Motivation is the big factor. Most PhDs are smart enough to pursue a career in higher ed, but it takes a PhD to evaluate your level of motivation / love of the

Motivation is the big factor. Most PhDs are smart enough to pursue a career in higher ed, but it takes a PhD to evaluate your level of motivation / love of the subject. Intrinsic motivation is becoming even more important given the incentives for entering the field are diminishing (job insecurity, more senior management, publish or perish).