From what you've shared it sounds like you should take the job. Defo a good idea to leave sooner rather than later (less time wasted) and as you say you can do a PhD later (if that is your desire still) in the area you desire to do it in. Seems like that is definitely the way to go to me!

By the way, what is it that is holding you back from taking the job?

I think that your supervisors will understand that you have to do what seems right for you at the time. You don't have to feel guilty. Supervisors being good to you even when you're ill is how it should be anyway - if they're decent human beings.

I'm scared I won't cope or will regret it. It feels a massive decision but once it's made I expect I will feel much better. I don't feel I've made any progress on PhD at all, but my thinking has changed. Thank you.

How would you give notice/resign? In person or by email?

It depends on your relationship with them - do what you feel most comfortable with.

But before you do anything, have you taken a little break / time out? Sometimes that helps clarify things and there are fewer regrets later.

The thing is, if you do leave, it doesn't mean it is the end of the world - if you decide to pursue a PhD later then that option is still there. Or if on the other hand you think you want to persevere for a little longer and see if things improve, there will be other job opportunities that will come up. This isn't the be all and end all. If you don't feel ready to make this decision right now then you don't have to. The world (and the NHS) is full of opportunities and you can wait till you are more ready.

If you do decide to hang around a bit longer though and see how it goes, I would set a time period (e.g., 1 month or 3 months), after which time I would stop and take inventory - Have things improved? Do I now want to continue? Do I want to leave?

Hi I've had time off previously, I don't miss it at all. I just have a sense of dread that I must return. But I'm not sure if I'm confusing this with depression.

Are you able to see a counsellor at uni? They might be able to help you talk through and come to a decision.

No. I don't have time to do that I have to make the decision before next week.

If you decided to turn this job down another would come up if you waited till you felt more ready to make a decision. In the meantime, you could see uni counselling. I only suggest this because of what you said here:

Well I thought I would let you know I am going to stick with the PhD. Too good an opportunity to miss. And manage my depression and seek support. Thanks so much x

I'm glad you've come to a decision that you're happy with. I completely appreciate the dilemma - I registered with the forum as I am quite bored and unmotivated by my PhD at the moment and wondering how to get back on track. Reading through the posts on here is at least making me think I should give it a chance after a long, dull summer - a new academic year beckons...

Thanks. I do think the PhD went against me in the interview. People want REAL experience not just intelligence and knowledge of theory. I'm starting volunteering then if it comes again I have a chance x

Still not looking forward to start of term. I go back on Monday and dreading it, can't seem to get into it at all. I hope my motivation picks up.

Do you have any colleagues who you can chat with for a bit of moral support? I am lucky in that I do have two other PhD students in my school, and we're all feeling quite deflated after a long summer, so we've agreed to make more effort to meet up and keep each other motivated. Have you spoken with your supervisor recently?

No, thank you. We meet on Monday. I think I may feel better once I'm back, it is the waiting around which is the worst part. I may email them though thank you.