I would say both?! I have tons and tons of notes and thoughts around... but I only write in the form of chapters. I don't write random chunks here and there - is that what you mean by holist? - but do write lots of drafts. Then finish and move to the next chapter.

Um, re-write: If I ever finish this chapter I will move on to the next one!

I have an enforced 'holiday' coming up this thurs as we are travelling to the other end of the country to a friend's wedding, and seeing as we are down there are also visiting close family for a week. Which was a great idea until I got really lazy and unmotivated and so it won't be the holiday I planned, but enforced time away from work... Well, Now I have a laptop this work can come with me wherever I go!! Good thing or bad thing... hmmm!

Arg this PhD!!!

Ranking is pretty important...

Maybe you will really like the new place? Is it worth the gamble perhaps?

Thanks for your comment about my future studies... :) Is rather all over the place at the mo - hopefully it will settle down soon!!

x J

Hey there

It's quite hard to say without being you... !! Go where you will be happiest. Firstly, don't feel bad about ducking out of #1 if you prefer the second option - this is your whole future and if you deal with it sensitively and politely there is no need to seriously upset anyone. Secondly, don't go for rank if you would be compromising your happiness. There is a lot to be said for comfort and familiarity when dealing with PhD stress and fatigue!

good luck - and congrats on two funded offers!

I have 3 + 1 funding and expect to take exactly that, *maybe* half a year more with the viva and corrections but I can't afford to not be funded which is quite a motivator. I have 18 months to write up after I get back from fieldwork so don't think it is unfeasible. I would be so happy to finish on time and not let it drag on and on...

Thanks Ju-ju! I endeavour to continue! I was worried that it was optimistic to think that any of the work I am doing now will count for anything in the future but it seems, pleasingly, the way to go...

Hi there

this is the ESRC student funding guide which tells you all about what you will be eligible for:

http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/Images/UPDATED%20Postgraduate%20Funding%20Guide%20Aug%2007_tcm6-12067.pdf

hope it helps

I go on holiday for a week or so every few months... It gives me time to get away, re-coup and come back refreshed and with fresh eyes to go over old work. I don't tell my sup as there is no need, we are more like colleagues than master/slave thank goodness. Am not a believer in constant work and no play - I did that for two Masters degrees and nearly popped. I treat this like a job, and with a job I get a break here and there.

Don't run yourself into the ground! A couple of days camping won't break the bank and it would be... dare I say it... FUN!

I have definitely noticed a change in myself that had nothing to do with me, when I was about 25/26. I just really really wanted to have a baby all of a sudden! It was really weird. Maybe some of us do, some don't. I definitely believe in it for me though.

That's true chantal - I used to leave everything to the last minute and never proof read my writing because I hated re-reading my work. now though re-reading my own work is like reading anyone's, I am very objective about it. And I could never leave all this to the last minute! Ooooh no!

Good skills to learn

Thanks smilodon I like the plan too. Always worry though as am rather a worrier by nature.

I have never been to Africa but cannot wait to go one day... My bf is a big fan of travelling and living overseas - we would probably all trek out even if it were only for a month!

South Asia! Will be wonderful but no place for a baby/young child methinks, too hot, manic and grubby. Am working with really poor communities which is great for me but I have an immune system to go with it so have decided to wait until after f/wk for a baby. I love working overseas but am glad this is my last visit and then I can relax, finish my PhD, have a family and a house and stop travelling for a bit... (then undoubtedly go off again, family in tow)! I was brought up in some odd places and it hasn't done me any harm, in fact, I wouldn't be doing this PhD without it probably!

A test? How interesting! Yes, I know I better get going... Work is in the way though see - six months field work in a developing country beckons...

Do you think early 30s is a good time? so many of my friends started years ago... makes me feel old... I want four as well and only hear bad stories about fertility dropping off when you are 35...

Hehe Claudia - beware your mid twenties, beware!!!

I know what you mean rosy. I will be 30 when I start trying (hopefully) and this seems too old... PhD has come first so far!!

Claudia - I didn't think about kids at your age either. Then when I was around 25 my hormones must have gone nuts because I have been completely broody ever since. Completely nonsensical! My friends are the same... Who knows!