not get funding. If memory serves, I read about Paul Willis who wrote Learning to Labour working at three different universities and a part-time job to fund his studies.

I guess this is also depends on which discipline you are in, funding in the arts is ultra, ultra competitive.

At the end of the day, if you finish your PhD and have 'excellent' publications, no one will care.

You're right! It will all boil down to the quality of my work in the end. :)

S

satc2013 5 posts
11 years ago

Quote From journey:
Hi satc2013,
I don't think it is very important if your funding is a university scholarship or research council funding. What is most important is that you secured funding as any type of funding is hard to come by. So many congratulations!! Don't feel bad, as you are actually very lucky!

I must admit, I've not come across that many people with research council funding but it's certainly not a rarity. It seems to be just as many or even more PhDs are funded by other sources (e.g., your college/university/department, overseas governments, national charties etc.). I've also met a fair few people who pay to do PhDs (maybe with loans, family donations, inheritance etc.). There doesn't really seem to be any snobbery about who pays for your PhD, as far as I've experienced. What's more important is the work you do with your PhD! That is what gets you noticed.

Personally, I would recommend that you only do the PhD if you have been offered financial support. And you have! Otherwise, it's a huge financial gamble. Ultimately, it's a lot of hard work (and fun!) and the career prospects for many recent PhD graduates are often quite precarious - regardless of what scholarship scheme you were on.

Thanks for your post! I am feeling slightly better :)

S

satc2013 5 posts
11 years ago

Hey everyone,

I am basically thinking of moving out to my university accommodation as soon as I start my Phd. I am currently working part-time and have been offered a full funding from my university, so financially, it should be ok. However, coming from a conservative Muslim background, this move won't happen smoothly (i.e. women are not allowed to live by themselves) and once it will take place, my whole family might decide to stop contacting me, allowing me to visit them, etc.
I want to get my own place to be able to travel, and no longer be subject to the many restrictions existing at home. I think if I stay at home and study, I might not be able to fully exploit the opportunities that could come my way. For instance: I shared with my father my desire to go and submit an abstract for a conference that will take place abroad. He refused I go on my own and said I could go if I allowed him to come with me and paid for his fare!!!! He is also dead against me staying overnight anywhere, a huge problem for me as many conferences in my field take place outside of my city and I would have to spend at least a night away from home to allow for travel etc.
I am in a huge dilemma: about to embark on a very difficult academic journey and also about to move out, which would severe the ties with my family. I don't know what to do and if it is reasonable, or if I should stick with my family, for after all, family ties are sacred. My parents suffer from ill health and are facing many issues at the moment as well, so I am not sure if my actions would worsen their conditions.
So if a Phd do-able if one is facing many personal issues? I am a very emotional person, so I will keep thinking about my problems at every moment of my research.

Please advise. Thanks.

S

satc2013 5 posts
11 years ago

Hello all,
I a currently a Master's student, intent on doing a phd in september 2013. I would like to know if I am right in being so upset about not having secured esrc funding. It was my main goal and having failed to achieve it, I feel like I am not that 'smart' (since only the best students get it). Will getting funding from an institution make me less 'appealing' to potential interviewers? Basically, how bad is it to not get research council funding? It seems like most of the phd students I know have it, making me feel even more stupid. :(

Sorry for the rant. I can't stop feeling awful since receiving the dreadful email informing me that I did not secure it. :( I suddenly feel less competitive and talented.

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