Hi,

I started my PhD last Tuesday, after finishing my Masters last Monday (yeah, zero gap!) and I have been STRUGGLING to cope, to the point I'm already seeking counselling and considering my option if I quit.

Does anyone had any advice? I'm struggling to cope with the lack of structure, of knowing (or not knowing) whats expected of me and with the prospect that this might take over my life, when I really don't want it to.

I also have that world-famous, constant feeling that I have no idea what the hell I'm doing, but does anyone also have advice for dealing with this? I'm terrified to start lab work, terrified of having no experimental design, or even things as simple as working the machines or thinking of an appropriate experiment, and my supervisor wants lab work to start within the month.

I've spoken with admin/pastoral care and we all agreed I need a holiday (yet to talk to supervisor), especially with taking no break between MSc and PhD, but I'm scared that I'll just feel as terrible when I come back off leave.

I'm debating whether I've come onto a PhD for the right reasons, I can't even think of the reasons I wanted a PhD in the first place anymore.

TAKE A HOLIDAY!!!

You have just finished your Masters and the stress of submitting the Master's thesis is hard. I had a friend in the same position, who didn't take a holiday and got massive burnout. Your supervisor should understand this and taking 1-2 weeks out now won't matter. But it gives you a chance to recharge and "have a life". Taking it now also allows you to relax without knowing what you are missing. That ability to forget your PhD is lovely (I miss it)

You might come back felling better or felling worse but I can assure you that you won't feel better by slogging through. Don't waste this opportunity because you were too stubborn to take a holiday.

Absolutely NO need to feel ashamed - I couldn't have even thought of starting a PhD immediately after the Master. Take a well deserved holiday!

Agree with kenziebob, no reason to feel ashamed. Most people take a break before a PhD and you are no exception.

When you get back from holiday, make reading about how to survive your PhD a priority - and by priority I mean make it the first thing you do. Read through this forum, read some blogs on Thesiswhisperer.com and consider a book such as The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research.