Probably not no.

I agreed with the vast majority of the list too. Not entirely sure about 'doing new things all the time'. I would imagine as with all jobs, routine sets in.

I suppose the only comfort I can offer is that most places will have a University soon and they'll be more jobs going. That said, the University of Blackpool anyone?

Where does doing undergraduate coursework fit into that? Just wondering?

Could O R I G I N A L be what your struggling with?

Back to the theme, I do agree, it is a disappointing figure. Is it open to negotiation?

It didn't annoy me at all. I just found it rather comical (hence my reply - which you censored).

It appears my particular brand of postgraduate humour is going down badly with the moderators today. Mods would you care to comment?

I believe underground drivers earn almost £30K. Not suggesting you become one BTW.

SK, do you think its a lack of earnest endeavor on your part?

I tend to find the more important someone is the 'scruffier' they can get away with dressing. Accordingly, I'm a suit and tie man myself.

I too would be surprised if anyone could obtain a PhD studentship with lacklustre references. It may be prudent to look for an alternative referee.

It would help (greatly) if you'd put your academic area. Saying that, I would imagine you've probably exhausted all the typical avenues yourself, by the sound of it.

The UK's about 5 minutes from a recession, so don't bank on finding a job here (regardless of what qualifications you have). If you're not an EU citizen, it all becomes many (MANY) times harder.

As suggested, find some jobs that interest you first, THEN see if you're eligible before anything else. No point wasting your time.

Bugger me. 1000 words a day. I tend to follow the (Dirk) Bogarde rule that 250 quality words a day is pretty much a maximum.