Cognitive neuropsychology - task switching. I always thought working in a florist's might be a nice gentle sort of occupation.

I think that PhDs in general are bad for your mental health, but it is surprising how little consideration of this you get in psychology departments (where you would hope someone knows something about the subject). And watch out for the socks and sandals!

You should be able to get an extension if it looks like you're going to go over time (although I agree about the nightmare of funding). I don't think extensions are automatic, but if you can make a reasonable case you may well get one. Universities are generally keen not to have non-finishers as it looks bad on the RAE.

Can you write me one? I'm all out of creativity at the moment

Money? I am funded but as far as I can make out there is no other budget, which in psychology means if I want to try and entice non-student participants in I have to finance it myself. Or stick to just testing students which gives you less than inspiring data.

I got a bookcase once - have to practically chain it to the wall.

..and just to continue...I would love to go back and do a PhD at my undergrad uni, where people were human (wow, where did that come from?), in a topic that made at least some theoretical sense (I'm doing cognitive neuropsychology - has a tendency to turn into navel staring very quickly if you're not careful!).

Out of interest has anyone encountered difficulties gettign a job after quitting? I imagine it doesn't look too good on your CV. Also after so many years of study I have no idea what to do job-wise or how to go about finding one! Ho-hum...

Hmmm, I am just pondering (for probably the 10th serious time) whether to chuck it all in. Second year progression (2nd into 3rd) does not look promising. My supervisor quit a few months into the whole thing and it never really took off after that - don't see my supervisors, the two on site have no clue what I am doing. I'm fairly sure what I'm doing isn't worth a bean anyhow.

Only trouble is the dreaded studentship which, when you are thinking of seriously leaving, seems to act as a very unhelpful millstone. I am universally told I am mad to be walking out of a funded place - and if they want repaying they are going to have to wait some time for that as employment prospects look hazy to say the least.

Got thrown in at the deep end in my first year due to a sudden staff shortage - sole responsibility for a third year module (including setting the end of semster exam - argh!). It was utterly terrifying but eventually good fun, and people actual passed the module, so I must have done something right. Now I am a glorified classroom assistant on a first year research methods class (basically I get to do most of the marking - hoorah) and also about to start as a Open University tutor, which I can thoroughly recommend. Hours fit perfectly with study, the students all actually want to be there and the training and support is great.

Probably have one of these moments once a week - I understand nothing, haven't gathered enough data, will never be as smart (or as mad!) as my supervisor and want my life back! Suggestions?