I still can't see anything on facebook but I'm not sure what I should be searching for.

Couldn't find anything about this on facebook but there are a lot of comments on Twitter. I just hope this is the last we hear of honorary research assistant posts within academia. There's a lot of people qualified to do these posts but they want and expect to be paid. That's why they invested so much time and effort on advancing their studies.

Good post - I agree XJR.

Thanks DanB. Sadly I don't think higher education is what it once was and it is worrying that even with good qualifications people cannot get decent jobs and are even being asked to work for free.

======= Date Modified 29 Jun 2012 04:52:41 =======
I cannot believe the way things are heading and it looks to me as though academics could start to exploit the situation due to the surplus of students trying to find ways in.

I sincerely hope we don't see more of it!

======= Date Modified 27 Jun 2012 22:34:36 =======
If there was something to report I would report it but it's 'voluntary' work. Where will it end? They will get lots of applications I'm sure and it might prompt other academics to follow suit.

I hope this doesn't become more common in academia. http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AES213/honorary-research-assistant/

screamingaddabs was right in what he/she said about me. Very honestly, I just viewed it as a job I didn't particularly like but considered myself lucky to be getting a regular income in a tough climate and it was great being able to pay off my debts. I think being detached from the PhD helped me because although I didn't experience any of the highs people talk about, I didn't experience any real lows because I wasn't emotionally attached to the project. My frustration and stress stemmed solely from what I considered to be poor supervision. Also because I knew I wasn't prepared to do it without funding, I was determined to finish it in three years. I worked nowhere near as hard as most people but when I worked I was completely focussed and just got on with it. I was also very lucky in that I didn't feel guilty when I wasn't working on the project and was able to forget about it. My major source of stress came at the viva and in doing the corrections afterwards.

This is very good advice and would encourage you to take it.

I wasn't fussed on my PhD (even BEFORE I started) but completed it. I did it largely because I couldn't get a job and wanted the funding to clear my debts (which it did). I've been looking for a job for over a year now (before and since I completed the PhD) and have exhausted many avenues, written to many, many people and submitted many, many applications. I think I've only had 5 interviews and all but one were for research assistant posts.

Do what you feel is right for you but even with a PhD it can be difficult to get a basic research post. If you do decide to leave, please don't until you have something to go to. The only person you owe anything to is yourself and so do what you want.

Hi Skig, Yes, I disabled my PM because I'm very rarely on the forum now and hate to think people are sending me PM's and I'm not responding as has happened.

I'll open my PM again.

======= Date Modified 10 Jun 2012 19:27:17 =======
Skig, I'm sincerely sorry to read this. Totally agree the viva system isn't ideal and my viva was a grilling rather than a discussion of my work. It came as a complete shock as it was entirely different to what I'd been told to expect and it was a very negative experience for me. I feel I was LUCKY to have passed with minor corrections but I think it can be a very random process.

You've a fantastic attitude and I know you'll get there - chin up!(up)

I'm not sure how many suitcases you'll be allowed but what I would do is think what I would need access to on landing or within the first 24/48 hours of landing. A change of clothes, wash stuff including toothbush etc, money, phone, maps, medications, sun cream emergency numbers. Just think, what are you most likely to need access to. I'm sure others will be along to advise.

I'll PM you the details of some groups / forums that may be of help to you as the links might be removed here.

No problems. I really wanted to know and I knew it had been 6 months so a decision would have to have been made. I'm not surprised you're bricking it - I would be to - what you are doing is not easy but I hope it proves to be worthwhile. If it helps, I've applied for 4 jobs in Australia, written to about 30 universities in Australia but with no success. If I could get something in Australia I would go, but with a heavy heart, because I think the limitations here are too great. My take on it is to go and throw yourself into it as I would. I've never moved anywhere near that far but I have moved hundreds of miles away from all my friends and family before a couple of times and my experience has been people will look out for you and try to help you settle in. Some really did go out of their way for me, even though they didn't know me. That said, you will also have to put yourself out there and venture outside your comfort zone as many of the people around you will have their own lives. Expect to feel anxious and worried, you will feel very lonely at times out there and like a fish out of water but accept you will experience these feelings. Go with a positive frame of mind and a determination to make it work but remember you'll always have a place called home to come back to, if things don't go to plan. I honestly believe given ALL you've said over time you have more to gain than lose by doing this. I envy and admire you.

I'll send you a PM but all the very best(up)

======= Date Modified 04 Jun 2012 21:07:47 =======
Did Wally move to Australia or not? I'd love to know and no-one is responding to my PM's!!!

Since no-one responded to my PM's I've closed down the system again.