A paper I recently sent for publishing had a majority of negative results. 4 out of the 7 hypothesises were exactly the opposite of the assumptions we made. I defended it and it made for an interesting discussion! So, I'm sure you'll do well with defending the findings you have! Good luck.

This is very nice! Thank you for making videos about your experience.

All done, May1980! Good luck :)

How anybody would live this on their conscience, is beyond my comprehension.

Do you need the article by that author in particular? I tried looking at three data bases, and couldn't get hold of it. I found another paper, in case it helps with what you're looking for anyway.

Hi Arthemesus,

I cannot relate to this specific situation because I haven't embarked on a PhD, but I've had my share of moments where things have seemed hopeless, at that time.

I agree wholeheartedly with what Ephiny says, that there is a bigger picture to this. I urge you to see the positive in this situation, which is, that none of this is your fault, but your supervisor's. Did you make a blunder in your work? No. Did you fail to have your work at the required standard, absolutely not. You've come so far, purely on your merit, so do not blame yourself.

The situation is purely to do with your supervisor. It wasn't in your hands. There was nothing you could do anyway to predict that your supervisor would cheat your bench fee. This isn't going to be on your conscience, so be mindful of that.

If your PhD takes longer, so what? It isn't the end. You WILL still get it, it may take just a bit longer than you expected. It's all part of your journey to get your PhD, embrace it. I had a tough first year during my Masters degree, where I felt like quitting innumerable times, but I pulled through. You are NOT alone.

I strongly urge you to concentrate on getting your PhD done, as best as you can. You can then look back at this in retrospect, and it will all be fine.

Do not give up, you're better than that, and nothing is worth taking your life over.

I wish you the very best,
TNW

Hi helebon,

I'm at the end of my masters degree and currently working on my research project.

I'm not very sure about what you're asking in the first part of your question, but I can confidently share my thoughts on the latter question.

To the best of my knowledge, the school allocates a supervisor to the student. One student may also be allotted two supervisors.

On the other hand, a student can approach a specific lecturer and request for them to supervise too, which is what I did. I did not want to be assigned to someone I would not be completely compatible with. I also knew who I wanted to work with, months in advance.

Additionally, at the Masters level, the topic of your project is commonly designated to you by the supervisor. However, in some cases, the supervisor may also be open to discussing other viable research areas you may want to explore. I was given a topic by my supervisor, but I told him I'd weigh my chances with another topic I had in mind. We met and I presented both topics to him and we decided to go with mine. I received good support from my supervisor and I have only positive feelings about this going ahead.

Good luck to you!

Thank you ToL and Tudor_Queen for your inputs! I have spoken to my supervisor and we have come up with a sure way to circumvent the situation. So, hoping for the best now.

I was told that role of RA is primarily given to PhD students, instead of others, just as a matter of giving those students the experience they need. Non-PhD students can also stand a chance, but are not the first priority.

Hi Tru,

Thank you for your response.

To answer your question, yes, I'm keen on being in academia, hence the intention to do the PhD, in the first place.

Your suggestions are insightful. However, I have a question: I work as an RA for a year, before I apply for my PhD? Because as far as I know, I can be an RA and earn as a result, only when enrolled into the PhD course. Anyone else has insights on this?

Thanks nonetheless, I will bring this up with my supervisor at our next meeting and see what happens.

Hello everyone.

I'm back again with yet another decision I'm supposed to make now and I'm stuck. Let me give you'll some context.

I'm at the end of my Masters degree. I'm doing well and my masters thesis is turning out to be better than we expected. Long story short, my supervisor has now taken a keen interest in me and has offered to give me a post as his research assistant, in the event that I do decide to do my PhD (which he's keen on!). He made it very clear that he wants to be my PhD supervisor too.

The problem now is, THE MONEY. Where am I supposed to get it from?

I'm an international student in Australia and the fees are ridiculously expensive, and let's not even begin to talk about the other expenses.

I do not want to rely on my parents too much, because they've already done enough. I have the option of working for a few years and coming back to do the PhD, but my supervisor fears I'll move on and won't look back. I can also work and do my PhD part-time. But I'm most keen to start and finish the PhD, and not stretch it too far, for my own sake.

I'm scared to take a loan, because of the outstanding debt I'd be into after that, for a long, long time.

I'm hopeful and excited to do the PhD, but I need practical steps moving forward now.

Has anyone ever been in this, or a similar predicament, where finances was a hurdle? If so, how did you overcome it? Any advice will help multi-fold!

Many thanks,
TNW

Hi Trilla,

I have scanned so many opinions and articles and yes, I'm aware of the upheavals that come with a PhD. I know what I'm getting into.

Thanks for telling me that I'm not the only one with financial constraints :) Like you, I too will find a way.

I'm sure after you finish sorting out your bibliography and the like, you will have a clear mind to do what's next. I wish you all the very best.

Hi Trilla,

I'm so happy to see such a happy sounding post! Congratulations on finishing your PhD, regardless of all the tough moments that made you think otherwise! This holds as real inspiration for someone like me, who is at a crossroads in my life, where I have to decide whether I want to do a PhD, or not.

What am I up to, you ask? Working on a Masters Dissertation that I'm passionately in love with. Much to my supervisor's and my surprise, it's actually turning out to be really nice. Happy supervisor, happy life!

My supervisor has offered me a position as his research assistant and has also made it clear that he's happy to be my PhD supervisor as well (we get along very well :D!) But I'm not yet decided, as money is the issue for me. I don't want to make this a dull moment now, so I'll end by saying, that I'll find a way to get where I ought to be!

So what are your plans next? Academia or are you going to take on the industry by its horns?!

Cheers!