I have been feeling this way recently too. I remember having lots of emails ignored and then getting emails from them where they did not acknowledge my previous emails and instead asked favours etc. I was livid. I kept emailing though with the same questions and asked if there was a reason for them not responding to which I got a reply to. Not sure why that wasn't done the first time I emailed though.

I am desperate to find a job so I can move on. I am submitting another application this week and I am keeping everything crossed that I get somewhere with this one.

I have not handed in my full thesis draft yet but I am concerned it will take ages to come back to me.

This is what makes me *really* angry too. They promise something, completely ignore it, and then pretend like the email wasn't even sent to them. I can't believe people can do that to one another. I just want to escape really quickly from academia. The environment I have been in is toxic, though I'm sure there are many that aren't.

I wanted to ask you Zutterfly, have you written up your conclusion chapter? I am struggling a bit with mine, in my 1st draft supervisor said that I shouldn't reference to previous literature. So I took it out and amended it. He had a look at it again and said it needs to signify why its different or unique to previous literature. A clear contradiction. Just a bit fed up with it all now :(

I am drafting my discussion/conclusion, Hugh, and am definitely going to be referring back to previous literature - I can't see how it would be possible to have a proper narrative without revisiting the gaps and priorities identified at the start of the thesis and saying how your work builds on previous research. I'm sorry you're getting contradictory advice.

I agree with Chickpea Hugh, I cannot see how it is possible to avoid referencing previous literature in your conclusion. If it helps, I answered each research question one by one by highlighting the significance and uniqueness of my findings which did involve comparing and contrasting with the literature previously cited in the thesis. I made recommendations and evaluated the methods etc. all of which I feel would be difficult to do without referencing previous literature. My sup had no issue with this.

I feel the same as you Hugh. My experience on the PhD hasn't been all bad. It has been mostly enjoyable overall, but yes I have experienced how toxic the environment can be and I am looking forward to getting into the routine of a job now.

Thank you Zutterfly and Chickpea. I really don't trust my supervisor anymore, so I'm going to have a go at structuring it like how you did Zutterfly, with reference to previous literature. If he doesn't like it, sod it!

I think another problem is that I think my overall discussion chapter can be combined with the conclusion chapter. As I have detailed discussions in each chapter too. But my supervisor wants a seperate chapter so I'll have to go along with that.

Zutterfly, I have also enjoyed it. But it's at times like this when I realise how toxic it really is; and it isn't worth the stress.

Hi guys!

I signed up to confess PhD can get really tough. I am 65% done and this week I am really upset because my supervisor ignores my emails lately and he advised me to slow down. I am in the fourth year though and he is so chill.

I decided to keep on writing and moving on. I have little cries here and there while writing but I am determined. I am so lonely

Sorry to hear that, Miss29. I think a few of us here can relate to the pressures of being in fourth year! Hope you will hang around and let us know how you're getting on.

Hi Miss29, I'm sorry to hear that it is all a struggle and you are feeling lonely. I have also felt very lonely this year, and signed up to this site for similar reasons. It's really hard when your supervisor isn't on the same page as you! Does he want you to slow down because he can't keep up with what you are asking him to review, or because he thinks the quality of your work is suffering because you are in a hurry? Crying can be a really good thing (I'm a psychologist, so I'm all about the cathartic cry!) but if it is constant its a sign that you need more support, from your supervisor or someone else.

I'm very sorry to hear this. It is so frustrating when emails are ignored. I've had the same problem. Have you tried calling up the supervisor? That doesn't always work if they don't pick the phone up but its always worth a try. Alternatively, go and see them or ask your other supervisor to chase them up.

In terms of loneliness, could you take some time away and go and see some friends or family?

Hi Chickpea

Thanks for your support

Hi Teegs90

Thanks for your support and kind words.

Last week, I cried for the first time during this PhD tears of joy I am progressing toward a complete 1st draft and tears of fear I have a lot to do.

My supervisor is very supportive but he thinks I have time to finish and submit by September. I am running out of fund and I want to have my Viva in September. If he reads a draft of chapter every month, I can submit by the end of the Spring term.

Hi Hugh

Thanks for your support. It works when I email him to ask for a meeting.

I don't have family here but I am planning to take a few days off as soon as I submit a completed chapter to my supervisor.


Thanks gain.

Feel like having a rant. A huge rant. I am leaving academia for good. Can't wait to get out.

What has happened Hugh? PM me if you like. Rant away :)

Thanks! I will PM you :)