Finally starting to see the problem
Yesterday, I was reading the Chicago Tribune, and I came across an article that was about a just-released study about the problems universities are having keeping their PhD students. It appears that a lot of PhD candidates are giving up in the middle of the process and universities are starting to be threatened with losing their programs completely. I read this and I realized that one of the main reasons is probably why I have been considering leaving this program so much lately.

The problem pointed out was that PhD candidates fall into this rut where they feel they really don't belong anymore. That's exactly where I am. The article talks about how surveys have pointed out that one of the problems is lack of attention from graduate advisors. I completely understand this. This is one of the things that really bothers me like you wouldn't believe. EVERYTIME I go in to talk to my graduate advisor, I get the impression that I'm being tolerated and that there's somewhat of a desire for me to get out of the office as soon as possible because I'm taking up valuable time that can be used for more important things, like staring aimlessly at the wall for long periods of time. I got that feeling today, and that's when I started to realize that this is probably a huge part of the problem for me.

I get the impression that I'm really not taken seriously by too many people, especially other professors. It's kind of disconcerting at times.

Stumble It!