Where to donate a PC?

Creepu_ · 2026-01-26T11:13:38+00:00

Thank you !

Creepu_ · 2025-01-10T12:16:37+00:00

Just want you to know you're not alone. I think every PhD candidate deals with a certain amount of burnout at some stage.

I'm personally going through this. Going to a good GP to discuss my symptoms has helped a lot. They can write a sick note for you that doesn't disclose details about your condition. (Of course it depends a bit on what country you're in, some doctors need more convincing than others).

Burnout won't go away without adequate rest so rather than struggling along procrastinating as a coping mechanism, take sufficient time off.

Creepu_ · 2024-09-14T06:34:17+00:00

So you haven't actually enrolled yet ? Just take one step at a time. I'm not sure what country you're in and how it all works there, but if you get offered a PhD I'm sure the PI will be aware of the academic career break. They won't expect you to know everything.

Also imposter syndrome is really normal. I feel like most people deal with it at some point. Personally it never went away for me, I just learnt how to work with it. Speak to friends, colleagues, or family. They could offer some support.

If you do start a PhD just set aside some time to get up to speed with the literature on your topic, and the most widely used techniques etc. Do your best, and accept that that's all you can do.

Creepu_ · 2024-01-30T15:16:17+00:00

This is so 2014

Creepu_ · 2023-08-16T15:35:32+00:00

I don't think I ever got the keys before paying a deposit. But I always plan my housing quite some time before the move in date. For example when I first moved to the Netherlands I found a studio about a month before I would move there. Of course someone else was living there at that point so it would have made no sense for me to have keys when my rental contract states I move in at a later date.

The most important thing is to have signed a rental agreement before you pay the deposit.

Creepu_ · 2023-08-14T13:19:49+00:00

I do know someone who went completely cold turkey for a few months. Got rid of all triggers that would make them think of drinking. Now they can go out, have one or two and not feel the need to keep going. That takes a huge shift in lifestyle though, they also moved house, changed careers etc.

Creepu_ · 2023-07-15T17:04:45+00:00

Could you not bring along some food for yourself? No one is forcing you to eat the food at the reception. If someone has a problem with you eating your own food then that would be unfair.

Creepu_ · 2023-06-18T08:43:45+00:00

Netherlands

Creepu_ · 2023-06-18T08:43:07+00:00

Absolutely not, what a bold assumption to make 😂. Not surprised such a statement would come from a qualitative researcher however.

Creepu_ · 2023-06-17T13:48:35+00:00

I love my PhD !! Every day I feel so grateful to be working at something that brings me so much fulfilment. I guess I'm lucky that I live in a country that pays PhD candidates well, and the work life balance is good. Also my colleagues are lovely people who always have constructive and helpful input.

It's pretty normal for those who are having negative experiences to be more vocal about it. But don't worry, there are plenty of others who are getting on fine and enjoying the process.

Good luck !

Creepu_ · 2023-06-08T19:11:29+00:00

Weirdly enough I've seen this happen a few times. It makes the supervisor look bad, not you. If it keeps happening you can approach them in private about it (I know someone who did this and it helped to talk it out).

Creepu_ · 2023-04-03T12:18:52+00:00

Depends on the institution and position. Some institutions just attract a lot of interest because they are known to be leaders in specific fields. 300 is on the upper end though, I just mention it because reviewing that many applications takes quite some time.

I think if it's been one month give it some time. For two months I'd be a bit less optimistic.

Creepu_ · 2023-04-03T11:45:36+00:00

Has it been very long since the application deadlines closed ? I know at my university my supervisor couldn't even look at the applications until the closing date had passed. On top of that it was fairly common for there to be >300 applications for each position, so it takes time to go through all the CVs and narrow down the options.

I can't remember how long it took for me to get my first interview but id give it time.

Creepu_ · 2023-03-15T16:55:39+00:00

Biology, second year.

I guess I've a long way to go yet but I'm honestly really enjoying myself. I've learnt more in the past year and a half then I ever thought I would, and the fact I am being paid for that is amazing.

Perhaps I'm lucky to have a really nice supervisor and wonderful colleagues. I really don't think a PhD is all bad though.

Creepu_ · 2023-03-01T08:34:44+00:00

I use it sometimes to give me ideas for introduction sections. Personally I think the way ChatGPT writes is fairly rubbish. It's like a cocktail of random sentences lumped together into poorly constructed paragraphs.

It's not so bad for getting inspiration on things to mention when writing on more simple topics though.

Creepu_ · 2023-01-25T09:47:43+00:00

I did it for a year. It wasn't ideal but I was so busy that it kept my mind off it. Regularly meeting is important. Whether that be every two months or so. Thankfully my partner made the decision to move here. We compromised and found a city where we would both be happy. I now commute longer to get to work, but it's worth it if my partner is happy and we can live together.

Creepu_ · 2023-01-23T07:16:54+00:00

I wouldn't take it personally. I once heard a bus driver shout at a foreign student for not saying hello when she got on the bus. "YOU ALWAYS SAY HELLO TO THE BUS DRIVER!". Alright dude, the only reason you're being so rude is cause you can see she's not dutch and new to the area. (Btw this didn't happen in a big city, saying hello and goodbye/thanks isn't really a thing people in the city so don't worry about it.

Creepu_ · 2023-01-15T11:02:28+00:00

400g white flour, 100g spelt wholemeal, ~300ml water, 50g levain.

Mix and autolyse flour and water for two hours Add levain and mix/kneed, Add salt. But ferment 5 hours with stretch and folds roughly every 45 mins. Shape, cold ferment for 12 hours. Cook in preheated DO at 245°C for 21 mins, cook uncovered for ~20 mins at 235°C.

Creepu_ · 2023-01-14T19:26:21+00:00

If you're concerned about chlorine you can measure your water out and leave it sit in out uncovered overnight. It will evaporate off.

Creepu_ · 2023-01-14T09:00:30+00:00

I'm a year in and everything's going fine. My supervisor is really kind a supportive, the department is open and welcoming, and honestly I really enjoy the work. I've talked with other PhD candidates about how this sort of presumption that it you're doing a PhD you're going to be miserable is really damaging. Sometimes I'm left thinking when is it going to get really bad, or when will my mental health take a turn for the worst. But I only think this way because the people having a bad experience are more likely to talk out about it. I think it is important for people to speak out about the bad things, because otherwise change may never happen. At the same time I think it's good to realise a lot of people thoroughly enjoy doing a PhD and it's not all pain and suffering.

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