Was My PhD Worth It? Reflecting 3 Years After Graduation

TL;DR

The content discusses the author's reflection on whether their PhD journey was worth it, considering career prospects, personal happiness, and unexpected opportunities.

Transcript

hey everyone welcome back to my channel if you are new here my name is amina and today we're doing a bit of reflecting and i asked myself the question the other day was my phd worth it now this is a huge loaded question and i think it's quite a tough one for a lot of us to think about when we think about decisions that we've made in life would we h... Read More

Key Insights

• ❤️‍🩹 Many PhD graduates do not end up in academia, taking on roles in industry or other areas, which questions the worth of a PhD in terms of career prospects.
• 👨‍🔬 The author found a teaching role that combined academia and research, but acknowledged that it may not have been worth it in terms of career progression.
• 🥺 The skills gained during a PhD, such as academic and research skills, can be valuable in alternative career paths and can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• 💦 The author is passionate about education and hopes to work in educational policy, utilizing their PhD skills and experiences to make a positive impact.

Questions & Answers

Q: What factors did the author consider to determine whether their PhD journey was worth it?

The author considered career prospects, personal happiness and satisfaction, financial implications, and the unexpected opportunities that arose from their PhD journey.

Q: Did the author believe that a PhD is worth it for those who want to pursue a career in academia?

Yes, the author believes that a PhD is worth it for those who want to stay in academia, as it is often a necessary qualification and can open doors to lecturing and research positions.

Q: How does the author view the instability of postdoctoral positions in academia?

The author acknowledges that postdocs have short-term contracts and lack stability, which can be challenging, especially for those with financial responsibilities. This instability played a role in their decision to explore alternative career paths.

Q: What unexpected opportunities have arisen from the author's PhD journey?

The author mentions starting a YouTube channel, developing courses, and starting a business as unexpected opportunities that came from their PhD journey. These ventures have opened doors and provided valuable skills.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author reflects on their PhD journey and questions whether it was worth it in terms of career prospects, as many PhD graduates do not end up in academia.

• They share their personal experience of finding a teaching role that combines academia and research, but acknowledge that it may not have been worth it in terms of career progression.

• The author highlights the unexpected opportunities that have come from their PhD, such as starting a YouTube channel, developing courses, and starting a business.