> and this is going to sound arrogant, but oh well -- you should consider the ethics of taking 5+ years Not arrogant at all. But --- these students decided to

> and this is going to sound arrogant, but oh well -- you should consider the ethics of taking 5+ years Not arrogant at all. But --- these students decided to pursue a Ph.D. when they applied to graduate school, i.e. before they met me. And if they approached me about writing a thesis, then they know full well that their thesis topic won't translate directly to industry. (Applied stats and optimization are outside my expertise.) I most certainly don't want to be that asshole who tries to intimidate Ph.D. students into not leaving when they're unhappy, or into seeking academic jobs when they'd rather do something else. But, I don't see it as my job to discourage students from following in my footsteps.