Help. Financial worries. Not passed PhD 1st year and really worried.

[yerblurt]

(I've posted this on the 'money matters' section but would appreciate any advice here too...

Hi there, could do with some help and advice.

I started a PhD last year but have just found out that I've not passed the 1st year and so cannot progress onto the 2nd year. It's a total shock as I thought I was doing OK but the supervision has been absolutely appalling with little feedback from my supervisor. In addition supervisor has been quite elusive recently and she's due to go on mat leave next month, don't really know what is going on but I'm really worried financially. My stipend will run out end of September.

I can write up what I've got as an MPhil, except there's no money for that, my other supervisor has offered to help out and supervise the writing up for that although he doesn't really have any money. I've asked if they can look into if the funding council will fund this (unlikely) and also asked if he has any jobs, due to meet with him in a couple of weeks when he's back from hols.

My partner works more or less full-time, she's obviously really stressed out. We have a 5 year old and I have a daughter with my ex-wife who stays over regularly under a shared care arrangement.

I'm panicking an applying for jobs left right and centre.

I have worked in the past but wonder if anyone knows the situation regarding benefits to apply for??? We have bills to pay, mortgage etc. Really really stressed out.

My DH decided to quit his PHD three months before it was due. I agreed as I think he would have been suicidal if he had not. I found it extremely hard as I had worked full time to support him and we had two young children at the time. As your partner works full time, if you get a part time job, even if it is minimum wage, so long as you are doing enough hours, which is not many AFAIK then you may be entitled to Tax Credits. Hopefully they could be in place for when your stipend ends.

Do not hold out for a good job worthy of your skills, just get something, and go from there. My DH is now working as a carer for people with Learning disabilities. Totally away from what he thought he would be doing, but we are happier than ever.

I guess what I am trying to say is there are worse things to go through. You have a lovely partner and two wonderful children. Your partner works so you will not starve. It is not what you thought would happen, but you may look back now day and actually be glad of it.

Good luck!

Yerblurt,
From what you've said, lack of supervision could be an issue. Do you want/need the phD to progress in your career? If so, then I'd ask the head of your department to discuss how you can get back on track asap and not lose the stipend for the next two years. You'll need a new supervisor anyway. Presume they've given clear feedback. Is it a direct fail or have they asked you to resubmit?

As VQ says, not the end of the world, but if you're after an academic career, it's worth pushing for a review, if that's possible.

Can you write it up as an MPhil and also do part time teaching at the uni to cover costs? Can the uni do a fee waiver until this is done?

It probably isn't worth your time to write it as an MPhil. I would appeal the decision to fail you, and keep applying for jobs.