"He had his servant take his clothes away for the day, leaving him with only pen and paper so he'd have nothing to do but sit down and write."

Clearly he didn't have the procrastinating skills of a PhD student...noughts and crosses, origami, doodling...the possibilities are endless!

Hi Golfpro,
I am just starting to use NVivo7. As this is my first venture into qualitative research I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems quite user friendly. I am still trying to get my head around some of the more complex functions like the models - but I think that is me being slow, not the software.
There is a function in this version for using the software to do the coding, which I anticipate using.
The University of Surrey run excellent courses on it, and have a good website (google Caqdas for their page).
I'll be interested to read other NVivo replies as I am short on people to discuss it with.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions, very helpful

I have a paper which makes a very valid point which I want to cite, but they reference it to someone else. I have tried every option but cannot access the second reference so what do I do? 1. reference the second reference who made the original point without being able to check the interpretation, or 2) reference the article I have got.

And how didn't I learn this sort of thing before I got to PhD level?!

Argh! I didn't know that Miss Spacey...thanks for telling me that, Back to the budget sheet...

On the subject of part time work, my university allow up to 10 hours work per week. Things like demonstrating and exam invigilaiton can be very good earners (cha-ching!), although often not that freqent. The self funders at my uni tend to get favoured for such tasks as they make sure everyone knows they need the work!
Good luck

Sorry - that wasn't a funny reply!

When the going gets bad I'll be ebaying gifts from my exs ;o)

My evil side thinks that's funnier!

I am contemplating the same situation as of next January...busy saving too! I have found an account with 8% interest - tax free of course due to studentness :o)
Much as it is slightly depressing, I do plan to go on the dole. You can work up to 15 hours per week and still get the dole. Also, don't forget to budget in your council tax - and check when it is due from as I have friends who have been lumped with back dated bills.
Also check Martin Lewis' money saving expert site for excellent tips.
Good luck

I agree. Answers are hard to come by, but solace in sharing the experience is apparently just a website away

So, yes, confidence fluctuates, I question if this is right for me, and I think about running off to join the circus quite often.
If you can, try to identify what it is that's damaging your confidence and any problems you have, then you can look at solutions. Is there anyone in your department or a friend who you can talk to about all this? Recently, after a few vodkas, I revealed to a colleague how low I was feeling. It's good to talk... (Cheesy but often true.)
Stick in there, especially since you say you love the work, that's what counts.
Keep us up to date

You are not alone! Not in the slightest. I really struggled with the feeling that everyone around me were clearly very happy with their PhDs, not struggling at all, and, above all else, incredibly intelligent. Whereas I was the opposite of these things. It was mostly an illusion, fed by my lack of confidence.
I am still terrified about it. Venting on here is probably a good thing for you to do, I stuck my head in the sand and ignored things for 2 years and it didn't help me.

One thing that has helped, oddly, is using microsoft onenote. Our uni got Office2007 and onenote really helps to arrange my ideas etc. Recommend it for a new approach to lit reviews and chapters if you are not enjoying standard word.
Sorry if that doesn't help much, not very good at answers to this conundrum...
Good luck

Wow Sim, it's like you're reading my mind...like you I have overdue work, analysis to do (with software that makes limited sense) and not a rosy view on the upcoming phases. Demotivaiton is taking a huge toll on remedying any of this. I am not eating or sleeping properly as a result, which doesn't help. Also crying far too much... What were they thinking taking me on?!!
Anyway...(deep breath)...like you say pamw, totally overwhelmed by the whole thing. Duvet approach is very appealing
Today I have managed to make a little progress and it has a positive effect, and I try not to think how, relative to the list of jobs I have to do it is not enough progress, but at least it is going forward.

Hey Jojo,
Thanks for posting this, great to hear how someone else is doing and their work style. Sounds like you're making good progress, good luck

Thanks guys, I'll give these a try. I have a friend who uses Paul McKenna for insomnia! Think that's a different cd to the motivating one though!
Ta