Anybody given up doing a Masters and never regretted it?

[mears]

Can exit now with post graduate certificate.

Have tried and tried to knuckle down and get my 20000 research dissertation done and I can't do it. Will be time barred in August if not completed.

I have nearly given up a few times and have given it another go. Thing is it is now making me feel really down - almost depressed.

Has anyone been in this situation and been really glad that they packed it in?

I think the relief of making a decision would be immense.

I gave up getting a JD law degree - it's a postgrad degree in the US - to live in a car travelling across the country climbing cliffs with my new boyfriend.

No regrets.

BUT, have you talked about this with your disseration supervisor?

I think it's worth discussing your feelings with him/her before making a final decision.

I gave up a masters and came out with a certificate - I just wasnt enjoying the stress it was putting me under and was not really enjoying the degree.

If you aren't happy doing it then pack it in. Nothing is worth making yourself depressed over. You can always go back in a few years time.

Yup - I think she is sick of listening to me. I can't help thinking that it would be a relief all round for me and the family.

How are you doing?

That's what I think DixiChick.

If you've already discussed it and have not come to any resolution then I don't think you'll have any regrets about packing it in now, especially as it seems to be having a very adverse effect on you!

It seems there have been many signs that this isn't the path you are meant to take, so let it go and give it some time to see what else opens up!

Thanks for asking! I've been better, tbh, but must give it time.

I jacked one in and so did DH. I mirrored the pattern and emotions you describe exactly. And yes, the relief was immense when I finally took the decision to stop. Certainly have never regretted ending it and it hasn't held me back at all. To this day I frequently bemoan my general inability to apply myself though, especially when it comes to written work

Wasn't on mumsnet for a while there but was thinking about you Expat. Take care.

Sally - I haven't hardly put pen to paper. Need to wrire up literature review, research methods and reseach methodology. Have been to ethics committee for approval but need to make amendments to questionnaire.

I really feel drained of all energy and can't face doing it.

Mum has gone into hospital today for a hand operation so I am staying with Dad (90 years old with Alzheimers).

She will be in plaster for 6 weeks and will need help with Dad who is still at home. He needs help to turn onto his side at night to sleep after a round of medications which mum won't be able to do. Involves 3 sets of eye drops.

No commitement that carers will be able to do this for him. They settle him into bed at night but that is at 8.30 pm - too early to be going to sleep.

Main care support will be from me as I live 5 minutes away.

He is more important than a feckin' masters.

I could always go back to it later...

Exactly, mears!

I don't think you'll regret packing it in now, given the circumstances and just how you feel about it all.

It's not right for you right now.

Will you be able to inform them before Xmas so you can enjoy the holidays with your family?

Hope so!

aelita - I have a real phobia about written work!

That really is the problem. I wanted to complete so that I would feel achievement but to be honest my inability to write is getting worse. It is like a phobia.

I am bloody good at my work though and my scope of knowledge is vast even though I say so myself

I do not want to climb the management ladder - I love working clinically. What do i need it for?

No. Hope springs eternal.

See, mears, you've already achieved a very great goal by enrolling in this. You know now, where your strengths lie.

That's a big bonus in life.

See it as such rather than as something negative.

I could Expat but am scared to actually withdraw in a way. It will be so final. My mum will be really disappointed. I will have lost £390.

But I will feel sane. I am glad I started this thread - I think I have made the decision and feel better already.

Will contact my research supervisor tomorrow.

Then you will have gained more than you lost.

And universities aren't going to disappear into the ether. You can always go back!

I wanted to be a Consultant Midwife.

I was unsuccessful at interview and then was relieved because the job is not what I thought it would be really.

It will not impact on my current role. It will change nothing.

I almost started one, stuff got in the way and I haven't even thought of it 'til I saw your thread. Give yourself a break and be with your family when you can. Good luck X

I love my job and am happy where i am.

I have to let my tutor know where I am at and also must resubmit to the ethics committee this week to be considered for January. I am not near ready. Tutor says it cannot be left later or I will not be able to get it done.

If I pin myself to the computer (and stay off mumsnet) I could perhaps do it.

But i will be helping look after Dad, working full time shifts and preparing for Christmas.

Don't think it is achievable hence packing it in might brighten my Christmas (and DH's)

You feel this is the right move for you, so it is.

You have enough on your plate just now without beating yourself up even more, mears.

If you are already feeling relieved, and you are very happy where you just now in your career, and you have so many other commitments to which you wish to devote yourself, then follow your conscience.

Thanks - you are so right. This is just not my time.

Thanks again. Off to bed.

And there is nothing wrong about that at all.

In fact, in the future, you may find it wasn't right at the time for a very good reason.

Well, it is already right now.

Stop being so hard on yourself and focus on what you love.