HI. I am having similar problems and even worst. I am over 30. I finished my master degree in 2007 and decided to do something else to gain some life experience. I find it hard to do PhD as I have been applying for it since 2009 and have not succeed. My previous supervisor told me I need hands-on lab experience. The thing is I have difficulties getting hands-on lab experience as I not in any research environment or in university presently. What should I do? A lot of lecturers from my previous university said I did a great master research. As far as I can see now, it didn't get me anyway. Can anyone help me? By the way I am from Malaysia.