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Carry on with PhD or not?

4

Hi all,

I haven't been on here in ages, so not sure if this is in the correct forum etc... :colondollar:

Basically I have recently started my PhD at a well known university in London. I jumped straight from my BSc to PhD so I guess there's that gap of the Masters missing.

After attending this place for a few months now, I realised that I'm not really interested in anything that's happening around me. When I speak to the other PhD/post-doc students, they all seem to have such passion for their subjects and really love it, which I believe I am lacking.

I spoke to my supervisor about dropping out and he's very supportive of my decision but very sad at the same time because him and a few other researchers, whom I've been working with, see a lot of potential in me and know that I will do well.

So now i'm confused of whether I should or shouldn't drop out because I don't like it, but after my supervisor said I am doing well I started to have second thoughts about dropping out ... Is this probably just because it's a compliment :unsure:

?

Would it be better if I drop out and start a job, (because I don't think research is for me) or am I missing out on a big opportunity of becoming a 'Dr' in this field because my supervisor believes in me and surely he knows best?

I guess i'm just scared of missing out on a good opportunity tbh... :s-smilie:

Reply 1

chazwomaq

18

Welcome to the forum, I hope you get some good advice.

Can you tell us your subject and source of funding?

I would only recommend a PhD for someone who really has a passion for the subject and their research in particular. If you don't, then why are you doing a PhD at all? It isn't likely to land you a great job, and having Dr after your name won't change your life by itself.

Is it that you're worried you're not doing well, or that you just don't enjoy reading, researching and hearing about the latest development in your field? If the former, trust your supervisor, if that latter, trust your heart.

Reply 2

Afg-girl <3

OP

4

Original post

by chazwomaq

Welcome to the forum, I hope you get some good advice.

Can you tell us your subject and source of funding?

I would only recommend a PhD for someone who really has a passion for the subject and their research in particular. If you don't, then why are you doing a PhD at all? It isn't likely to land you a great job, and having Dr after your name won't change your life by itself.

Is it that you're worried you're not doing well, or that you just don't enjoy reading, researching and hearing about the latest development in your field? If the former, trust your supervisor, if that latter, trust your heart.

I'm doing it in Information Security, and being funded by EPSRC.

Thanks for you advice, really useful :h:

Reply 3

futbol

18

Naahh

Reply 4

chazwomaq

18

Original post

by Afg-girl <3

I'm doing it in Information Security, and being funded by EPSRC.

Thanks for you advice, really useful :h:

So the other thing to consider how a PhD will affect your future career. Do you want to go into industry in this subject or IT more generally? Will a PhD be useful in that career?

If so, then maybe it's worth pushing on, as an externally funded STEM PhD is not to be sniffed at.

Good luck with your decision. Get lots of advice from friends and family and other PhD students and careers advisers if you can.

Reply 5

Klix88

17

When I hit a brick wall with my PhD, I had a couple of sessions with my uni"s counselling service. I told them that I wanted an audit of my emotional state and my situation, to work out whether I was making rational devisions and seeing the issues clearly. It really helped me so it might be an idea for you? Sometimes it's helpful to talk things though with someone who is neutral but familiar with the academic environment.

Reply 6

Afg-girl <3

OP

4

Original post

by Klix88

When I hit a brick wall with my PhD, I had a couple of sessions with my uni"s counselling service. I told them that I wanted an audit of my emotional state and my situation, to work out whether I was making rational devisions and seeing the issues clearly. It really helped me so it might be an idea for you? Sometimes it's helpful to talk things though with someone who is neutral but familiar with the academic environment.

Thanks, will consider this!

Carry on with PhD or not?

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