How do you make money.

[Greyblades]

Yep - and now I live in a room that's about 12 x 12 feet and doesn't have double glazing, and between the PhD I need for my career and work I have no free time.

I was, however, smart enough to save the money my parents gave me - and walk to Uni.

It went in an ISA, after 3 years £3,000 was £4,000

Um... I've got it better than you now, and I couldn't walk to university from my home if I wanted to, add that to the impression I'm getting that you are set on a career and have no alternatives I doubt that I have much to take from your posts besides restating the info I've been given for the last 12 years.