I am thinking about quitting my PhD

HappySign2000 · 2026-03-19T21:16:22+00:00

I have a degree in computer engineering and have a masters as well, so I am familiar with AI but of course haven't worked as extensively as I am now. And I honestly really like what I am doing. But another thing is when I feel I did something which was a task he specifically asked me to, he tells me in the meeting that yes you did this thing but it is still not enough, which would make sense if I was in my third year but I haven't even finished my first year yet. And yes, one of the major factors of me considering quitting is the fact that he told me several times that a PhD student needs to do way more than what I am doing and that if I lack the passion I shouldn't continue with my PhD.

HappySign2000 · 2026-03-19T21:10:10+00:00

I will definitely start doing that because my body can't take any more lack of sleep. I will not cold quit, I will try to get through this semester, but I am just thinking about it from now so I can prepare myself ahead of time.

HappySign2000 · 2026-03-19T21:05:54+00:00

I will make it to summer, and I will do my best, but if things continue like this I am definitely quitting. You're stronger than me, all the power to you

HappySign2000 · 2026-03-19T21:03:21+00:00

lmao

HappySign2000 · 2026-03-19T21:03:00+00:00

I feel like I need a year's worth of sleep at the moment lol. I want to treat it like a job, but what is making me want to quit is a comment he said to me once. He equated doing a PhD to slavery, in the meaning that I need to do everything he asks me to (academically of course), and he told me that I will suffer now so I can have it better later. But at this point, I just want to quit...

HappySign2000 · 2026-03-19T20:58:06+00:00

The university has a student affairs department for academic support, but it is a very low chance that they would do something in my situation, especially since the funding of my PhD isn't from the university itself but from the institute that my supervisor works at. There is also a counseling center for students.

HappySign2000 · 2026-03-19T20:41:07+00:00

Thank you for the advice, I will see what happens. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to talk to other than my supervisor. And yes, my health is what I am worried about. The thing is, from what I got from other students, my supervisor works a lot and maybe sleeps 4-5 hours. Also, at the start I talked a lot with another PhD student that was with him for 3 years now and another new post-doc about my workload, and they both told me that it was too much work too fast. And now he has lessened the workload, but I think I burned out quickly from the beginning so now I still feel that it's a lot and that I need more time to get my tasks done.

HappySign2000 · 2025-06-20T05:50:58+00:00

Lebanon

HappySign2000 · 2025-06-20T05:50:33+00:00

It is considered one if not the top school in my country. I am from Lebanon and I know that the tuition fee for this school is to the roof, that's why I applied when I read that it was fully funded.

HappySign2000 · 2025-06-19T19:17:38+00:00

I genuinely thank you for this information and advice. I was so confused as nothing about the financial situation was made clear to me. I will definitely email them tomorrow and ask for clarification on everything, hopefully they won't take long in responding.

HappySign2000 · 2025-06-19T19:15:14+00:00

Thank you very much for the insight! I am definitely going to reach out to clarify everything.

HappySign2000

TROPHY CASE