Hey everyone. I got quite a bit done on my Background section yesterday. There's just one section that I hadn't written before which I want to add to it today. Then I'm moving on and doing the same thing (addressing the bigger problems) in my methodology section.

@Grumpy, remember that you're still moving forwards with your productive meetings. Ok, it's not writing, but it's all part of the project/process as a whole. So try to be happy that you've done that and the writing will come when you don't have meetings.

Good luck with the work today everyone :)

How did everyone get on yesterday? I didn't quite finish everything I wanted to do on my LitReview, but nearly. I'm moving onto the major edits for my background section today. Wish me luck! :)

Welcome Spiral! Of course you can join in!

Congrats on getting your extension and you've got a job lined up too! Well done!

Good luck with your writing today. Keep us updated with how you're progressing =D

Despite the funding issues (which do sound dodgy and he should realise you can't hang on indefinitely), think about whether you really want to work so closely for 3+ years with someone who you may not even really get on with. I had a supervisor who I knew didn't believe in me and didn't want me as a student. I've since changed supervisors and the difference is indescribable. It was awful before and now I'm actually enjoying my PhD, getting good feedback from my supervisors and getting ready to submit. It really matters who your supervisor(s) are and I think it's definitely a good idea to have a second supervisor/opinion that you can go to when needed.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope everything works out for you :)

Happy(?!) Monday everyone ;)

Hope you're all doing well and had good weekends. What are we all up to this week?

I'm working on my full draft and today's focus is the Lit Review. I'm hoping to have all the major edits and alterations done on that section by the end of today. Fingers crossed!

Good luck everyone! =D

This is a great thread, Grumpy :)

I'm also getting very close to submission - must be done by 1 July. As Grumpy knows I'm currently working on a full draft which I have to send to my supervisors by 8 May.

I'd really like to join in this thread too and hopefully we can all get some motivation and support from each other.

Hope you are all having a good weekend. Speak soon
G

Hi whitepigeon

My first instinct is to say: go and speak to the module leader for the subject you failed. It's pretty difficult for anyone here to answer your question. You need to speak directly to your institution to gain an understanding of why you failed and what you can do. Having taught at university, there is nothing more frustrating than students who have issues, but don't come to speak to you in time for anything to be done. It's your responsibility to sort this out and posting here won't help. You need to speak to both the module leader and perhaps the course director to find out what/if anything can be done.

Good luck. I hope you can get this sorted.

Although I can't comment personally, I have 2 professor friends who both had babies while doing their PhDs. As I say they're now both (*very* well respected) professors, so it hasn't damaged their academic progression at all.

They both did their PhDs back when there was much less time pressure, but it's definitely doable, and as I think others have said, if you feel it's the right time, then go for it!

Good luck! x

A Professor friend of mine told me that in many cases for postdoc positions, they already have someone in mind - usually a PhD student who has been working with them. Not always of course, but it is often the case.

I'm going to be in your positions very shortly, so I just hope I can find one where someone doesn't already have it in the bag.

Good luck to you both.

Ok, thanks for your reply, Doc :)

Hi Doc. Sorry if I'm being a bit dim, but could you elaborate on this a little? I understand that you can't publish the same thing twice (obviously), but does it mean that if you make your thesis available online that you then may have issues with publishing future articles from that thesis?

Any info greatly appreciated.
Thanks
G

Hi EV. No problem at all! Great to hear from you. It sounds like you've had a pretty tough, long journey to get here. I've got to submit by 1 July 2015 too, so am trying to push on with my full draft now.

I hope the motivation is with you and things are going well
:
)

EDIT: I have no idea why this is in bold!?!

No problem at all, Tulip! I used to have a supervisor who completely destroyed my confidence at every turn, but I eventually changed supervisors and now things are soooo much better! It wasn't my choice to change actually, but with hindsight, probably the best thing that could have happened. I hope you can stay motivated and keep going. It sounds tough what you're going through atm.

How are you feeling now, a few days on? I hope things are better. I always need a little bit of time to get my objectivity back after an experience like that. Feel free to rant if you still need to! =D

Done. :)

I'm the same as Aisling in that I'd love to see a list, but currently have no experiences I can contribute. Sorry :(