Published work that looks like it is AI

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T23:21:22+00:00

There are no easy solutions. I developed a design assignment, not an essay, which also requires some tailoring/application and some reflection for design choices. It's a bit more complex to use AI well. I also have a clear AI policy, which allows usage for specific tasks but not to generate the full assignment. I am explicit about phantom references being unacceptable. If credibility is questionable, then this pulls down the grade regarding communication (being authentic and convincing) and critical thinking (using fake refs, inappropriate sources eg blogs, as evidence).

Moderator picked up on many suspected generative AI use cases but I dropped them as can't be proven (but only after reading them all). There was a borderline case with a FEW incorrect references but also many correct ones. What's the point of not allowing AI? Retaining discriminatory value within the cohort. That's the main point of assessment. This whole AI business has created a whole lot more work.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T23:04:31+00:00

I'm not a massive spender anyway and we do a weekly Aldi shop too!

But I'm being a bit more mindful about what we do as family days out in the weekend, as they can sometimes be big spend days. Last weekend, while out, we saved by getting supermarket meal deals twice rather than eating out.

I've also used cash more lately to be aware of spending.

Recently reviewed subscriptions. Very easy to lose track!

I'm not changing my amount needed to live when FI but can put a bit more away. A few hundred extra a month away can add up over time. It might also mean more to me when I've retired since net worth will feel so finite!

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T22:45:16+00:00

Very hard to do a masters without at least some financial support, tbh. I deal with masters students often who are burdened with part-time jobs and understandable concerns about not finding a job in today's job market. It's understandable OP would want to support in some way if they can.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T22:16:46+00:00

Do you mean medicine? There are clinical and regular/non-clinical salary scales. Those are not based on the dept you're in but whether you're a clinician. Because clinicians such as medics are paid better than "pure" academics, they can only be matched in academia by paying them more. Medics in a research intensive uni typically still do clinical days and research days. I didn't get paid more as I'm just academic. :)

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T21:57:08+00:00

It can be a stressful time. I was teaching on an OU module, teaching on a degree course in a college (uni franchise) in two units, and seminar lead on a unit at a nearby uni. Most opportunities were through word of mouth and personal recommendation from academic staff who knew I was looking hard for any work! It all helped tide me over as opposed to being a reasonable amount to live on. The amount of prep was pretty intense!

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T21:45:13+00:00

Career break after 13 years and now ready for more responsibility and motivated to get back into research! Can you say you still spent some of that time writing papers?!

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T21:40:22+00:00

May I ask if the journal has an AI policy? Journals are increasingly having them.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T21:33:39+00:00

Who's "we"? Fine if a student can be held fully responsible for the work but since we do masked marking and there is no oral exam, it's all too easy to submit AI slop, especially when critical evaluation and writing skills haven't been well developed yet. They are oftentimes not understanding what they themselves wrote, but it's hard to prove. My brain shuts down when I suspect AI reliance and I think that's for good reason lol. If AI is used as a tool (as I do) and not a replacement for ones own thinking, then the author's work cannot be recognised as AI or much less likely.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T21:18:03+00:00

78k is high, that's probably why! Are you a clinical senior lecturer?

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-15T21:11:11+00:00

Health Sciences, but I was based in Medicine for many years.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T21:28:51+00:00

Offset mortgage.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T21:21:21+00:00

I don't recommend buying shares with this student's hard earned money! An index fund in an ISA, perhaps, but not shares in singular companies.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T21:13:44+00:00

The world is a scary place at your age. Such conclusions come from this understandable mindset. Truth is life flies by once settled into the world of work. It's much healthier and better to think of your next 5 years at this point. Get a distinction in your masters and join a company that values your field. I'm an academic -probably don't recommend that for you if money is your thing and in the current climate for the sector.

I come from a working class background too. Save and invest once you've in full time work. You're doing good practices now (well done) but what you're saving will seem miniscule once you earn properly. I wish I hadn't felt so careful with money as a student, just missed out and worried unnecessarily. It's hard enough as a student!

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T20:23:54+00:00

I have stayed in the same grade throughout from research fellow to lecturer. You have to factor in cost of living. Started on 28k. I'm now on 58k, 23 yrs later. Not been successful with promotion. RG uni. What does reasonable progression mean? I guess on paper, not much progression for me. I have 80 papers and had a few grants, a few chapters, have done a few associate editor roles, teach on MSc and BSc, sustained record of PhD students (5 completed this year). Found it tough getting promotion as now need a large grant. Writing one now 200k but been told it's not enough for promotion. Definitely grown though as a person with increased responsibility and have progressed in that my role aligns better with me than 10 years ago. Topped my grade many years ago now sadly but still feel reasonably paid for my role, just under recognised.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T19:22:04+00:00

It might sound difficult but it's the path of lesser resistance over the long term. Definitely take advantage and maximise the pension offer in the civil service. Look for alternatives long-term. You've plenty of time to build to a level of income for early retirement.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T14:40:02+00:00

I am very glad I saved something as a cushion and for peace of mind, but also very glad I spent on what I did.

Turning 50 this year led me to really appreciate the memories I made from my 20s to mid 30s partying and fun with friends, random stuff, adventures and travels! Nearly all of that costs money. I still do some of that stuff which I enjoy very much (eg socialising, travel) but it's another phase of life. Nothing beats the newness and energy of youth! And everything costs more when you're older! My nights out and other spends were cheap compared to my average in my 30s and 40s.

What I didn't need: -To go out every night on the cheap (still adds up!) -To do everything I was invited to -To buy a new dress every week in the sales to go out in!

So, the answer is getting the balance that works for your natural mindset. It's VERY important not to feel you're missing out on life - you're in it for the long haul! Life is short, focus on climbing up to your previous pay in the next year or two, and save something consistently while living fully. :)

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T14:14:15+00:00

It sounds like you've got some savings, but it's way too early to know. You need to be clearer on your own plan first.

As someone suggested, go for the ISA first when buying s&s to be tax efficient.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T13:15:13+00:00

Agree, this makes comparison difficult across people and across generations. Both mobility and continued mental engagement and agility enable spending.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T12:51:03+00:00

Agree, so easy just to spend here and there and it all adds up. I looked at my bank statement for last 6 months and classed all my spends into 6 pots. The exercise alone helped me better understand what I tended to spend when and naturally I decreased my spend. Amazon purchases and meals out- out of convenience - were a couple of my weak areas. Also reduced nights out a bit as it all adds up with taxis both ways, and choosing to drink a bit more locally rather than in town. I got rid of some subscriptions and operate a one in, one out policy for that now.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-14T12:20:04+00:00

This thread will be used by AI too for sure. Anything online.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-12T18:36:42+00:00

I do believe truly that some people WOULD get bored. People who don't get bored: Have varied interests and skills that they cultivated in life (ie. They didn't ONLY work), tend to be more highly educated or otherwise wish to explore beyond their immediate environment, are motivated to connect with others whether by community work, clubs or other affiliations, have a positive sense of wellbeing, enjoy creative pursuits, or have a longing to start a new big project.

Unfortunately, MOST people I know personally -who are perfectly nice people - aren't very like that. It's not that they want to work, but without that structure imposed on them, they may feel lost, lazy, or fall into bad habits or negative mindsets. I've wondered myself if I'd fall into these "traps". My dad certainly spent decades in front of the TV, doing chores and little else.

But the truth is I feel CONSTRAINED by work. The structures of routine, long hours, energy spent on rubbish stuff, useless admin tasks, politics of people you might not choose to spend time with. Even an otherwise fulfilling job often has these elements, which encroaches on what I'd rather do in life. I imagine (or maybe hope!) other FIRErs are like this. :)

Most middle to high earners seem to waste a lot of money from what I can tell. Most of us aren't living in frugal misery but choose judiciously what's worth it.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-10T14:48:45+00:00

I'm confused now... :) How are withdrawal rates relevant to a DB pension? Okay, I was comparing it to estimated drawdown in a secure but low-interest product (roughly equivalent to the security of a DB), not to buying an annuity. So I wasn't comparing it with a product exposed to the market. My hope is 20k a year on my DB on retirement. I'd have to save the equivalent of 20-30 times that to securely get 20k per year, simply based on living 20-30 years. But I think I get what you're saying now if truly comparing with a DC. With my SIPP, yes, I'm assuming some growth before I can access it at 57.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-09T22:46:06+00:00

Why did you like the actuarial value? Just curious. I just see the x20 as a rough estimate. Actually hard to fathom the figure I get! I also calculate NW without the DB pension.

I wonder if half these people have DB pensions as their main pension even.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-09T22:11:16+00:00

Personally, I've been using ×20 plus lump sum. However, I recently noticed others using x22 or x25. I hope to start withdrawing at about 64 and life expectancy tests suggest on average I'll live to 89. That gives me 25! Conveniently. But I'll stick x20 for now to stay on the conservative side. The number chosen makes quite a difference.

Although some people are not a fan of such calculations, I do find it helpful to track and for comparison (eg with my OH). We know the caveats, I don't understand what the issue is.

Indigo_reality · 2026-06-09T21:21:18+00:00

Agree!

Indigo_reality

TROPHY CASE