Here is a different perspective, all be it in a cynical tone: http://crypto.junod.info/2013/09/09/an-aspiring-scientists-frustration-with-modern-day-academia-a-

Here is a different perspective, all be it in a cynical tone: http://crypto.junod.info/2013/09/09/an-aspiring-scientists-frustration-with-modern-day-academia-a-resignation/ http://crypto.junod.info/2013/09/09/an-aspiring-scientists-f... And here's another, with much more objective tone: http://www.pgbovine.net/PhD-memoir.htm http://www.pgbovine.net/PhD-memoir.htm My take on the subject matter is that: - When getting into the PhD. track, one should be aware of what he/she is getting into, and be prepared for the resulting lifestyle. - One should have an extraordinary drive (even to the point of personal obsession) to search for answers towards the unsolved problems in his/her field of study despite knowing the consequences that will be imposed onto his/her life by this intellectual journey. - One should find a PI whose personality clicks with his/hers, and whose research he/she is motivated to work on. It is pretty rare to match these two parameters perfectly, but one can weigh trade-offs, and work with the best available while still maintaining his/her aspirations. - One should realize that, regardless of popular belief, academia is business with its own business model: understanding the intricate business logic behind the model will facilitate one greatly in his/her quest. - One should realize that like every human society, academia has its own fair share of personalities and egos, and intrapersonal skills matter, a lot.