I quit my program after nearly 3.5 years (it usually takes 5 yrs or so in my dept.) but the project was new since I had switched groups after a getting a masters under a different advisor. I spent a year after that with the new advisor. So things haven't really worked out the way that I wanted it to and I have also not revealed my decision to my family. They were sort of hoping that I would be the 1st doctor but it's not to be. I stressed a lot on having to do this after so long into the program and this forum would have really helped but I didn't come across this until now. I am still not sure about the job situation and how I am going to sell this but I have made a decision to switch fields to management (do an MBA perhaps) since I don't see research as a carreer and most positions in my field require a ph.d. Hopefully someone will see this and respond with their experiences of career changes after leaving the program. All the posts have really helped, thanks to everyone!

I too was in a similar situation but mid last year. After many months of little productivity I decided that the Ph.D was not for me at least not now (the reasons were personal - the department and the advisor were great but there wasnt any progress off late) and talked it out with my advisor. He as always was very helpful and suggested that I take a leave of absence instead and I could always come back if I wanted to and so I took a years leave starting july last year. I initially thought that I would get back but have lately realized that my original reasons have still not changed and also my passion for doing a ph.d has greatly dimnished (though not for science) and so have decided to leave the program.