Hi,
I just moved from Australia to Europe to start my PhD in International Studies, and feel that I have made the wrong decision, particularly as I currently have no motivation to do my Phd. I only applied for 2 PhD programmes on a whim, as what I really wanted to do was my Masters, so I would only need to take a year out from the workforce. When I got the scholarship, I was never excited, enthusiastic or pleased, but everyone managed to persuade me that it was a fantastic opportunity that I could not pass by. I was also under pressure from my parents to take the scholarship, so I did, hoping that when I started I would be pleased that I had made the right decision. However, since I got here, I have just felt that it was not the right decision for me, and that I would rather be working. I had a fantastic job that I loved, and I am on 3years unpaid leave, but going back seems almost embarrassing. I am not a quitter, but I also dont want a career in academia so I am wondering whether a PhD is even necessary to achieve my ambitions (to work for an NGO or international institution such as UNODC, Interpol, NATO or somewhere like SOCA). Would I be better increasing my work experience, rather than doing a PhD? I have a BA/LLB (first class hons), but not a Masters. Is a PhD going to make me stand out from other applicants, or do recruiters look more for experience. If a PhD was necessary for what I needed to do, then at least I would have some motivation to pursue it. I really dont want to spend the next 3-4 years reading/writing/reading/writing, but at the same time I dont just want to give it up and go home with my head between my tails. In addition, I have the added difficulty of a long-distance relationship between here and Australia, and I am missing my boyfriend terribly. I have read that a few other people have had similar doubts, and just wondering if anyone has any advice as to what to do.
Thank you so much :)