======= Date Modified 17 Nov 2010 00:03:25 =======
Having re read my post I noticed a bunch of typos I apologise for that.

thanks for the quick replies

In reply to one reader, I have asked for more direction and clearer objectives and will ask again, I have produced gannt charts, task lists, monthly objectives and calenders all to no avail. the objectives are always vague or non productive tasks i.e write a report of 300 words to go over what we discussed in the last meeting, (I had emailed him the minutes and he was in the meeting)

Another worry is that the PhD changed from its original project to a different project due to study site access restrictions. So i get the feeling that this project was an after thought and my supervisor doesn't know where its heading either.

Also I have had an extended period of time where I have been unmotivated and un interested in what I am doing and dragging my feet. I guess I am also fed up of complaining about it.

As far as teaching is concerned it may be that only 10% of graduated teachers go into teaching, but I wouldnt limit myself to the UK alone nor Europe.

Anyways

thanks I just needed to get this off my chest for a bit and refocus. I think Im going to make a decision by January and stick with it.

Dear all

this is my first post on here and I would appreciate some advice.

I just finished my first year as a funded PhD student.

In this year i have had a lot of ups and downs and fights against "the system". I have complained about the lack of defined objectives and direction of my PhD and the fact that I do not feel I am being given the time to read, reflect and learn. All to no avail. I don't live close to my institution as i travel so much with my PhD it isn't cost effective top be there, so i commute for meetings which are usually only 1hr long and a repeat of everything we said previously (no idea why he cant just use MSN or Skype)

All in all after looking back over the past year i feel i have learnt practically nothing and made very little progress if any, this shows in my poor standard of work and my severe lack of motivation and interest in a project that was once exciting. I still no relatively nothing about my project area and haven't written one piece of work other than a small presentation and some meaningless reports on meetings.

I don't know what to do ?

I am fed up of working alone with no objectives and feel as though i am being asked to learn an advanced level degree subject without any guidance.

I already hold a Masters degree and I am thinking that a PhD was a bad fit for me considering i cant see any real world benefit of my PhD project.

I have considered my options and I believe I would like to go into a secondary school teaching role, something i decided i may do after getting the PhD and also something i have though about ever since 2nd year of my degree but stupidly I thought I need a PhD as it will give me more options.

I look around and see collegues and friends succeeding in life and enjoying there youth (i am only 23) and I think to myself "there is something drastically wrong here, I work my ass off, never feel a sense of achievement"

All in all im not sure i feel bad for quitting but i think and have been told many times in my life so far a) i would make a good teacher and b.) i am not the PhD type.

I also need to add I never want a job in research or advanced academia (university etc) or as a scientist.

I think my minds made up but I need to think it over for a bit away from everyday stresses.