i wouldnt do it to get other people to notice its for me because then when i see it i will be reminded of the reason for all this hard work and stress.

But arent there intrinsic reasons you did your PhD, that are more important to you (and more visible such as the weighty tome that is your thesis)? The love of the subject, the chance to be an expert?

Surely the title "Dr" is not the reason for all your hard work and huge achievement?

PS. My get a "grip comment" wasnt directed at the intial poster. It was in reference to the academic snobs (like my ex-supervisor) who insisted on being addressed as such even on things like internal emails, or memos that I would drop in his pigeon-hole.

Most annoyingly He would also cite his letters after his name for even trivial things e.g.

"Dear Milkman
From monday please can I have two pints of semi skimmed milk
Thank you
Dr Steven XXXXXXX BSc, MSc, PhD, DipP, Assoc (Psy)."

You can probably guess where some of my title related antipathy stems from.

If as Bernard Shaw said "All professions are a conspiracy against the laity" the adoption of a special title is the final entrenchment of this sentiment. Especially more so outside the arena of your place of work. Sure write your credentials when you write your academic papers, but honestly is it worth trying to impress various waiters and airline staff (who quite frankly dont give a sh*t, unless you have skills for a medical emergency that may happen on their watch).

The adoption of a title outside the sphere of work is quite divisive, like it or not. You are bringing attention to something that is supposed to elevate you in the eyes of whomever you are addressing. Sometimes citing credentials are appropriate, say when you are in court citing your expertise or when publishing. Not at cocktail parties or at the bank.

I do think we should be very proud of our achievements, but do not necessarily relate this with the bestowing of ourselves with a title. My intention was not to be rude, but to ask a fundamental question

"What does calling yourself "Doctor" actually mean to you?".

I personally am egalitarian, and try not to distinguish myself above others, which I feel is the raison d'etre of any title (be it Doctor, Captain, Lord, etc). Why should say a PhD or MD get to call themselves a special title (even in "civilian life")whereas other professions do not despite having similar level qualifications (e.g. accountants, architects etc).

Hasn't stopped the demand though. They approved my application to work for them...

To be honest I am not sure how effective it is. They are banning google ads not web search entries themselves. Those services will still be available for students via word of mouth and other forms of advertising.

I don't call myself doctor. Partly because as a waiter its something people will take the piss out of. Regardless of this, I am also aware of the rejoinder that most people say "Oh, a PhD then you are not a real doctor then." (Second only in irritation to those that say "Whats the point of studying that?" with regard to a subject that has no immediate application)

But beyond that I do feel its something that is putting on "airs and graces". I am secure in what I am and so don't need to flash a title around. I always felt scorn towards those academics who had to be addressed by their title otherwise felt slighted. Get a grip!

I think you need to be more clear about which type of professional doctorate you are applying for (they range from things like Nursing, Clinical Psychology to Engineering). They are usually fully funded for their duration too from my understanding and provide a salary, and as a result they are tough to get onto. Various docs will have various requirements, but usually prefer good academic marks and lots of relevant experience.

Never had previously thought about the OU. Several of other PhD students I used to work with were very snobbish about it, but I always thought that it was a good thing, and that it allowed lots of different sorts of people to have opportunities that would previously be restricted to the few. Unfortunately, the snobs seem to be winning, as most of them are in gainful employment (some even having lectureships already), whereas I am...um, not.

I know from listening to others that the courses are quite rigorous, and the students are highly motivated. I will definitely apply to see if my skills can be used.

I did visit the careers service at university, but it wasnt very useful. They said that from my answers that an academic/ teaching job would be best for my temprament/ skills (which I already knew, and is my problem). I do feel they are very much geared towards the undergraduate/graduate end of the market, and have a tougher time marketing the skills I picked up (e.g. Neuroimaging, health psychology). The soft skills of general project management, personel wrangling, and work discipline it seems most graduates have already.

Yeah, this is all good advice. I think some part of my realises that this is not forever. That I am young, I can do lots of things, etc.

However, there is another part of me is mourning the academic track job that I felt I was destined for. The one that I dreamed so hard about, and made all the sacrifices and put up with all the crap for. If I wasn't any good I would understand, but the other markers (completion time, publications, scholarships) suggest that I AM capable, but because of tangential reasons (internal politics, and funding) I am being denied.

I am sure in a few years time I will look back and say "I learned a lot", but right now it feels very dark.

There are some good things in my life. I have some really great friends and family. I also finished my Phd (didnt drop out).

There are some instances where two doctorates are plausible. My friend (on whose computer I am typing this) already holds a PhD in experimental psychology (a typical research PhD), but is currently studying for a DClinPsy (clinical psychology doctorate, which is a professional training in psychotherapy) like my girlfriend. However, these are two very different qualifications, and he is learning different things from them.

It is pointless having two research doctorates, but if there is something fundamentally different to the other doctorate, e.g. it is a vocational taught qualification, then it may be worth it. Prestige of the university alone is not worth it.

No, my PhD (which I finished a few months ago) is in psychology, so I guess somewhere in between the empirical and humanities. I would very much like to stay on the scene, but my current lifestyle (and political situation re: my ex supervisor) is making things difficult.

The worst thing is my friends who are hugely expectant that I am going to be chair at Oxford or something. A friend's boyfriend even laughed out loud "You did a PhD and you are working as a waiter, not so clever was that!?".

I tell a lie, the worst thing is the high possibility of eviction at the end of the month...

You are right, I am lacking self confidence, and am very, very scared. I am also tired, poor and very uncertain. If I could take a holiday I would, but as I am probably going to be homeless at the end of the month, not really plausible.

As for my research being fruitless, you may have a point insofar as it has not secured me relevant employment. That said I have been published several times in high impact journals, my work has been cited by others, and I have started to acquire a H-index. The actual research is the only thing that has made the last 7 years worthwhile.