Hey MattG242

There is no shame in stopping now if you really think that there is a big chance that you are going to fail and would rather not go through with it (or for ANY reason - there is no shame in changing your mind about doing something). I'm sure you already know this, but just to say it anyway. Try not to care about what others think. People will always find something to criticise! And it's not like you even need to tell people the reason behind your decision. It's your life.

Re the course itself. Have you just started it? Do you think it is perhaps just a massive learning curve, or that it is a particular module that is particularly challenging but you might get on better on others? If you know that it is none of those things but genuinely the wrong course for you then perhaps quitting now will save you time and money.

Best
Tudor

Apologies for my algorithm comment. There have been some of those lately.

MasonBrown - I agree re coffee. My downfall!

Someone testing out some sort of algorithm?!

Thanks! I've decided against using it now. Having read a bit up on it yesterday, it would be a cool technique to learn when the occasion arises!

I'm just wondering how long it takes to learn and if/what special software is required.

Thanks

There is a lean chance that some of the target population may be lurking on this joint...

I wondered what the connection was to the original thread here!

A lot of people doing a PhD are going through similar things, Candyfloss. Remember to be kind to yourself! It sounds like you've noticed a whole bunch of signs that say that you are stressed. Make sure that you don't just continue like that without addressing things - maybe talk to someone - like a uni counsellor. And welcome to the forum!

Advice on how to deal with it... list the positives and the negatives. To be honest, from your account it does sound like there are a lot of positives. I would much rather be on top of my game and know the ins and outs of my field than the "super star" things you describe. Don't get me wrong, I know what it is like to work with someone who is a bit of a wet blanket. It is awful. But, as long as it doesn't affect your research (if it does, you need to change supervisors) then I suggest you just focus on the positives and get on with your PhD, passing with with flying colours by the sounds of it! Then, you will be able to move on, and hopefully end up in a larger research group with a more sociable PI (after all, I think that's what it boils down to here - and you can't change their personality unfortunately). You need to find that motivation from within yourself, your work. And also, be in touch with other researchers who appreciate your work (I find that very motivating and rewarding). They may be your future PI!!!

Hi J_W, hopefully someone who has been through their viva / corrections will come and give you some encouragement/advice here, but I just wanted to say that what you are going through from what I have heard is completely normal. Doing a PhD - knowing what is expected of you, wondering if you're meeting the expectations, wondering if it is enough etc etc - is like a psychological roller coaster at times, and is not fun (the SCIENCE part is...). You will do it! If I recall rightly then yours actually could have been minor corrections - but they put major down out of kindness to give you more time to do them. It's worth remembering that fact.

Cheers for sharing that, Nerdy - I'm feeling better about things now. : )

Pjlu - that is great! Things sound exciting! Very sad to think that you won't be on the forum anymore. But it has served its purpose. Thanks so much for all your friendly and insightful replies. I wish you all the best going forward. Best wishes, Tudor.

What are you doing now days Pjlu? Have you started job hunting? (I hope I have remembered correctly that there was a recent thread from you about having passed your viva).

Hi Pjlu, yes, I think so. As long as it is about the science, and so called "positive results" aren't needed to pass, then that is OK. I think that's what has been nagging at me this past day or so. I like the analogy your Masters supervisor gave - the story of the data. That's cool, and will be good to bear in mind whilst analyse the last part of the data (rather than I'm looking for a certain result here).

Ps. Your sample sizes are impressive!