Olivia - love your parents, and would say you take after them. Shani, your ma is a youngster compared with me and especially with the lady in Australia who last year completed a medical related Masters at the age of 94 and while being encouraged to do a doctorate, said she felt she was too old!! Wouldn't be surprised if she did undertake this.
You have all been most encouraging, and while there are hills to climb if I go ahead, it's nice to know you might all be out there to help. And what DO I have to lose? (besides family, friends!) And what a great excuse for myself not to do jobs around the house.

Much appreciate your words of encouragement sj04. Very surprised that the dropout rate is lower for PhDs. For curiosity sake, any figures on this? Have taken on board your advice re choices, particularly of supervisor and other PhD students. Having had a bad experience in past with supervisor, and not knowing other similar students, don't want to go through this again.
Best of luck finishing yours.

Am beginning to get a picture of what it might be like. Or am I? Plenty of and 'why did I ever start this' 'I'm getting nowhere' etc. But how many of you working for(or your friends who have completed)the PhD really regret taking it on? Is it worth it in the end - or will be, inspite of all the frustrations, boring bits, lack of confidence, etc etc.
I know I have plenty of willpower and determination (advantage of mature years over you guys?!!!) which you said was essential, sjo4.

Why, or in what way are slumps bigger Smilodon? Was your Masters/previous degree taught, or self directed. Could make a difference.

Thanks for your messages. Yes I know it will be hard work/frustrating/panicky etc but have been through all that over the past year or two doing a distance Masters. Self-direct and without much support. How would you compare research Masters & PhD?
By the way, would go crazy chasing a little ball into a tiny hole. Much more exhilarating to search and find out things - also keeps me sane and the mind occupied.

Hi everyone. Are any of you undertaking a PhD or DPhil for pleasure? Am mature (well, very mature!), have just completed a Masters and considering should I continue with a doc. Idea appeals, I do like researching, but is this enough to get me through? Any advice?