Hi, carolina30,

People switch their PhD project all the time within the first few months when they realise that the project is a poor fit or if they feel that there are problems with supervision.

Do you have scholarship? You may wish to see if the scholarship can transfer to the new project. If yes, normally, supervisors love it if you bring your own fund and this can be seen as a plus when you want to switch. Tell the new supervisor that your current project is a poor fit and you realise that your interests did not align with the project. You could also say that the project description and reality is very different (is this true?) when you started work on it. Just be frank and they normally will understand. You will also need to convince your new supervisor that you will finish the project under him.

Good luck!

Dear iwan,

pm133 has gone into detail of what you should do if you intend to stay in this toxic environment.

My question to you is:do you really want to?

You have only stayed for 1.5 years and it is affecting your mental state. You may have another 3 more years to go. Can you do this? Could things get worse eg. total isolation from group, snatching of ideas, research ripped apart during presentation, being framed for something you did not do? Would you be able to withstand them?

While I know that you have invested 1.5 years, it is not the end of the world to start over in another lab. The worst case scenario would be to work hard till the end and being unable to graduate due to your toxic environment. Do read the posts by many other PhD students on their struggles to see what I mean.

Ultimately, the decision is in your hands.

Being a RA and doing a PhD (hence a student) are two different matters. I am not sure why u have to be enrolled to work. It does't make sense.

Hi, TheNerdyWorkoholic,

You have not spoken about your intended career path. If you are intending to be in academia, I suggest you do a PhD. If not, you are better off getting a job first as you will find the work experience very helpful to pursue a career in industry.

If you decide to pursue a PhD, work as a RA for a year and apply for the internal PhD scholarship. As a MRes student from the same uni you want to do your PhD in, you stand a good chance of getting a PhD full scholarship. Alternatively, you could use your Master to apply for permanent residency (PR) while you work as a RA, if you intend to stay long and contribute to the Aus economy. With the PR you should be able to pay domestic fee and get loan help, etc. You will also be able to apply for many scholarships opportunities for domestic students.

Think carefully. I wish you the very best.

Hi, CharlieC,

You have a lot of important points in your first post. I'll answer as best I can.

On your current job, you mentioned that the job is not enjoyable and has unclear career trajectory, but it is secure. You don't want to be an academic but a PhD in your field can be very helpful
- You have clearly outgrown your job. You could always look for another with more potential for growth. Could you ask your employer to sponsor your PhD, so you have a guaranteed job to return to?

Your PhD is interesting but you are struggling as you have no prior experience and you worry about fit and income reduction.
- No one knows for sure if their PhD is right for them until they start. You can learn, even if you have no prior experience. The important thing is whether you like the topic enough to want to try it and live a little poorly. Only you can answer this.

You want to start a family but worry about your PhD.
-You can always delay your PhD. My friend did hers at 50. It can be done. Having a child during phd can cause additional stress, on top of an already stressful PhD.

I wish you the best in your decision. Good luck!

A PhD student I know delivered her baby 10 months into her PhD, then took a 6 month maternity leave. She only told the supervisor after she was 5 months pregnant. She came back and continued her PhD later. Hers was also a lab-based PhD. She seems ok now. So.... I guess, it all depends on you and your supervisor?

Hi, Cy, this is great! This would definitely work in your favour when you look for jobs later on. On making a decision for your career move to complete your PhD earlier or later, it is possible for you to talk to current lecturers in your uni and ask them directly what they think of it? They may be able to offer more field-specific career advice.

okra, can you apply for R&D position in industry? I do agree with pm133 that networking will help u get d job. But I stand by that it is easier to get in with a master than Phd and that work experience is more valued than higher qualification. While my friends did get a good R&D positions in companies, many of their colleagues do not have a PhD. Companies will train and retain their good R & D staff. Could u work for the company first, then maybe ask them to sponsor your PhD if you really want to it later?

Some need training... Others need a heart...

What I am trying to say is do balance between how ready u are to graduate with the negatives of taking too long to complete and decide what is best for you. All the best to you!

Once u finish ur PhD, ur time as a ECR starts. Are u ready for busy grant applications, teaching etc. If u want lecturing, can u apply for tutoring roles during PhD? Usually ECR has very little time outside academia.

It is great u enjoy ur PhD, but academic employers may question if u take too long to complete ur program. They may misunderstand and see u as lacking motivation or incompetent.

A competitive PhD funding helps in future academic job applications. Can u still apply for any funding (for travels, etc)?

On ur career path, do think carefully about what u want for urself in the long term rather than which jobs have lower requirements or do not mind R&R experience. Again, pls have more self confidence. All the best!

I agree with bewildered. Your R&R also does not define you, please get over it. Just say your research took longer than expected, which is normal. You have finished your PhD. Be proud & confident of yourself.