bdboy - the best advice I can give you: if UR thinking of leaving because UR worried about being discovered as a fraud: don't. No really. Please don't worry about stuff like that. I am one of those 28+ people with years of experience and yes it has helped tremendously; but I was green once too. There are some grad students here that were incredibly green when they started (how do you use a pipette kinda green); after 4 years or so, they have gained some experience and are really well on their way to becoming productive scientists. You will have the learn the stuff sometime; and honestly grad school can be a more forgiving environment than many jobs. Don't worry, you are not a fraud. You have the tools now you get to figure out what to do with them, enjoy it - that is the super fun part of science. You'll see, in a few years this stuff will be second nature. Also remember, you will go through this everytime you join a new project or lab. Science is always about learning.

KJJ - I did just downgrade my PhD to a masters - it can be done - but only if the department wants to let you do it. I was surprised they agreed to let me. I have enough for a masters and now literally only have to write it up and get out. It was a hard decision but if I really want the PhD I will go get it somewhere else. Like others in this chat, I too am stuck in the worst place in the world, not just GB - The literal armpitt of the universe! I am excited to leave; and scared. Job front is looking up - a good lead already. This site has really helped. I am not the only one. PS: of the main reasons I am leaving is because they told me right before holidays that my 4.5 year project (3 years in) was becoming a 5.5 year project - I just wasnt gonna make it. It's been hell every minute for 3 years. I can see the end

men are men - I have dated younger men and older men (boys, whatever) - and have dated 22 year olds that are more mature than other 50 year olds. It's just a personality thing. I am sorry she behaved so badly, but it should give you some idea of her character - I mean really, she tried to give you back the money for dinner, that's just wierd.

So.. tomorrow morning I have a meeting to discuss the procedure for taking what I have done and receiving a masters degree. This was a very difficult decision for me, but I am very releived to have made it. I may find another PhD program, at a more exciting university, or I may work for a while. I just know that leaving this place is what is right for me. I am a very dedicated scientist, and absolutely love research! I am currently surrounded by apathethy and indifference; something I have never experienced in this field. For the life of me, I can't imagine why anyone would consider this field if they weren't passionate about it. So anyway.. I am leaving to go find scientists who want to be scientists. I am glad the department is working with me - and they have acknowledged the lack of passion within the department. AT least a masters is more than I came with.

coastal chick, I am so impressed that you have the strength to quit. I am certain it takes way more courage to quit than to stay. I am just starting my 4th year of my PhD and still want to leave everyday - for a miraiad of reasons: my PI in awful, the lab is horrific (no communication), stuck in the armpitt of the universe etc... So in case you haven't received enough support or encourage, I am super impressed that you are strong enough to quit, go team!