Hi Katie

I think you need to hold off from doing anything rash, or in the heat of the moment, and take a while out to consider the situation. There are a lot of issues at play here. How long you have left on the course is a major one. If it is just a year or two, it could be worth sticking with the project. It will not be for ever.

Getting a PHD does not mean you have to work in Academia. There are not enough jobs in Academia anyway, and an over-supply of people with PHDs.

Yes, you have a very difficult supervisor, but do not let that be the deciding factor. There are a lot of unpleasant supervisors in the non-academic workforce - believe me!

Is there any way you could combine doing your PHD with a part time job in the fitness industry - eg in a gym? You could gain practical insight into the industry that way.

I would hold off from sending any e-mails until you have had time to consider calmly what is best for you - and to talk it over eg with University Counsellors - or people who are not directly involved.

Sometimes just having a good moan about the situation to impartial people can be a real help.

Angelette

Hi Rian

Your most relevant qualification is usually your most recent. With that in mind, it could probably be an idea to try to complete a Masters Degree first. Your aim could be to find a suitable Masters Course, which you could then follow up with a PHD.

Remember to seriously consider finances - how would you pay for your studies? Grants are like snow in summer.

Also -will it be financially worthwhile? How will you make a living? What job do you want to get at the end? In Academia, there are going to be fewer jobs - and pay rates and conditions are going to get worse.

Outside Academia, sometimes having a PHD can seriously hamper your job prospects!

If you want something badly enough though, and try hard enough , you can often get there - please just be aware!

Angelette

This is an ominous development. Shame on them for trying to get round the minimum wage! Let's face it - after all that hard work, most of us hope for a tiny little better than the minimum wage!

Working conditions in Academia are bad enough already. For many - no tenure, no holiday pay, constantly scrambling for grants etc.

Now 'work for nothing!' Academia is truly not an attractive employment prospect.

Angelette

Hi Rajesh

It is certainly possible to get on a PHD program with an OK undergraduate Degree, followed by a Masters.  Your most relevant qualification is usually the most recent one. Getting funding is difficult for anyone now however.

Why not try though? If you do not try, you will not know.

Angelette

Hi Bruce

In order to get into a top law school - you must be pretty smart. Because of personal problems - you did not get the marks you would have done under normal circumstances. That does not mean you should give up on your plan. That was then, and this is now.

Many people do a Masters before a PhD. That might be your first goal. How to make your application stronger? - practical experience working in your chosen field can be very useful. Would you consider working for a law firm for a few years before starting more studies?

One thing to remember is careers in Academia are frequently not well paid - and insecure. There is a large University close to where I live in England. 50% of the women lecturers are on temporary contracts.

Angelette

Well done Jabu.  Congratulations.

Angelette     8-)

Hi Dst

Is distance learning a possibility for you?

Angelette

Hi Mac

With a first degree, and then a Masters, you have a reasonable chance of getting onto a PhD program.

However, you do need to think very carefully about the kind of PhD you want, and why you want to do it.

The amount of time studying is considerable.  Will you be doing it for love of the subject, or because it might increase employment prospects?

It is pays to be practical, and to keep these things in mind.  There is a considerable over-production of PhDs, and not everyone wants, or will get, a job in academia.  What will you be hoping to get at the end?

Letters after your name are very nice, but the rent still has to be paid.

Angelette

Hi Folks

This question might concern anyone, male or female, who changes their name when marrying.

Say you were a Miss/Mr James before marriage, and chose to become Miss/Mr Brown after marriage - how would you name yourself? - assuming that you persevered and struggled through to the end to obtain a PhD.

Would you choose to call yourself Dr James or Dr Brown?

Would it depend on whether you got married before, during or after the PhD?  Is it completely a matter of personal choice, or are there regulations that should be followed?

Reverting to a single name after a divorce could be a topic for another time!

Angelette

Genette

You need to get the best advice you can now. Concentrating on finance - Have you been to see any advisors from your student's union? Also what about contacting the Citizen's Advice? If there is no way of continuing where you are at the minute, you have to look after your finances straight away.

With the best efforts in the world - hardly anyone walks straight into any kind of job. If you need to sign on for any benefits - make a claim as soon as you can. It can take a while to process, but at least you have started the ball rolling.

You have been treated really shabbily - but that particular PhD is not the only one in the world. Is there any chance of switching to another? Also that particular University is not the only one in the world either. It may be that you might have to get a job for a year or two and then apply somewhere else - and hopefully somewhere where the situation will be more reliable.

Angelette

Cornflower

There are hardly any students who do not feel doubts at some time.  If you are feeling really down, it might be a good idea to make an appointment with the Doctor.

Do you have a relaxing hobby or sport of any sort that you can take up again for a while so that you are not thinking 24/7 about your studies?

Remember, you have done really well in the past.  You can do so again in the future.

Angelette

Thanks Bilbo - for all your kind advice and wisdom.

Angelette

Hi Alloy

Is there any possibility of continuing with the PhD part time - and getting a job in London?

Angelette

Hi Midlife

I think it could be a good idea to try to get as many different career ideas as you can, and work out at least which ones would not suit you. Then knock them off the list and consider what is left.

One poster a while back mentioned that they were doing - and enjoying, on-line tutoring. I have no experience of this myself - but it might be worth while looking into.

You could even maybe do it part time, while working in another job.

Angelette

Hi Delta

You probably know all this already but ----

Keep a careful record of any phone calls you make, spec approaches to employers etc.  This is so that you can show the efforts you are making.

Alas, you are by no means alone.  There is a huge number of really talented people looking for work at the moment.

One thing about taking a job that you might not want to stay in long term, say in admin or in a bank, even part time, is that once you have a job, it is easier to get another.

Hopefully things will pick up soon.

Regards

Angelette