3 ms·

Meh, I think you have to look at it for what it is. I got a PhD and I found it a very useful experience. But, the key is to go into it with the purpose of devel

Meh, I think you have to look at it for what it is. I got a PhD and I found it a very useful experience. But, the key is to go into it with the purpose of developing expertise in something you are interested in. Now, if you're getting a PhD for any other reason, then forget it. If you're getting a PhD in one of those make-believe fields like social constructivism, forget it. If you're doing it to get a job, forget it. Yes, part of the problem is false advertising, but part of the problem is people going into it just for something to do.

Beldin 3y ago
> If you're doing it to get a job, forget it. This is very country-dependent. In some countries, there is a glass ceiling in commercial, government, and even politician jobs for those without PhDs. I was surprised to find folks pursuing a PhD simply as a career move, but apparently* it exists. * The folk I met sure were convinced and were motivated enough to obtain the PhD to get access to better non-academic careers.
- vouaobrasil 3y ago
  I concede that -- and there are some jobs specifically for PhDs. However, I was actually more saying that the reason why I DON'T recommend it for most people is that a PhD could be very frustrating if the only reason why you're getting it is to get a job. OF COURSE, if the job you get is one you truly like afterwards, then it's not so bad. But then, in the case that you mention, there should be a clear path towards that, and not some vague notions that it MIGHT get you a job.
earthboundkid 3y ago
This is crazy. Spend 2 years getting an MA just because you love the subject? Sure. Fine. NBD. But spending at least 6 years, maybe a decade, with no job at the end? That’s abuse of smart people in the same way that it’s abuse to run a casino and take money from gambling addicts. Nothing’s wrong with playing some roulette for fun (an MA), but if the house lets you give away your car keys, the house is abusive.
- vouaobrasil 3y ago
  I got a job...but quit five years later because I hated it. In fact, I am happy I spent 11 years post-graduate because I didn't have to waste my life participating in a sick corporate world and working. Now I'm working to be independent and without those 11 years getting used to not working in the traditional way, I would not have the general intuition to break off from the system.

Beldin 3y ago

> If you're doing it to get a job, forget it. This is very country-dependent. In some countries, there is a glass ceiling in commercial, government, and even politician jobs for those without PhDs. I was surprised to find folks pursuing a PhD simply as a career move, but apparently* it exists. * The folk I met sure were convinced and were motivated enough to obtain the PhD to get access to better non-academic careers.

vouaobrasil 3y ago
I concede that -- and there are some jobs specifically for PhDs. However, I was actually more saying that the reason why I DON'T recommend it for most people is that a PhD could be very frustrating if the only reason why you're getting it is to get a job. OF COURSE, if the job you get is one you truly like afterwards, then it's not so bad. But then, in the case that you mention, there should be a clear path towards that, and not some vague notions that it MIGHT get you a job.

earthboundkid 3y ago

This is crazy. Spend 2 years getting an MA just because you love the subject? Sure. Fine. NBD. But spending at least 6 years, maybe a decade, with no job at the end? That’s abuse of smart people in the same way that it’s abuse to run a casino and take money from gambling addicts. Nothing’s wrong with playing some roulette for fun (an MA), but if the house lets you give away your car keys, the house is abusive.

vouaobrasil 3y ago
I got a job...but quit five years later because I hated it. In fact, I am happy I spent 11 years post-graduate because I didn't have to waste my life participating in a sick corporate world and working. Now I'm working to be independent and without those 11 years getting used to not working in the traditional way, I would not have the general intuition to break off from the system.