Agree with that, and sorry to hear about what you're going through. Hope you feel better soon. I'm sure your partners were not avoiding you as such as there is nothing that would warrant such behaviour. Like TreeofLife said, it could be that they were busy or that they thought you were sick and did not want to involve you in what's going on until you get better.

Thanks Janine- I'm feeling much better now (fingers crossed). There are different kinds of stye infection some are chronic some are minor. The way to know is if it subsides after using antibiotics (which means it's bacterial and not as serious as the viral ones). That's what the doc says. I am not going to go into panic mode so whilst I thank you for the info, I'd rather not think about these nightmare scenarios like retinal scarring just yet.

First section: few suggestions:
1. Instead of saying "I have had experience" perhaps you can illuminate on that by saying something like "Over x years I have honed my interest and skill set in working with complex…."- asserts the extent and nature of your experience.
2. Perhaps show how you are interested in obtaining the compounds; say something like "by doing bla bla bla (not actually bla bla bla lol but u know what I mean) I have developed a distinct interest in obtaining.
3. Last sentence sounds literary- make it more objective: how did u work with Alkaloids and what did u learn that u'd take to u in the Phd?

Second section:
Not an expert in your field but I would simply list the qualities directly and succinctly: for example, "I worked with a lot of structures, I developed (they love this word) an interest in looking at plant sources, I am analytical by nature, I have the skill set for research work".

Hope my advice is useful and good luck Janine

Thanks ladies- HazyJane it wasn't conjunctivitis- just stye infection in my left eye. Had it checked and everything else was normal. I was worried it would be conjunctivitis or blepharitis but doc just prescribed antibiotic ointment. Hopefully gets better will be on it for 7 days. Had to wear sunglasses all day everywhere so people don't see the droopy eye lol. Fingers crossed I get the University of Ottawa job I applied for now that the UK uni postdoc fellowship app was rejected.

Just woke up earlier today and realised I cannot open my left eye completely; my eyelid is red and probably infected. I look like a cartoon character that's winking at the world. On top of that, rejected from another postdoc fellowship :(:( so pi*sed. Trying to find a doctor to resolve my eyelid problem asap….wish me luck :(:( I really need it.

I'm one of those who submitted within the three years and like HazyJane my uni does not accept submissions after the 4 year mark unless there are extenuating circumstances (which usually means serious health issues/death in family). It doesn't matter to be honest I'm the only one who finished within 3 and most submit closer to 4 years. I wouldn't say this matters as much as the outcome of the viva/ quality of your work.

Sorry to hear about your problem charliebrown. S*it happens in life- I've had a bit of an issue lately but probably not as serious as yours (just guessing). Remember you're not alone and that so many other ppl out there go through leaves of absences for so many issues so it's nothing extraordinary whatsoever. Focus on your health first then worry about your submission.

Manuel
Here lies your problem: we cannot give you your PhD topic!!! You have to start reading the literature on whatever field you are keen on (and by the way, just saying macro or development economics is not enough as these are HUGE fields). Once you decide on a field, then go more specific (by region, theory, etc…) and start reading what's been written on this field lately. You don't need to be in a university library- the Internet could be your first place of research. Also, what's the point of contacting supervisors if you don't have a topic???? Time to do some online research/reading I'm afraid before doing anything else.

PhD Economist.

To be a consultant is not just about doing research and getting a PhD: it's about practical experience (and many years of it). You're right in that experience is a constructed idea- but most of the time if you want to act as a consultant especially to private-sector companies they'll ask for your work experience in the field.

If I were you, if you want to become a consultant, I'd apply for a major consultancy firm that has a desk specialising in your field (for ex: McKinsey, Bain and Co., etc…), get two-three years experience there, and then start your own consultancy. Without knowing what your field it's very hard to give you concrete advice. I've also been thinking about it, and I worked as an economist in the private sector for 4 years. Only caveat in my case is networking- you also need to effectively network if you're going down the consultancy route, which is why working for a company like the ones I mentioned would help you generate a client base that you can then use when you start your own consultancy.

Just applied to a job in Ottawa that is well-suited for me (although it's a temporary one). Wish me luck guys and girls!

Congrats in order then Dr. Ginga :):) seems like your situation went a lot more smoothly than mine! Now it's time to celebrate!

Wow Are you sure about that TreeofLife? Don't know what your field is but in my field NOBODY can proceed to a PhD without getting a Masters and a grade close to Distinction or a Distinction (high merit).

I'm starting to feel worthless as well Janine and even though I'm getting some experience it is hardly what I deserve in light of my qualifications :(:(- so far no luck with postdocs in the UK or jobs overseas :(

Good luck jinio! What matters is that you finished it so many congratulations!

Agree with this as a possibility. I wouldn't feel too discouraged especially since another supervisor felt the project is doable. If I were you and given your situation I'd go with supervisor B and forget about revisions and rereading the literature. Don't mention A to B!!!!!! Maybe B doesn't think these are major issues that warrant not doing the project altogether. Go with B!