3 ms·

I've considered a PhD because this is very much a field I want to get into, but I also don't really want to be a traditional software engineer anymore. However,

I've considered a PhD because this is very much a field I want to get into, but I also don't really want to be a traditional software engineer anymore. However, I'm also mid 30s and my undergrad degree isn't CS. To get into a PhD program, I'd probably need to get a CS masters. To get a CS masters I have to take at least a year or two of undergrad classes (expensive and time consuming) just to get to a place where I can apply to a masters program. I'd also have to spend a year or more applying. Between masters program, then applying to PhD program, then finishing PhD program, I would be in my early 40s. I would also likely be taking a pay cut from my product manager career now, and I would lose out on a ton of income over the course of my PhD program (probably close to a million dollars worth). It just doesn't make sense to spend 7-8 years of school for only 20 meaningful years left of my career when I finish.

zamnos 4y ago
Yeah but life is not an optimization problem, and you can't take that extra million with you when you die, so spend it how you want to, not how some algorithm tells you you should. (until ML algorithms take over the world and we're forced to slave away in the code mines for Roko's basilisk, anyway) If ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion are fun and exciting to you, and you see their potential rather than get mired in their downsides, the least you could do for yourself is to move to product manage projects in that sphere, even without a PhD in the area.
- throwwwaway69 4y ago
  > the least you could do for yourself is to move to product manage projects in that sphere, even without a PhD in the area. exactly my intention :) I am learning as much as I can in the area, and trying to display that learning publicly, to help me get a role in the industry PM/Product roles in the industry are extremely uncommon though. Overwhelmingly these places are only hiring engineers and researchers, and I understand why.

zamnos 4y ago

Yeah but life is not an optimization problem, and you can't take that extra million with you when you die, so spend it how you want to, not how some algorithm tells you you should. (until ML algorithms take over the world and we're forced to slave away in the code mines for Roko's basilisk, anyway) If ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion are fun and exciting to you, and you see their potential rather than get mired in their downsides, the least you could do for yourself is to move to product manage projects in that sphere, even without a PhD in the area.

throwwwaway69 4y ago
> the least you could do for yourself is to move to product manage projects in that sphere, even without a PhD in the area. exactly my intention :) I am learning as much as I can in the area, and trying to display that learning publicly, to help me get a role in the industry PM/Product roles in the industry are extremely uncommon though. Overwhelmingly these places are only hiring engineers and researchers, and I understand why.