Why you shouldn't apply for a PhD | Summary and Q&A

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April 19, 2018
by
Simon Clark
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Why you shouldn't apply for a PhD

TL;DR

Pursuing a PhD may not be as lucrative or glamorous as it seems, with lower pay, questionable job prospects, and potential mental health challenges.

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Key Insights

  • 💰 PhD graduates earn 26% more than those with undergraduate degrees, but only 3% more than those with master's degrees. Money is not a strong motivating factor for pursuing a PhD.
  • 😷 PhD graduates who leave academia often face misconceptions and pigeonholing in the industry. They may struggle to find jobs that align with their expertise and may be labeled as over-specialized or lacking people skills.
  • 👥 PhD students often work alone, spending hours writing and researching on their own. They may have an inattentive supervisor that leaves them feeling adrift without guidance. Limited social interaction and the potential for mental health issues are prevalent during a PhD.
  • 💼 After completing a PhD, individuals face low pay, long hours, and frequent relocations when pursuing an academic career. The early stages of an academic career are demanding, requiring teaching, research, and constant job-hunting.
  • ▶️ Passion is the key motivator for pursuing a PhD. It offers the opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge, learn new things, and share findings with the world. If you are passionate about a topic and willing to dedicate years of your life to it, a PhD is worth considering.
  • 💼 Do not pursue a PhD solely for financial gain or job prospects. The financial benefits are not significant compared to a master's degree, and some jobs may view a PhD as a disadvantage.
  • 😍 Passion and genuine interest in the topic of study are essential for surviving and thriving in a PhD program. PhD supervisors value candidates who are enthusiastic, focused, and have a drive to understand and push the boundaries of knowledge.
  • ☑️ Before applying for a PhD, ask yourself why you genuinely want to pursue one. Consider if spending years dedicated to your passion is the best use of your time and if you value money, power, prestige, or a comfortable life more.

Transcript

This video is sponsored by Squarespace Whether you need a domain website or online store make it with Squarespace I think it'd be fair to say that I am known on YouTube as the guy who? Makes videos about how he got his PhD and I feel like my videos may have disproportionately Encouraged and motivated people to want to do phd's I'm not sure how I fe... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some misconceptions and challenges that PhD graduates face when entering industry?

When PhD graduates move into industry, they often face misconceptions such as being considered over-specialized or lacking practical skills. They may be questioned about their career choices, with some assuming that a PhD holder should be pursuing an academic career. These misconceptions can make it harder for PhD graduates to find suitable job opportunities outside of academia.

Q: How does the pay for PhD graduates compare to those with only an undergraduate or master's degree?

On average, PhD graduates do earn more than those with only an undergraduate degree or a master's degree. However, the increase in earnings is not significant enough to justify the extra time and effort spent on a PhD. Graduates with a master's degree can still earn 23% more than those with only an undergraduate degree, while PhD graduates earn only 26% more than master's degree holders.

Q: What are some challenges that PhD students face during their studies?

PhD students often face challenges such as working long hours with little pay, feeling isolated and lacking social interactions, and dealing with an inattentive supervisor. The rigorous demands of the program can lead to mental health issues and strained personal relationships. Additionally, many PhD students express feeling burnt out and desperate for the program to be over by the end.

Q: Why should someone still consider pursuing a PhD despite the challenges?

Despite the challenges, someone should consider pursuing a PhD if they are passionate about a specific topic and want to contribute to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. A PhD provides an opportunity to deeply explore and learn about a subject and make a meaningful contribution. It is a commitment to one's passion, and if that is what drives them, then pursuing a PhD can be personally fulfilling.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • PhD graduates earn only slightly more than those with a master's degree, despite spending more time in education.

  • PhD graduates often face misconceptions and challenges when entering industry, including being pigeonholed and struggling to find suitable jobs.

  • PhD programs can be mentally and socially isolating, potentially leading to mental health issues and strained personal relationships.

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