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.

nite, nite!

Bugger. Thought decision was made. Spoke to research supervisor who was very sympathetic and said hold off on making any decision till beginning of january. Things may look better then. University will be going on holiday tomorrow therefore any letter from me would not be processed.

I am so close but yet so far.....

ps had a crap nights sleep as dad was extremely restless till he managed to pass a bowel motion at 1.30am! We slept in this morning for the carer coming. Hope tonight is better.

I teach on a masters course and nearly all our students feel like this at this point, I would urge any student in your position to think carefully and apply for an extension for extenuating circumstances if needed. Why don't you leave it til the new year, most institutions shut tomorrow or Monday and don't reopen until the 2nd or 3rd so nothing will be done until then?

I will leave it till the New Year. problem is I already have had an extension due to extenuating circumstances. I must complete by August at the very latest. haven't even written up my lterature review, research methods and methodology.

I really do think it is unachievable with the commitments i have at home and work.

How long have you been studying for? At my uni masters students have have between 5 and 7 years to complete. Sorry you are having such a tough time, it's very hard undertaking any qualification as a mature student. So much gets in the way. Whatever you decide you have achieved ALOT already

Also you don't need to write things up this early, I advocate getting a folder and putting all your notes in the order you wish to write them up. Also if it's the size that is daunting start with something easy i.e. the methodology and go from there.

started in 2002

sterted dissertation component in 2005 but have never got off the ground really. That is why i think i am kidding myself on

Mears: I chucked in a putative PhD to stop at the Masters stage, the equivalent of what you're proposing to do.

I've never, ever regretted it. I absolutely loved doing that specific project, but am very very glad I didn't potter along with a half-finished PhD like virtually everyone else on my course - including the ones who were telling me I was doing the wrong thing.

I'll see what January brings. Santa might bring me some inspiration

Mears, you have so much on just now.

I hope you can just enjoy the holidays day by day and then feel more comfortable with whatever decision you make in January.

When you follow your conscience, chances are you will have no regrets.

Just an update to let you know that I have finally chucked in the towel and I feel great

Every so often I do think I have let myself down but in the great scheme of things it is something I can pick up in the future if I find I need it.

even

Hello mears. We have corresponded before via email. I am in the same boat, having been trying to get to grips with my masters course for a couple of years now. I do need to be at least working towards it because it is in my person description/jd. I was optimistic and coping when I decided to take it on, then, like you I had loads of family and financial problems, masses of challenges at work that meant I had to do extra work, (sadly, no extra pay). I feel as if I am wading through treacle at the moment.

My manager told me it took her 8 years to get her masters, so that made me feel a bit better.

Just wanted to sympathise really. Part of me wants to throw in the towel because I am so tired, then I look around at the people I work with who have far less knowledge and experience than me, and I feel I ought to press on because I know I am more than capable. IYSWIM. How are you feeling now?

I guess I will defer again - I will try to get the first module completed by the end of the year.................

Oops - just realised you did decide to take a break. I should read things more carefully.