quitting the PhD

[Gerter]

You should read that 10 page thing that something at Minnesota (I think) wrote. It's about surviving the first year and deals with the issues you're talking about. There are a few of those guides and I think they all say that everyone feels the way you're feeling during the first year.

I'm sure someone has a link to those guides.

[singmeat]

put me down for sharing the math sentiments as well.

[puecon]

For most people year 1 is not representative of the whole PhD program. Year 1 is all about learning basic theory, math, and taking prelims. In the second year you take seminars in the subject area that interests you. A lot of them are nothing like the classes you're taking right now. Only in the third year, when you start working on your own research project it will become clear to you if econ PhD is for you. If you still want to withdraw after the third year, at least your MA in Economics degree will hold a significant added value, compared with a 1 year degree in economics (or no degree), because by then you will have a significant background in econometric methods and usually in one empirical subject, which is good for finding a job that's better than what you can get now.

[appliedtheorist]

I second asquare's view -- so very true!

[treblekicker]

i second gecko's advice. maintaining some semblance of a social life can do wonders for you productivity. try going to an early trivia night and limit yourself to only a beer or two. or maybe get a netflix account.

i personally try to get out at least once a week -- whether it be going to a concert, or playing poker with classmates.

[mabuiir]

If someone does not feel comfortable with math and econometrics, a PhD in finance/econ is....Having a BSc in finance, my math is barely enough but I continually improve this area by taking math classes with 1st year BSc actuarial students during my masters and then with 2nd year students during the first year. Now I am staying with last year students and really enjoying these classes. This is a long process and you still have the time. Just try if it works with your case.

[IrrationalAgent]

Originally Posted by Gerter

You should read that 10 page thing that something at Minnesota (I think) wrote. It's about surviving the first year and deals with the issues you're talking about. There are a few of those guides and I think they all say that everyone feels the way you're feeling during the first year.

I'm sure someone has a link to those guides.

(I don't have 30 posts, so I can't post full links)

www (no space here) .econ.umn.edu/graduate/so_you_want_to_be_a_phd.pdf