I found during my PhD that it was my responsibility to sort out my research. It is not the same as undertaking a taught course, your supervisor is there to advise. I asked him to give me deadlines because that's how I work best. He also looked over drafts of chapters and advised me, but ultimately its up to you. He never took notes at any of our meetings. Its quite hard but you have to learn to be independent its part of becoming a professional researcher.

lucky you i financed my own PhD, no money and pay fees.

I read your message and thought of my own experience. I spent my entire PhD being rejected and criticised and at the time I took it personally - don't its all part of the process (rightly or wrongly). I am now post doc but still feel worried about submitting papers etc because of fear of rejection etc. Practically all my colleagues have said at one time or another that they feel like a fraud and that at sometime someone will find out! believe in yourself, you got this far, jump through the hoops - you are good enough. Criticism is healthy in this process!

Thanks so much for your replies. I have sent one paper to be considered for publication but I'm just going to keep trying, its mainly a confidence thing, feeling that you aren't good enough! I sympathise so much with those of you in the same boat we go through so much to get the damn thing then we realise its not quite what we thought it was. I would be interested to know how your job searching goes, perhaps we could all collaborate on writing up the post doc experience and enhance all our careers!

I have completed my PhD after 4 years. I have not published yet. I feel useless because at this time I can't contribute to the RAE, this effectively means no-one wants to employ me. I am now wondering whether all that angst and suffering during the PhD process was worth it - someone please tell me it was!!!

Hi Pup, I know exactly how you feel, I did most of my PhD remotely so I never got to meet or talk with anyone, it was soooo lonely!

I am actually newly post doc thank goodness. I have to say I suffered with depression during my research and was often reduced to tears by constant criticism and what seemed like rejection. Of course now from the other side I can see that this criticism of my work was absolutely necessary for my development. This doesn't make it any easier to deal with I know, but it is a process of learning and developing that is painful. I just hope its worth it - I'll soon find out I suppose - Good Luck and stay positive!