For the last 3.5 years I've been working solidly on my PhD and it's finally coming to an end, but with just a few months to go I'm finding myself struggling with absolutely crippling writers block. I know my subject area pretty well, but for some reason I just can't put pen to paper in any meaningful way and organise my thoughts coherently. I've got bits and pieces of chapters done, but none of the are complete.

It's getting to the point where I'm now pretty sure that I won't be able to complete my PhD within the 4 year deadline, which will mean that I fail to get my PhD. I've spoken to my supervisor, but he just keeps saying you'll be surprised at what you can do in the time left. I just don't know what to do. It feels like I'm flogging a dead horse and expecting it to move.

I'm pretty sure i don't want to stay in academia anymore, but I'm terrified, because academia is all I know, and how can I explain to any future employer that I quit my PhD after nearly 4 years? I feel like I've ruined my life and I don't know how to get things back on track.