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I did it the other way round, became a professional student, then PhD student, then postdoc. Now that it's no longer very likely that I'll get tenure - for vari
by jonathanstrange 6y ago
I did it the other way round, became a professional student, then PhD student, then postdoc. Now that it's no longer very likely that I'll get tenure - for various reasons that mostly have nothing to do with my scientific performance - I'll have to spend time trying to get rich enough so I don't have to be a professional student any longer. I'll have to fund a company for the first time, while getting close to my 50s, and better earn some money with it.
I don't regret anything, the bottom-line of the story is just that it's hard to know in advance which strategy is better, and even afterwards you can never be sure. That's the problem with the counterfactual reasoning that is the basis of these kind of life decisions.
- rfrey 6y agoSorry for the roadblocks it sounds like your career has hit. I think I chose correctly - I'd only really enjoy a PhD if I were doing it as a member of the Leisured Aristocracy. I only regret not having entered that club, despite having worked through three software booms where everyone else with a compiler and powerpoint deck apparently got stinkin' rich.
- AndrewKemendo 6y agoI guess I don't see why it wouldnt always be optimal to try and gain financial independence first. That allows maximum flexibility and a time buffer to switch careers/industry if needed.
- pletsch 6y agoWhat's your PhD in?
- jonathanstrange 6y agoPhilosophy - the mother of all sciences (just kidding...)