I had an email from my supervisors today after reviewing my annual review report and I am so close to quitting/settling for an MPhil but feel that if I do then I have wasted so many years!
My funding ran out last year and so I am trying to combine working 3 days a week with 3 kids (DSD18, DS13 and DD3) whilst my husband works shifts as a carer and I have no life whatsoever! I started my PhD in 2008 but had six months out end of 2009/2010 when I had my daughter and then switched to part time when the funding ended in 2011....
The comments I have had are "the drafts of analytic chapters are very initial. The ones we looked at need substantial revision to achieve PhD standard" and "I looked at the initial pages of the Methodology chapter. It is not adequate.The justification of the approach, and also frames of reference for the researcher is not written at PhD level and it is not clear. It is probably difficult to write this part before having a well written conceptual chapter". I need to submit something before beginning of October as continuation fees are due which I do not have and the cost of childcare etc is crippling me. I was originally hoping to go into academia but am now thinking that perhaps its not for me and that I would like to work in the field but the pay is lower and would mean more training....
My husband has been pinning his hopes on me finishing by now and getting a well paid job but I can't see that happening.... am I deluding myself that I can get myself up to standard and get a PhD or should I just accept that perhaps I am not good enough for this and try and get an MPhil instead?