Hey Jen,

The feeling's perfectly normal. I am also on a 1+3 year program and left my full job a week before starting the research, as well as relocating several hundred miles north to do it! I did think the start would be intimidating, but I quickly realised how everyone else around me is in the same boat. The point of the first year is to ease you into the subjects, so that you have a broader understanding of what research you would undertake and you will also pick up essential skills along the way.

Remember that you are a research student, which means you are learning how to become an effective researcher, the skills and knowledge you would need will be picked up throughout the 4 years of your course.

All the best

CB x

Hey Jepson,


I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm glad no one was hurt and that the damage is minimal. There are truly some sick individuals who think nothing better than causing stress to other people.

I recently posted about back-up (http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=15799) and I think most people mentioned Dropbox as an online back-up tool.

Best wishes
CBx

Hi all,

Thank you so much for all you replies. I can't tell you how much of a relief that has been for me to realize I'm not alone. I am very much trying to control it alone as the idea of going to see a GP about it is a little unnerving. However, I do think it's worth speaking to my uni counselor as I'm sure they would understand what I'm feeling, I had not thought of that.
Fingers crossed things will work out :-)

CB x

Hey all,

I've caved in and decided to post my concerns over my anxiety disorder. Lately, I've realized I've become more anxious in anything I do. I constantly check locks, doors, windows, whether I've left a cable plugged in like lab equipment or my hair straighteners, etc. I constantly wash my hands though I think I've managed to tone it down a bit. I worry that things would get stolen, set alight, flooded etc.

I've noticed that what I'm doing can't be normal but I'm not sure whether it's controllable or whether it could get more serious.

Should I seek help or will it go away?

Hey Satchi,

For a long time I had apparently been sending spam to strangers and the only way I knew was because many were being returned to sender or when I checked my sent mail. It stopped once I changed my password so I strongly recommend you and your friends do just that. Crazy spammers....they're everywhere!

CB x

Stressed - how on earth did you manage working on your computer like that? Pretty impressive :p but it does sound serious.

Have you tried looking online for a solution? I had a wee look and a lot mention editing the registry, but I guess a) you can't get into your registry and b) messing with the registry is a really risky business.

I wasn't very helpful! Sorry :$

Cheers for your replies. I used to only back-up the most important work I had on 2 USB sticks, but almost losing the other stuff made me realise how important it was too, I didn't realise I had so much stuff!

Sneaks, what you said about your friends harddrive wiping out really freaked me out. I only just got one and am so chuffed with it :p but now I'm terrified incase it randomly wipes out.

Not sure about Dropbox, what if someone tried to hack in?

CBx

Following a recent scare and wake-up call, I'm wondering how often do you back up your work and other files? So which phrase in my wee poll below relates to you most?

Hey Natassia,

I recently had to deal with a bereavement and, like you I've also noticed my social life going up lately which has made me also think that I've neglected my work. I just think we need a good balance, we all need a break and I've come to observe that masters and PhD students not having a social life is a myth. I work with the most sociable people I have ever met. If your supervisor is happy with your progress, there's no reason to feel behind. Also, the fact that you're happier is bound to have a positive effect on your work rather than a negative one, so keep smiling :)

CBx

It's a good idea to see how others address your prof. I know one professor who didn't like being addressed by her first name but as far as I'm aware, most supervisors don't mind it or actually prefer it. I used to use 'Professor _____' for a while until I was comfortable knowing my supervisor didn't mind being addressed by the first name.
CB

I still love my PhD :-x , but it can get the best of me (like today). Seeing the amount of negative posting lately, I think there seems to be some sort of a "dry spell" hitting productivity with all of us. It seems to coincide with the better weather we're getting and the lack of holidays we'd be taking! Here's hoping it passes!... Maybe camping outside with my laptop when it's sunny will make me think I'm on holiday :p.

As for peoples perception of PhD students...I once found the perfect flat; the rent, location and size were perfect! BUT Landlord wanted 'Professionals Only' i.e. no students, and wouldn't listen when I tried to explain that I was a PhD student with a steady income :-s

CBx

25 is not old! - I know many people older than that doing their first Masters course yet alone a second one. :)

Hey, sorry to hear that. Seems to be a couple of upsetting posts today. I'm sure, despite all this, you had some positive feedback from the people in the conference, so it's not all bad. I guess these things just happen.
CB x

Wow, sorry to hear that. It's good that you can still see the positive in things. Like you said, this will pass. I hope the rest of the trip more than makes up for its beginning.
CB x

======= Date Modified 21 Jun 2010 18:51:07 =======
Any track by Pink Floyd has my thumbs up....(up). Comfortably Numb is an excellent choice albeit a depressing one, you should check out the video. Bob Geldof stars as Pink and sums up the song quite nicely.

Another favourite is a very cheesy one :$ - "I Ran (So Far Away)" by A Flock of Seagulls, for some reason this song always keeps me upbeat :).