Why you shouldn't apply for a PhD

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Over the years this channel has inspired a lot of people to think about doing PhDs. It's time to change that.
Of course, this title is a touch hyperbolic, but it's also an accurate (albeit negative) summary of the video. There are lots of reasons to not do a PhD, and doing one is really, really hard. Do not apply for a PhD if you want to earn lots of money, or want an easy continuation of university, or a cushy job, or even if you want to call yourself a professor one day. The only reason you should apply for a PhD is because you love doing something specific academically, and want to do that all day for three years. It's that simple.
Something which didn't come across too well in the final edit is that the point of the PhD then isn't to become an academic, or do anything for that matter, other than what you are passionate about. When you finish your thesis and submit your research to the wider world, your contract with society is up - having returned on their investment - and you decide what you're going to do next.
Lots of people decide to stay in academia because at the end of the PhD they still value doing the thing that they love more than they value lots of money or an easy life. Being an academic allows them to continue with what they're passionate about. But plenty of people leave academia after graduation because their priorities change over the course of the project, or discover something new that they're passionate about. My PhD afforded me opportunities to pursue my video making interest, and got me to the point where it was feasible for me to pursue it full time - which I did after graduation, because I valued doing that more than anything else. I'm one of a vast number of PhD exits, because there is no one 'right' thing to use a PhD for!
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Music by ProleteR
Filmed on my Canon 80D: bit.ly/simonvlog80D
Editing done in Premiere and Audition.
Huge thanks to my supporters on Patreon: Dan Hanvey, David Efird, Charles Bray, Elliot Conway, Syafiq Kay, Xavier Chesterfield, Jay Wright, Myles Kornfeld, Louis Gillet, Michael Phillips, Neudys Almonte, Fraser Birks, Martin Hermes, Anh Duong, Luca Schumann, Rhys Rickard-Frost, Cameron Matchett, Lachlan Woods, Tim Boxall, Simon Vaes, Gabriele Mozzicato, Jawad Alalasi, Gaia Frazao Nery, Kodzo, Josh Ruby, Claire Anthony, Eve Dillon, Rowan Gow, Matthias Loos, James Bridges, James Craig, Angela, Sanaa Al Derei, Mark Anthony Magro, Liam, Theresa Wang, Kieran Kelly, Wendover Productions, Kendra Johnson, Caitlin Louise.
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Thanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video. Money from the Foundation to Decrease Worldsuck contributed to equipment used in this video.

[@SimonClark]

Something which didn't come across terribly clearly: People do end up getting money and prestige and power with PhDs, but the point I'm making in this video is that people who make it through PhDs are the people who didn't apply to get those things. They applied for the thing they would be doing during the PhD. Also I don't mean to romanticise what it's like to do a PhD or be a researcher. As I tried to impress at the start, doing a PhD is a colossal grind, and passion alone isn't enough. You need to have grit and determination, and a romantic notion of passion overcoming all is unrealistic. So perhaps a more realistic conclusion for this video is apply if you are passionate AND you are ready to do a whole lot of hard work. More depressing still, yay!

[@summguyy]

Vincent Pinto correlation or causation? We cannot know

[@thelastcube.]

It's also to be noted that you could decide not to devote your time when you're younger to a PhD but later (when you're not as physically active or say when you're retired but still have that passion) when you have enough free time, you can decide to just go and research for the betterment of science

[@zahraakhalife8471]

You're right with what you've said. There's another important topic that is worth mentioning which is about one's GPA.. In some universities, studying a simple course (mostly just memorizing it) would get you high grades, but that doesn't mean that one could have done some research on it or could understand the underlying concept.. The problem isn't only here, its when the student that cares to understand more than to bring high grades would have then less opportunities to be accepted in a respected university if he was applying to a higher degree. SO universities in general should not depend a lot on GPA as a reference to accept students.

[@Reivivus]

Kind of ironic how your pursuit of a PhD gave you opportunities and information to talk about which is what gave popularity and interest in your KZbin channel about science broadcasting, and now you are telling us not to do it. There is another KZbinr who worked as an engineer for one year, started his KZbin channel about engineering disciplines and now he advises people to not go into engineering for social reasons. So I feel like this is kind of the same thing. I want to watch pathogens slowly die at my own hands using my own biochemical methods, not doing monotonous stuff according to company policy. Plus, in academia, I'm surrounded by many wonderful people. If I just work a normal job, I have no friends, and have no intentions of staying anywhere. I have no lover I want to mortgage a house with.

[@thomasp4902]

This seems like a self fulfilling prophecy really. 8 hours a day, basically a normal working day, is probably enough to complete a PhD in STEM. People also tend to get drawn into "working hard" rather than "working smart" so they end up doing another 4 hours work a day. You could even write your thesis at the beach :)

[@wiltgen]

I just want a PhD so all my appointments are Doctor's appointments.

[@rosetinman6054]

That's the best thing I've ever heard 😂😂😂

[@judgedredd2199]

😂😂😂😂😂😂💀 good LAWD🤣😂🤣😂

[@kevinmarrs3372]

This is the one ☝🏻 this is the comment of the year

[@SelfImprovement1111]

Haha

[@ChaoticImpala]

I know I just want a PhD to brag that I have a PhD. Also so I can correct everyone that calls me Mr in a very condescending tone.

[@Carltoncurtis1]

To anyone reading: Don't base a major life decision off this or any other youtube video...

[@csb0bro]

Why?

[@justdusty9697]

@@csb0bro cuz it's an opinion

[@AmazingStoryDewd]

But it is a waste of money. If you have no plans on being an academic don't do it.

[@josephfraire4505]

Expect ones that make Sense!

[@Altobrun]

@@AmazingStoryDewd If you're paying for a PhD you're doing it wrong. Even if you're paying for a master's you're doing it wrong. You should be making enough money from your stipend to pay for tuition, living expenses, and have a little left over to treat yourself. You'll make far less money than you would have if you went into industry, but you'll be net positive. If you want to do research (even in government or industry) you need a minimum of a master's. A PhD will get you better pay and more clout as a researcher and it will (in theory) let you rise through the ranks faster to run your own lab or research team.

[@scottishguy1326]

Idk why I'm watching this, I failed secondary school

[@DG-kv3qi]

Get A. *Degree*

[@maged4087]

hhhh still you can make it

[@rajkhannon4236]

😂😂😂

[@pilolkumang7286]

Gold 😂👍

[@happyd6145]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂

[@TheEpiDoc]

As a current PhD student, I’m happy I’m obtaining my doctorate degree. Is it challenging? At times did I want to give up? Absolutely! However, it has taught me profound and valuable information and knowledge in regards to infectious diseases in Epidemiology. I am graduating summer 2020 and everything I’ve worked for, is well worth it for me! 💕🙌🏾🤗👩🏾‍🎓👩🏾‍🔬🥂🍾

[@simran6382]

Hello, I am interested in epidemiology as well, but could you share what was your major back in college so you had the requirements of doing a PhD

[@fireandworms]

It's been a while, do you still feel the same?

[@shannonjohnson4314]

I’m aiming for a Phd in Epidemiology but currently working on my Masters!

[@xxpiratesforeverxx]

Best wishes to you! I would like to study Epidemiology also, but I'm about to start a Master's in Medical Lab Science for now.

[@staine4478]

Best of luck in life!

[@chishimbamukunta5910]

Already have a poor social life, I was meant for a phd lol.

[@centuryfiles9558]

Chishimba Mukunta lmao

[@angelicah9857]

Same

[@budasfeet]

Lol seriously? I thought the opposite, having a poor social life means I should spend time working on that, which is important for personal wellbeing.

[@cherahsBroll]

LOL

[@EugenTemba]

Who needs a social life when you have books..

[@RealEngineering]

I am forever thankful I got refused from all the PhDs I applied for. Ended up picking the shortest Master's possible, and left before the research semester when I got offered the job in Malaysia. Managed to finish the thesis while working. University is about learning to learn and getting a piece of paper, most of the skills you learn are on the job. I am not cut out for a PhD

[@thelastcube.]

Real Engineering I can't agree more Though it was a bit unexpected to find you in here, big fan Good Day.

[@nickjohn2051]

Real Engineering Dude you in Malaysia? No waaayyyy!!!

[@Ryyza7]

Shortest master possible? What master do you take and how much is the duration of the study

[@nickjohn2051]

Im not OP. But I had seen few course that can combine Bachelors Degree with Master.

[@Ryyza7]

Some jobs require you to have master though. I just look some Master program and some of it have one year duration so I think its not really that bad at all to have master(at least if you are still young and single). I probally go for master if I have good gpa from degree. However, I cant deny that more exp>>>master.

[@emorydaniel9084]

Couple remarks regarding what happens AFTER a PhD for those who want to go into academia. I have a tenure track assistant professor position at a mid sized university. And just to further press the: “know what you’re getting into”, here are a few more remarks: 1.A professor position is almost no different from a PhD: In fact, it’s the same thing, except substitute classes with university service. So no more 3 hour grad classes, but instead gear up for faculty senate meetings! It’s the same job, but with more pay. 2. It’s a lonely job, but it’s also a flexible one: with some exceptions, I don’t have to work any 9-5. I can work from 6-2, take a 5 hour break and work 7-11, or don’t! It’s by no means a cushy job, but it is flexible 3. The travel perks: and there are some great ones, like paid travel. I have conferences in Seattle, Salt Lake City, Boston, Toronto, and Switzerland. I have to pay for some, but my department covers a lot of it too. If you can balance work and play well, you can go to a conference for 3 days and then explore the city at night and take a day away from the conference (again, your schedule). 4. If you are passionate about it, 12 hour days are largely no issue: write about cool stuff, talk to students that find interest in what you do and want to expand their minds, helping a community/school/discipline are all what I get to do, and I love it. When you find success in these things, and you start improving on the process, even some of the more tedious activities become second nature to actually pretty fun 5. Money: in theory, you won’t make a lot of money at base salary level. But if you’re in academia, they’re basically paying you for 9 months salary. That said, if you’re creative, there are other ways to make money during the summer. Summer teaching helped me earn an extra 10k on top of my base salary. And then there’s the real money of academia: consulting. You can develop your own consultation firm for your unique specialty, and this is where an underpaid professor can actually make some serious money. It’s a ton of extra work, but if you’re creative, you can do it. 6. Benefits: not going to be a long section, but the benefits as a professor (at least in my experience) have been pretty solid. State schools can offer many programs regarding things like retirement and health. My 401k has already accrued a significant amount, and the university contributes to the fund. While far from cushy, it is typically a nice system. The PhD is a grueling process, but it’s hardly the end of the journey. Work often, play often, and always persist. The key to finishing your PhD or tenure or anything is to outlast your advisors and continue pressing. I don’t consider myself to be incredibly smart, but I am unreasonably persistent, which is how I think I earned my degree. I wouldn’t want to do it again, but everyday, I am thankful and grateful that i did.

[@miroticfashion]

I am about to begin a PhD this year in global health, incredibly excited but screenshotting this comment to save for when times get tough, thank you!

[@goldenbootsports]

Thank you for the insightful comments!

[@dinarkarani]

Thank you Sir!

[@tagfat]

This is all wrong. You are encouraging the bastards, not scaring them away. Please do a rewrite as there are far too many who will succeed in getting a PhD and even more who will attempt and fail.

[@tommyk1210]

Note: this largely applies to the US only. While similar, the situation in the U.K. is quite different.

[@naomig3662]

I completed my Ph.D. in 2017. It was the most rewarding experience of my life. Yes, it was challenging; however, it was worth all of the effort.

[@fakhrulzainal5384]

How much worth it?

[@gopinath9986]

@@fakhrulzainal5384 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@naomig3662]

My Ph.D. allows me to work from home online. It also allows me to teach graduate students helping them to pursue their educational dreams, which is so satisfying.

[@rishatm2216]

@@fakhrulzainal5384 Worth jobless lol

[@samahamara8543]

What did u get as a job for it? And can u work for a job that requires master's ?

[@TheGamingg33k]

Im doing my Ph.D. for the love of Physics. Not for money, not for prestige, not for anything except my love for Condensed Matter. People who do Ph.D. for reasons beyond love will always burn out and regret.

[@waaey4925]

TheGamingg33k I honestly couldn't agree more...

[@perirana1078]

TheGamingg33k agreed

[@jamesb.6177]

Incorrect. Next please.

[@cryora]

But condensed matter is so marketable. What about string theory, quantum gravity and elementary particles?

[@electronhop616]

TheGamingg33k apply quantum mechanics and you need no school or their tools. Matter doesn't matter, only energy is!

[@ankursharma866]

I was more passionate about science before my PhD.

[@saheensultana9309]

🤣

[@TheUniksniper]

It looks like everyone is getting a PhD in the comment section.

[@complifunnynation]

Because they are not stupid.

[@63casale]

taking my first class in june. whoo hoo PhD

[@44043495]

Learning something new, doing research in a subject you love is a great thing to do. Enjoy what you study .. enjoy doing PHD.. enjoy doing anything makes you happy and a life. Prove for yourself that you can succeed in doing what you love to do. PhD is a step to the glory. You might save millions with the information you have. People who are higher than us in education, we can learn from them. People who are like us in education, we can have them as friends. People who are below us in education, we can teach them. I am 64 years old, and I feel very young, I finished my MBA from Maastricht University in Holland four years ago. The program was two years, 18 different business subjects, and the thesis was 6 months. Now I am planning to study PhD in Europe or Australia. All, enjoy life .. go for PhD selecting a subject you love .. learn something new.. life is short. Aslan.

[@sriutami-go2nd]

aslan almatrouk amazing!

[@khadijabichoualne2893]

Best comment.Thanks for the spirit

[@ryvr.]

It's my only ticket out of Africa so I'm damn well applying for one regardless

[@alieser7770]

I'm sure it's not the "only" option

[@RocaSeba]

​@@alieser7770 A lot of us who live in underdeveloped countries view higher education as the pursuit for a better life. For instance: my country's currency lost 50% of its value just this month, 90% the last couple of years, being an outstanding student at university gives you the chance to earn a scholarship in a developed country or get into an interchange program, that later will give you the opportunity to leave and build a career in better terms that most.

[@dutchik5107]

@@RocaSeba education doesn't necisarrily mean phd. Because the question even is, will you even be able to apply a phd in one of those first world countries with your degree of your country. Because degrees aren't equal. Yes as someone from within the EU, i know my degree will pretty much be accepted in the US.

[@n00bie96]

do it. My dad got a PhD because it was his only ticket out of Indonesia. He's very lucky that having a PhD in a developing country helped him become wealthy. Do it, at the end of the day you'll become more useful than wealthy

[@Diego0wnz]

Eu sucks

[@brainboyben]

I remember watching this when I was in my honours year being like, "I'm sure it's not that bad." I am now months out of finishing my own PhD and I must admit that I stand corrected.

[@debasishsarma5195]

Congratulations😊

[@mariakhan6090]

My dad did a PhD, cons? He got married at 36 and had me at 38, me being the eldest child 🤷 as to me, I'm not interested in marrying, so I'm gonna do PhD anyway 🤷

[@drawingwithstress]

What's the cons? My father probably didn't pass high school, married at 30 (maybe?) but had me at 45, I'm the youngest child and am majoring in chemistry, hoping for a PhD in another country cause we don't get financial aid here

[@Physionic]

“Unfortunately”, I just accepted a position for my PhD. 😊 I’m getting a PhD, because I love to teach people about the human body and I enjoyed my Masters.

[@ajithxyz7950]

Physionic Congratulations!!!

[@stardust4001]

Hello darkness my old friend

[@Physionic]

ajith xxx Thank you! I’m certainly excited. :)

[@prab231]

It suprises people. Its the highest qualification you can recieve. Theres alot good about a PhD aswell.

[@Physionic]

Truide No doubt!

[@bonifaciocunanan6917]

Doing my PhD some 20 years back was the best part of my academic life.

[@appubroadcast7944]

You enjoyed so much????????

[@kevinfleming9918]

Hey Simon, I really appreciate the honesty! I am an undergrad aspiring to a PhD in the near future, and watching your video has definitely forced me to clarify my own motives for going to grad school. Please keep on making awesome content!

[@antonifernandezparera5497]

PhD years were the worst years of my life for my mental health. Before doing it just make sure you want to commit.

[@job489]

To anyone who wants a PhD with the goal of teaching full-time at a university, publish! You need a lot of publications to have a higher chance of obtaining a teaching position at universities, because these show what you would be able to teach at universities. Those with tons of publications under their belt may even be offered a tenured-track position right before they defend their dissertation. Don't even wait until you're in a PhD program to publish, publish whenever you have the chance, even if you're only the co-author. The university that I work at always looks at publications on a CV first before reviewing anything else when hiring faculty.

[@IshtarNike]

Not sure if I agree about the reason for publishing. From what I've heard universities aren't interested in your teaching ability (you do need to be able to do that of course), but more in your ability to publish and get grants, the latter two are closely linked and form a virtuous cycle; teaching ability isn't going to get you citations, publications in journals of high impact etc.

[@dr.winstonsmith]

Teaching ability doesn’t matter. Pubs, and only in Scopus listed journals. PhD should be from a university ranked in top 300 in the world, preferably from US, UK or Australia and in that order. That’s what search committees look for... and, of course, if you’re a white guy then you need even higher qualifications to have a chance.

[@gamingmarcus]

@@lollo7417 It's possible but the problem is that there is always luck involved with publications. I just finished my Bachelors degree in chemistry and I was lucky to get results which the Prof. is planning to publish. It will only be a small 2 page revision and my supervisor will do some more polishing before it can be published but I'll at least be a co-author. If I have some spare time I might even write part of the publication myself.

[@40isfab87]

If your goal is to get a job teaching at a university, don’t bother getting a PhD. You will never get a return on your investment. The best Universities look for people with real world accomplishments, they don’t care about what you have published. They hire former CEO’s to teach business classes, former doctor’s to teach science class, etc. Furthermore, without any real world experience, what could you possibly publish of interest to people with it? No person, who has done their time working, respects someone who just went to school their whole lives. Experience far outweighs research.

[@gamingmarcus]

@@lollo7417 Do you mean publish something as a main author? I don't know about that but co-author really shouldn't be dependant on your academic level. Anyone who contributes to a publication deserves to be an author.

[@PolyMatter]

Oh good, I was kinda sad when I just saw the title :)

[@hypercuriosity9828]

PolyMatter I love your channel man

[@TamNguyen-oz4wv]

Keep up the awesome work PolyMatter!

[@deejay3454]

You sure did play on the psychological factor by having a black man as a cover pic.

[@franzfrand5350]

that was the point, it's cancer avoid....

[@bagwithmilk]

yo poly matter do you have a phD?

[@Razzag42]

I have been recommended this video just after I passed my Ph.D. viva today (Physics). XD Actually, for me, it was 4 years of interesting people and 2 years of free travelling to conferences ("thanks" COVID) and Ph.D. itself felt like a part-time job. I was able to do several industry contracts parallel to the Ph.D. (so I earned well), got married in my second year, and got a dream-come-true job in the industry now. Another crucial point for me is that the Ph.D. allowed me to move from Russia to the UK with relative ease and remain in this great country. All I want to say here to someone who for some reason will see my comment, there are so much more opportunities in Ph.D. than just interesting topics. You can really have a time of your life during that, just don't miss the opportunities.

[@prossiearinaitwe4768]

Thanks. How do I connect to you for more advise

[@cyberreality7774]

Can i move to Russia from Italy? I hate the West

[@thepremudraya]

Кандидатская не сделала из тебя умного человека. Посмотрим, как тебе понравится страна, в особенности когда ты станешь отцом или эффект туриста пройдёт. Завоешь волком и вернёшься домой.

[@thenujayakaluarachchi1766]

PhD= permanent head damage

[@DsantosGE4PA]

LOL!!!

[@phantasMoon69]

pizza hut delivery

[@aumlan]

This was a good one :D

[@MrSuperrajab]

lol

[@kathleenmelzer7499]

Silent Wolves-Thenu2004 *_* no academia - permanent headache.

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

It's good to do a balanced video. To give even more perspective, I hate to be the exception, but I enjoyed the years working on my Ph.D. and was not desperate to be done with it. I did socialize quite a bit while doing my Ph.D. and made a rule (partly forced because I did not have reliable internet at home) to leave work behind at the office. I went home late every night, but when I got home, I focused my time on my family. I believe that kept me sane and helped preserve my marriage. I agree that going into a Ph.D. for any other reason than you have a strong passion that you want to pursue is a big mistake. I will point out, however, that even though a Ph.D. does not lead to a posh lifestyle (there are much better ways to make money), there are non-monetary benefits to it. Those become more apparent further along in a career. This is probably more true for the technical fields (humanities have a hard life), but Ph.D's often end up in positions where they can continue to pursue their passion. Perhaps not 100% of their time as in graduate school, but even having 10 to 20% of work hours to freely spend on whatever one wants to study is a great perk. Having a flexible schedule is something else I absolutely love. I have a say in the class schedule I teach, and I can do most of my work from home (my research is computational). Even outside of their research role, Ph.D.'s often have a lot of freedom in what projects to pick and pursue. Being at higher level jobs, we get to shape our organizations. Of course one can have those perks by opening one's own business, but the same way a Ph.D. is not for everyone, running a business isn't either. As one physics professor I knew explained, his family was from a very humble background and he did not have the means to start a business. So he went for a Ph.D., because he wanted to be his own boss. By and large, Ph.D.'s get to be their own boss. Another perk is job security. For me, that was important, as I am risk averse. I abbreviated my nomadic years as a postdoc and went into a less research intensive university position because I could quite literally not stomach not knowing where my salary would come from the following year, or where I would be. Past the uncertain, nomadic years of the postdoc, there are university or government lab positions that pay decently well and provide a good retirement (though that's going away now, as it has in the private sector - I am talking about the US). Also, let's not forget the training one acquires as a Ph.D. Even if, as mentioned in the video, employers may not see the value of Ph.D.'s it does make one's life easier. A Ph.D. can read complicated information and get the gist quickly and communicate effectively. We have our technical skills or can pick up new ones as needed easily. That's helpful in all aspects of life. Finally, I never perceived doing a Ph.D. as a lonely endeavor. It wasn't during my Ph.D., and even less afterwards. For me, being surrounded by really smart people is another thing I enjoy about having gotten to where I am today. I never lost my passion for learning and I learn a lot everyday simply from the rich, interesting, and sometimes quirky interactions I have with colleagues.

[@nikhilsonawane2750]

Sufficient stipend or funding can sustain a phd

[@elenasirena]

As a student recently beginning a PhD program, this was a very helpful read; thanks so much for taking the time to type this up.

[@ebonysturkey8430]

Agnes Kim Wow so happy for you.......

[@lemonprime7889]

Agnes Kim What exactly do you mean when you say that PhDs get to "be their own boss"? This man with a PhD was unable to start a business but he still got to "be his own boss". What does this mean? What was his job, in the end? I know you want to be respectful, referring to his lack of funds as "humble" but I think, if it leads to obscuring the needed clarity for comprehension then it's gone too far.

[@IshtarNike]

@@lemonprime7889 I assume that refers to the flexibility and lack of top down direction. Maybe the gentleman in question became principal investigator and runs his own projects now. However, if he's old then he may have been working during the academic glory days. From what I've heard things are quite different now, there's huge pressure to publish as much as possible in the most prestigious journals and get as much grant money as possible. I hear it's pretty stressful and not much fun.

[@parth6825]

You did the right thing. At a point, I was mesmerized by your vlogs too! This is the harsh reality and it was indeed important, you made this video. Good job.

[@karimb.]

As a current PhD student who will graduate in a few months, I wanted to share some ideas, the pros and cons of a PhD: Pros: - You can dedicate several years of your time in a topic that you like/are passionate about - You can develop new theories or new applications and share your discoveries in international conferences - At these conferences, you can network with (very clever) people working on the same topic and potentially start new collaborations. - Depending on the country, you can have a good salary while doing your PhD - If you like to teach and share your knowledge, that is a big plus as you have the opportunity to supervise students and give exercise sessions. Cons: - You need to work hard to get good results in general. Either you are passionate and you will work with pleasure, or it will be a burden after a while and you will/may quit. - Very important to get a good supervisor. I have the chance to have a wonderful supervisor. I know some PhD students who had bad relations with their supervisors. All of them quitted the PhD after one or two years. - If you are interested in money and business, this is probably not the best way to go (depends on the field of course). You should always compare three or four years of research versus three of four years in the business industry. For the moment, I wish to continue in academia for two main reasons: 1. I like to teach and share my knowledge. This is very important if you want to stay in academia as it is a big part of the job. 2. I like intellectual challenges. I want to avoid a 9AM-5PM job where I do repeating tasks. By definition of research, you are always proposing something new.

[@bush696]

" you can network with (very clever) people working on the same topic " Lets hope those very clever people know how to use brackets (it's important).

[@kiingelijahh7160]

I’m 15 and this helped me so much.... thank you!

[@doublenegation7923]

@@bush696 I smell some big insecurities right there..

[@debtanupatra3385]

The definition is good...only the definition.

[@michi9955]

As a PhD student I pretty much agree to all of your points

[@carsonfritz]

Wow, genuinely expected this video to be extremely discouraging but it ended up reassuring me in my career choice...thanks!

[@shuush875]

The only reason why I would want a PhD is because they would call me doc.

[@thevitruvianman9781]

Marwan AH Useless titles.

[@karieltheone]

Unless you have an M.D. I am not calling Doctor lol

[@NA-bf7jc]

^^ phd students are the only ones who should be called doctors,those who study medicine are given the title of doctor as an honor if one stops working as a doctor,the title is lost.

[@knz730]

It isn’t enough to get you through at the time, but it IS a very cool thing once you’re done. I definitely get a kick out of the conversation you sometimes have: “Miss? Mrs?” ...”Dr, actually.”

[@monzur1947]

karieltheone When you get a PhD, your title becomes doctor. When you have an MD, your job title is doctor.

[@justintantiongloc6987]

I'm a few months from defending my PhD in Computer Engineering with specialization in machine learning that is focused on industry, post-graduation, rather than academia, so I'll mostly be speaking from that specific perspective; but I think there's one aspect of my whole experience (including the 3 years I did my Masters as well) that I absolutely loved that I think doesn't gets mentioned enough: it's an opportunity to get an overwhelming amount of exposure to a wide variety of topics that you may not have known about before. When I finished my Bachelors, and even during my Masters program, I suffered from the "commitment is scary" mentality, in that I was always worried about whether or not I would be happy doing what I was doing for a prolonged period of time, e.g. potentially the rest of my life. Even though I knew I wanted to do "machine learning in general", doing my Masters and PhD exposed me to the absolute avalanche of information and sub-research topics within the realm of machine learning, a lot of which I'm 100% sure I would never have encountered at all if I'd gone straight to industry out of Bachelors/Masters, that I was able to really focus in on the topics I loved, and really become a "specialist" in areas that I specifically know are right for me and that I would be MORE than happy to work in for the rest of my life. Knowing that I explored some of the furthest reaches of research in my area ultimately gave me way more confidence in my choice of specialization with regards to if I was truly happy with it or not, not to mention that exposure helped me develop as a researcher and engineer in ways that might not have happened without the PhD grind pushing me to actually do it.

[@omarmounther5617]

how did it go plz tell me

[@kibesamuel697]

How did it go ? i have done 7 years of an undergrad, in my first year semester 3 masters in Data science, i dont think giving up is part of my mind neural network, because i can not wait to start my phd so help me God.

[@raritea9060]

So I've spent about 2 years mulling these questions over. It's been agonizing, and I think made even more so because the field I want to pursue a PhD in is pretty much a complete 180 from what I'm doing today and what I have already received a bachelor's in. It's scary making such a big change, but watching this video makes me more certain that this change is a path I want to take. Thanks! Especially for the interviews with professors!

[@kin2955]

Doing a masters degree made me know I would never want to do a phd

[@andreo9178]

Same

[@rosefragment9961]

PhD ? More like PhDon't, amirite ?

[@iamJuxen]

PhDo not do it twice not even once after your first time

[@pastordonkoh7692]

You're the t reason why we can't have nice things. Terrible pans

[@josephsweitzer5471]

rose fragment good one bro. Got 'em

[@40isfab87]

Seeing as you are too lazy to even type out full words, I doubt you will ever have to worry about making this decision.

[@mariosmatzoros3553]

@@40isfab87 How so? A phd is only useful for very few careers/subjects...

[@DonaldStephen07]

I am waiting to graduate from my PhD this year, and I agree with every single word in the video. Note that a PhD can take longer than expected because you can't predict what will happen along the way. Sadly, a lot of my students wanted to do a PhD just because it sounds cool when someone calls you a "Dr".

[@lacedmichey6404]

Facts

[@sophiagonzales8974]

Dr Jonas I think the most important part of getting a phd should be your education. You’ll be expanding your horizons while getting a phd learning and earning grades to get a dr title. You should get a phd if you want to learn more on your passion not just for a doctor title. There is med school if you want to get a dr title without a phd

[@23magneta]

Most people won't call you doctor anyway. If you teach at a university, students will usually call you professor. Your colleagues (if you are close) will call you by your first name. Outside of the university, people will think you are a snob if you insist people address you as "Doctor." Even medical doctors don't insist on their title being used outside of work.

[@DonaldStephen07]

@@23magneta I'm sorry that you are misguided. "Doctor" means "to teach". Physician use the word "doctor" before their name to show their profession rather than their title. The same way people call Gordon Ramsay as Chef Ramsay, for example. Also, a professor is the highest rank as academic. Doesn't mean if you are a lecturer, you are automatically a professor. A junior lecturer can have a PhD. Typically, A junior lecturer becomes senior lecturer, then associate professor. You don't call an associate professor as a professor.

[@TheEpiDoc]

Agreed!

[@kaustubhgupta46]

Thank you so much You inspire me, even though I am only in high school

[@healthandsuccess6217]

Congratulations for your Phd. Many students are eager to learn and they look for professors like you! Personally, to feel that I am a part of this life, I will definitely transfer my experience to others through teaching in a university.

[@ashleypearson2411]

I'm about 3 months away from final submission. I can agree that I just want it 'over with' at this point. Even though I'm doing a topic I am very interested in, I'm eager to do something else in my life other than just study. My best advice for new PhD students: get a good supervisor. It makes your life so much easier when you know someone's got your back.

[@SimonClark]

Keep going! I remember that particular stage vividly - it sucks!

[@wenhaozhang6352]

Thank you for the sharing. Congratulation on your coming close to get your PhD degree! It has long been heard that having a good supervisor can be a savior of the PhD journey. I don't understand what a good supervisor means to PhD till I'm now doing my PhD. I have a supervisor who is always patient and supportive to me, no matter how clumsy and stubborn I am. I'm grateful for his support and I really like his teaching and research style: he is the professor whom I admire the most. While it's true that doing PhD can make me sacrifice a lot of time which should have been spent with my family, I really enjoy learning something and making progress day by day and step by step. This is the very reason why I do my PhD.

[@manhaesmusa]

Dear Simon, please publish this video again 3 years ago, so that past me can make better decisions. Greetings from a PhD student at the final months of suffering xD

[@leslierodriguez9914]

What is your PhD in and how much longer?

[@Anna133199]

At least you're in your final months.. Yay! Go Musa!! Do not give up. You got this. :)

[@wakkievlokkies2407]

Goodluck!!!! You can do this!!

[@goffe2282]

Well, then you are almost done. A PhD is not a life's work, it's a stepping stone on the way (that hopefully gets you across a stream you actually want to cross).

[@sirqe6791]

Just use this moment as a life lesson.

[@chaoticquips506]

why am i watching this when i’m not even aiming for a Masters degree

[@roraio]

Really, really like your videos! (despite ads) Wanted to do a Masters after graduating my Law degree but realised I didn’t know which subject to pick and also didn’t have any money for it. So I had a gap year then found full time employment and in two years I doubled my earnings.

[@Teqneeky]

This could not be more true. This video is extremely important for young people to think bout before accepting a PhD. I am in the final months of my PhD in molecular biology and although I love what I do (this is why I did it) the position I am in is far inferior to my master degree colleagues. I have been extremely lucky to be part of a large project with 15 enthusiastic PhD students and have developed life long friends and networks BUT the amount of work involved, the mental struggle, the lack of money, the lack of a permanent job afterwards is overwhelming at times. Great and honest video

[@Seamemaria]

I am asking these same question while arriving close to the end of the Phd. Am I passionate enough about science to go through all the changing post-doc positions and insane amount of work? Still trying to figure that out. Thanks for the great video, a lot of people out there will surely appreciate it

[@leslierodriguez9914]

Sea&me - Marine stuff with Maria what kind of work would you be doing to do your post doc?

[@Seamemaria]

Normally if you pursue a career in academia, because of the fierce competition and expectations, you have to be prepared to dedicate 99% of your life to work and travelling to a new country every other two years or so. I think to truly be successful in a career like that one really needs to be extremely passionate about one´s research, otherwise you might be sacrificing other important parts of your life for something you are just meh about. Working in academia can be extremely rewarding if you are extremely passionate about it, but it is true that it is not for everyone. I hope i answered your question =)

[@g1r1r8]

It's normal for you to have these feelings at the end of your phd. After all our inner self is always telling us not to do stuff because it's looking for rest and peace of mind. Fortunately, there is a way around it. Nowadays we are blessed with youtube and the internet. I found that looking at scientific videos on the internet helped me develop interest in multiple fields. Try on your free time to watch videos/ read articles on reddit related to your field. Then once you find something that interests you you can go read research papers on the topic and learn more. I wish you all luck

[@marinessciencecafe5098]

Sea&me - Marine stuff with Maria you should make a video about that Maria!

[@amoghchaube2927]

ಹಾನ್. ಬಹುಲ್

[@acd96digital]

Case Study: A mixed analysis of the impacts on clickbait in participants under the age of 35.

[@spottable]

😂😂

[@andywilson5234]

I loved doing my Ph.D. While I was excited to move onto a postdoctoral position afterwards, I don't remember being completely exasperated with it. I appreciate this video completely thought. It was a long several years after my Ph.D. before I found a permanent position. That situation felt more desperate and I had it easier than most. I still have several talented and well qualified colleagues that are looking for position in a thin academic market.

[@magnusbruce4051]

Something I was told years ago (well before I even considered doing a PhD, actually) was that no matter how motivated you are at the start, or how good you are academically, there will be a point in your PhD where you seriously consider quitting. I'm right at the end of my PhD journey and the main thing I'd say to people thinking about it is to look at the most difficult part of your undergraduate degree. That part where you were struggling to keep your head above water because you've got so much coursework on top of your dissertation so you're working stupid hours and think you'll have no time to revise for exams (in my case)? You'll look back on that time fondly because it was only a few weeks of your life with a clear end point and you were with other people on your course in a very similar situation. Doing a PhD is incredibly lonely because even people in the same research group as you with the same supervisor are not having the same struggles as you. I'm right at the end of my PhD, but looking back, I would have a much better career if I'd finished my undergraduate degree, not done a masters, not taken a year out to find a PhD and then spent five years doing the PhD (it'll be five years this October and I hope to submit my corrections in about October/November). In 2013, I could have gone out into the world with a degree in physics from a great university and be about to go into my eighth year of that career, rather than still trying to get my thesis into the right shape and then think about what on earth I want to do for the next forty years (in my case, changing my field has made things more confusing rather than adding options/skills to my CV).

[@DeathStar95]

@Anurag Chakraborty You r not alone!

[@minanihad9872]

I share the same position, a PhD if u are not planning to enter academia, is really worthless, all the blood and sleepless nights to be the last one to be recruited, I would have love if I added 5 years to my work experience or started my own project.. For all the students I hope u think this decision through, at the time I didn't ask much about it

[@minanihad9872]

@Anurag Chakraborty same here been trying to get a job for 6 months now, and it's really hopeless, last job offer me 500 dollars for an 8 to 5 job, cause I lack experience and my supervisor for that job has an undergraduate degree with 20 years experience!! I didn't say yes yet, but I feel so hopeless at this point

[@CoriolanusSnow-nk1tx]

Woow, thanks for sharing

[@magnusbruce4051]

@@CoriolanusSnow-nk1tx Thank you for the reply. So to give an update: it took me a further ~three years to fully finish my PhD. I really did not have a good time in that period. Right now I'm working at a different university supporting maths/statistics skills so I am actually doing something I enjoy and value. I don't particularly like statistics that much, but seeing that **click** on students' faces when they finally understand something is really worthwhile. My motivation comes from helping people and being valued by my team.

[@blogbeatbebop5604]

Awesome video. I definitely needed that. It has really shaken my wish to do a PhD. If I were to attempt one in my current state I'd definitely fail. Moreover, my drive might not be the right one. I love research but I'm probably more into Phd for the "fame and power". You've given me lots to think about. I still have over a year to decide but this video will have a non negligible impact on my final answer. Thank you.

[@abrammiltonph.d.1003]

I actually enjoyed your video. A candid exploration of the PhD journey. Having just completed my journey, I believe you make some valuable points. Thanks for sharing in your process.

[@teddyperkins6461]

In my opinion, being someone who’s obtained a masters degree and who’s considered a PhD, if you’re not 100% passionate about a PhD then DO NOT DO IT. If you’re still considering it despite building up some artificial passion for the subject then take a step back and seriously question what you want from life. Having a brother who’s just completed one, this is a lesson I have also heard from him. PhDs are extremely specific bodies of work and deserve someone who is 100% focused on that niche subject, if that’s you then great, go for it! If it’s not, then do not do it! I’d rather be someone who is free from academia with potentially more money in my pocket and open to different opportunities at any time, than be stuck on a 4 year rollercoaster that I don’t want to be on and can’t get off whilst I’m watching the world go by and feeling like an imposter. All this can be solved if you listen to your heart and what you really want to do, it could be a PhD but if you’re not absolutely sure then it’s likely you’re making a terrible decision.

[@CoriolanusSnow-nk1tx]

Thank you

[@noughtsshadow5219]

As a last-year PhD student in the UK, I have found doing a PhD as the most bitter medicine to take in order to heal your crippling zest for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and attaining prestige; the most bitter of all, indeed🤦‍♂️

[@antonventer8532]

Dr. Simon. I followed your PhD vlog journey and you are really amazing. I dont know how you did a PhD with a full schedule of other things you do. Much respect. I also had panic attacks during my PhD. I am very close to submitting btw,in Food Chemistry

[@simonpollard3494]

Great video! Thank you for the insight Simon! Seemed like a 'real' impression of what its like to do a PhD.

[@patypus555]

I wasted my precious time and my mental health enrolling in a PhD program. I did it because I was promised a long-term teaching position and not having to pay the student loans I was granted during the postgrad career (including what I spent doing my master's). I DO love learning, I self-teach on various subjects, I love helping and seeing others learn as well, but I just couldn't stand deadlines and doing the numbers. Fuck them, I'm still in debt but at least I'm out of Academia. It's not really about learning for learning's sake but earning points, churning out research papers, to climb up the ladder. It's the opposite of making people want to learn and discover.

[@xuchi31]

I'm doing a masters atm and thank you for saving 4 years of my life.

[@itsGzim]

Eddy La mood tbh

[@madhusmeeta8695]

🤣🤣🤣

[@carlosbornes]

To late , started in February

[@sarahne4792]

haha me too !!

[@shoebmohammad926]

Best of luck.

[@aukaming2011]

Carlos Bornes 🤣

[@ebonysturkey8430]

Carlos Bornes Lol,,, Congratulations

[@ebonysturkey8430]

Sarah Ne Congratulations!!!

[@AreebIrshadSimplifies]

You've provided some mental clarity that would definitely help me to decide whether I want to go for a PhD or not. Thanks!

[@lakhanpalsinghchouhan5639]

I decided to do PhD during my school and love an academic life. I'm excited to study for long days. I will also do lots of researches after PhD in Geomorphology.

[@Kristina-cw2do]

I wanted to do a PhD because of my passion for learning and how much I value education. While working on my master's degree at Exeter, I reconsidered my plan because it turned out I didn't need a PhD to do all the things I wanted to do, including research. This let me pursue other opportunities but more importantly, start a family. Edit: In spite of the above, I still think about going through with getting a PhD. But my decision not to is something I can stand by and not regret. I would rather start a family, on my own, in the near future.

[@anastasiabelyaeva5708]

May I ask how you can go into research without a PhD? I’m interested in research but I’m not quite sure about doing a PhD

[@Kristina-cw2do]

@@anastasiabelyaeva5708 find a research project you are interested in and simply reach out, my dear. They will be happy to hear from you.

[@me_hanics]

​@@anastasiabelyaeva5708 I feel the same way about research and PhD. Since I'm a very theoretical person (in the field of mathematics and computer science), I think I can only be my absolute best when trying to be innovative, which mostly only happened when researching (other cases were "extreme", like trying to design my own board game, or 48h hackathons..), however, 3-4 more years after 5 or 6 years of uni just seems too time-consuming. It's healthier to have your first child before 28, and considering my situation in my country, I won't be able to raise a child before 28 as my PhD will not be finished by then

[@satioOeinas]

that sounds like a very good decision! Family is super important.

[@Zaynabsaka]

I am exactly in this situation where I am thinking I should get a job and not proceed with the PhD

[@magnesiummike]

As someone who left a PhD program, this is a very good video. It's also important to realize that you have very little freedom in a PhD program. You often have to live in a city or town that's not your first choice, or inconvenient for your life. Based on your research or job opportunities, you may have to move frequently, like Simon explains. It's also difficult to share your work, which you've become very excited about. My friends and family couldn't read my work because it was too technical, and that made me sad. I enjoyed teaching undergrads, but there are better, more focused avenues, if you want to pursue a career as an educator. I'm glad I tried it. There are many people who love something so much that they can be intrinsically motivated to study it alone for many years. I was deeply passionate about my topic, but the lifestyle still wasn't for me.

[@JAlexanderCurtis]

I feel your pain on not being able to share your work. I am in a PhD program now and I got my first research published I wanted everyone to know about it because it essentially validated the previous 12+ months of my life and the long nights and weekends spent on it instead of fun things with friends. So i told everyone and everyone said "cool... what's it on again?". I tell them the title, I see their eyes glossed over, then I simplify the title into laymans terms and they just say stuff like "wow sounds boring" or "huh, I still don't get it". I offered to share it with people and no one wants to read it, because it is too technical. My mom said she wanted to, so I printed it out and read it over. I kept asking her if she read it and she kept saying she would start but couldn't get through it. I stopped asking, I dont think she ever read it. So yes, it is difficult when you get excited about sharing it and no one really is there to share it with you.

[@keenannorris3309]

@@JAlexanderCurtis Many congrats on the publication. A lot of academic publishing is obscure, but that's OK. There are also programs like the OP-ED Project that universities are deploying essentially to teach academics how to disseminate socially relevant research to a wider public.

[@happysinger23]

what an amazingly clear, enlightening and honest take on the matter!

[@chiraggupta1557]

Thanks a lot man!! I was totally confused before watching this..u added an inclination to my decision..

[@EuskaltelEuskadi]

The isolation thing is very dependent on what department you're in. For me, there are ~30 PhD students in the department and 10 in my specific office. Never a dull or quiet moment and it would be very difficult for a day to go by without talking to anyone. But if you're one of only 2 or 3 PhD students in the department I can see how different that would be.

[@SimonClark]

A very good point! There's a whole spectrum of what a PhD can be like, socially

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

Very true. I transferred to a different university for my Ph.D. because there weren't enough Ph.D. students in my field where I was. I feared that it would be too lonely, and I am sure I was right.

[@rizswitheral6304]

I can relate to that...

[@Fingolfin3423]

I have my MBA and teach as an adjunct at a small private university. I absolutely love the work and would like to transition into a full-time position, but the reality I've learned over the years as an adjunct is that universities completely ignore you for full-time employment unless you have a PhD. Yes, there are exceptions, but this is what I've seen. I work hard for the students and to represent the university well. I dress professionally every day, am always on time, never cancel classes, use the full class period, hold office hours, meet with students, get good evaluations, and am involved in other events when I have time, such as working with high school students on campus during the summer and helping with graduation ceremonies. I've never turned down an offer when my department needed me to pick up a class or learn new things. I've been an adjunct here for six years now and have put my time in. I've expressed my interests and made them clear. What I've learned is that none of this apparently matters - merit doesn't matter. Meanwhile, there are full-time professors who DON'T do the things I just listed, yet they have full-time employment. It's really bizarre. Adjuncts like myself carry the majority of the teaching load on our campus (I believe it's 55-60% of instruction) since the university can't survive without adjuncts (lower costs). They play a key role in student retention and success, which ultimately drives enrollment. Adjuncts get paid pitiful wages and are often not a concern of the university when it comes to a list of things. This "slave labor" is the dark underbelly of post-secondary education and is one reason our education system continues to become a dinosaur. It should be noted that our university has administrative bloat, too. A lot of money that could be going towards adjuncts is being wasted on poor administration and instruction. Problem is, there are established groups on campus who have vested interests in protecting their jobs and their money, and they're the ones making the decisions. It's like Congress in a way. The reason I'm making this post is because the pursuit of a PhD isn't just based on passion and interest in the subject matter. It's based on the reality of simply applying for a job. Without a PhD universities will ignore you. That's the reality of the situation. So if you're passionate about making a career in higher education, either with teaching or research, you should seriously consider getting a PhD as early/young as you can. I highly recommend transitioning into a PhD right after you complete your Masters degree.

[@i_v_p_]

Fingolfin3423 Hi, thank you for your post, I have been wondering about adjunct teaching so that I can also see patients. Can I ask what field, and if you're OK disclosing, what university?

[@joedoe4595]

Administrative bloat is too real. Just wanted to let you know our respectable university has a micro-aggressions office. It's pure insanity.

[@showmicr]

I feel for you sir. I saw how my university pays and treats adjuncts while wasting their money on stupid speakers lecturing for a day. I saw some of my favorite professors leave the college and it's disgraceful how it all works.

[@msbeautyboss3784]

Your concerns seems like a great dissertation topic maybe you should explore a Ph.D program.

[@IshtarNike]

@@joedoe4595 Is it really a micro-aggressions office? Or is it something with a broader remit to look after students and make sure they're comfortable on campus? They are one and the same thing but poles apart depending on how you phrase it.

[@adting2241]

Had just watched your pros and cons vid on PhDs and glad you did this! Balance is needed :P

[@shaneviljoen7723]

Great video, thank you. I've been debating whether or not to apply for a PhD once Masters is done next year, and the question of whether or not to committ another five to six years of part-time study to this, or using that time to focus on my career, has been looming large. Currently, I don't tick either of the boxes you've recommended as being crucial to commencing with the PhD, so I think I'll pursue the latter. I'll also stay married a whole lot longer!

[@katieramos5868]

What I'd add to the "why not" list: even if you're academically passionate about something, examine whether you'd enjoy spending years not just on the broader field you're interested in, but in a very narrowly defined topic within the field. If you're someone who loved university because you enjoy learning about a wide range of topics, that may actually be an indicator that a Phd isn't for you. (

[@MoltarTheGreat]

I'm a PhD student right now in my first year, and honestly the prospect that I'd be able to work on an area I'm passionate about and _not_ have to worry about Coursework + TA + RA (for a project that I'm not really passionate or remotely enthusiastic about but my study group needs done), sounds like heaven. I guess I'll need to get through the first 2 years to say whether I truly love it or not

[@MoisesSolisLordOfAll]

I've watched this video several times over the years, since it first came out back when I was a sophomore, until now that I have just been admitted into a couple PhD programs in the US. And, as always, with time comes understanding, now that I have had my fair share of experience to what academia entails (to what my very little exposure to research has granted me), I now see what were you trying to communicate through this video... which is both exciting and terrifying, and there is not an explicit way to tell others without having them experience it themselves. There is a very step curve coming this way... Thanks for leaving crumbs behind, hope other prospective students also find their ways.

[@skillscircle1127]

Hey Simon, Fantastic video! Can I ask where you got some of your figures from? We work at a university and this is a discussion we are having. Personally I am happy with a MA, phds are something else and like you say, it comes along with a whole host of other issues. This is great video!

[@95johndeering]

There’s a contradiction though: “Do a PhD if you want to go into research” “Don’t do a PhD as a career move” I want a career in research :0

[@SimonClark]

Ah but there's a important distinction to be made there! Don't do a PhD if you want the prestige of being called a Professor or Lecturer, because there are some people that just want to be seen as smart and to have the acclaim. That's different from the daily grind of research. I deliberately didn't include the caveat of doing it as a career move because you want to be a professor, because that will follow on naturally iff you love doing research

[@mattkaczmarczyk6953]

I just was to change food production! I would want to keep the PHD a secret from all but a couple close friends

[@diwnewkl7061]

sameeeeeee

[@christoskomsios2860]

if u want to be a professor u can still be a professor of academia with a masters degree. I know a couple of masters degree students that teach classes at my university

[@gilian2587]

@@christoskomsios2860 You are absolutely correct. But you will be paid far less than you would be in any other career path. You are also highly disposable in those positions, and you are treated as such. But... your career is very bright in industry if you can convince an engineering or software manager to bring you in on their projects. You can solve problems far more complex than most of your peers. Your ability to teach yourself new subjects, new techniques, and new technologies is extremely powerful.

[@tarismaria3471]

“A PhD is like a contract, society invests in you, and you then provide a return of that investment in the form of a better understand of something.” 1. You are passionate about something. 2. Doing that thing is the best use of your time. Thank you!

[@dfdgfdgfgdgd]

Hi Simon!! I totally agree with you man. I have also defended my thesis last week. I can relate myself to what you have mentioned

[@elhadjiamadoujohnson4166]

Thank you for the information and the honesty!!!

[@sargambihari4855]

My one goal, as a kid, was to get PhD. My subscription to this channel was to live that life and, man, that's a lot of work. Thankyou, Simon, for pointing out all pros and cons, and the hardwork that's needed. Haha! I'm still doing it.

[@TheSourav77]

How did it go?

[@DeathStar95]

I am in my final year of PhD. I have no regret in saying that I hate it even though I got 3 publications and all of them received very good remarks from the reviewers. It feels weird that even two years ago I considered myself as an academic. But now I am lost and void of motivations.

[@roslynlefin694]

It is so funny that this video appeared on my feed tonight since I just got the application forms for my Ph.D. All the negatives you mentioned are so true I felt exactly like that at the end of my Master's but the passion part is also true. The passion for your subject is what gets you through those frustrating, long unsociable, dead-poor days

[@josephrowell9052]

I’ve just got accepted into a PhD in Engineering Sceinces at Oxford, your videos have helped a lot

[@ShubhamBhushanCC]

Passion should not be made to work 12 hours days and ruin your life for no money

[@Glucoperon]

16 hour days

[@YOLO-ri8od]

48 hours a day

[@SergeantColdgirl]

If you're passionate about something, you'd be willing to sacrifice for it.

[@jakewenczkowski1056]

Army Aviation coward

[@blo0dchild]

Actually it's not life ruining at all.

[@moo690000]

Well, this video has actually made me want to get a PHD, but I'm nowhere near able to do that with the way my life looks right now. There are things I can do to keep that passion simmering, while getting ready though. Devoting that level of time while homeschooling young children just isn't an option. Maybe when they are older... I might even have to wait until they are graduated...

[@rosiejones6692]

It's actually a really good question for any job or change - asking yourself if you can see yourself doing something above all else for the next 3 to 4 years and limit your free time for it. Thank you! I don't want to do a PhD (right now anyway) because I have a lot of interests and I don't think I could narrow down to researching just one of those for that long.

[@igorpaivawakabayashi9976]

I'm finishing my masters in Brazil, this was very instructive for reinforce my stand for a PhD. Won't do it probably, but I really would like to pursuit an academic career I subscribed to see later more videos about the subject

[@trailkrum6750]

Amen to solitude and mental health aspect! That being the case, I am very happy I finished my PhD.

[@jrz8156]

Gonna receive my PhD degree in four weeks time

[@sakanablesakanable]

Does that include the stipend?

[@eisseneissen675]

@@sakanablesakanable it includes fullfillment for him/her.

[@prasanratnayake4800]

Thank you for your thoughts. It was important at the moment ✌🏻

[@Gustavo-lz5mi]

Hi! thanks for the video, it was amazing!! I want to apply for a PhD because this could help me to reach my personal goals and life purpose. If i don't apply, I'd still have a good job, money and so on, but i don´t care about that at all. And yea, you are completely right, i have an English teacher (i'm learning English) who is doing a PhD in Nursing, and he has told me the same that you shared in this video. He added that he has learned a lot from his experience through the process rather than from supervisors. I can't deny that i feel a little scared about such a huge challenge to undertake, but if i don't do it, i know i'm going to regret it later in my life. I prefer to make an attempt to apply and fail instead of not attempting it at all. Best wishes and good luck with your studies!!

[@Zedstergal]

Not gonna lie, as a PhD student this stressed me out!!

[@Zedstergal]

But I really liked your conclusions and couldn't agree more!

[@procrastinartist2825]

same

[@wengeance8962]

Good, I was never planning to

[@TheEgg185]

William Macleod - I'm moping the floor of my local strip club as I'm watching this on my phone.

[@klutchboi3266]

@@TheEgg185 lmfao

[@TheModernAsianMan]

Really valuable video! I'm sure many reaped a lot from it!

[@carlsmith8593]

Anyone else who completely missed the PhD vlog series, but was still recommended the negative addendum video by KZbin??

[@goffe2282]

I would add to this list that you must find a supervisor that you really gel with. You don't have to be bestest buddies but you do have to find someone who will be professional about their supervision (which is hard for student and supervisors alike). Either pick a professor that you have worked a lot with through your graduate program, and still you must be aware that the life as a PhD is a lot different from that of a regular student, or make sure to talk to prior PhD students or even faculty to make sure that you are not in for four years of misery. A brilliant student will get by with a rubbish supervisor, and a rubbish student will crash and burn no matter how good the supervisor is, but a rubbish supervisor will absolutely destroy your average person (like most of us are) and a good one will elevate them. Also, be aware of what type of field you are getting yourself into. If you are a computer scientist, a physicist, a chemist, or an expert in medicine, you can get jobs with a PhD that would not be open to you otherwise. If, one the other hand, you want to get a PhD in history or literature you really must be passionate about the subject as there are far far fewer jobs outside of academia for you after you are done. It's amazing that we still have people who are passionate about these areas as well, but there just are fewer jobs and less money to go around. I could talk about other pros and cons but the video covered it quite well. With all of this said -- getting a PhD is the most fun I've ever had. I did not follow any of the advice that I mentioned here but I was fortunate to get a really good supervisor anyway. Also, a PhD will let you focus on your passion as there really is very little administrative work for you compared to your tenured colleagues. If you are passionate, then go for it. Otherwise, go out and get rich in stead.

[@marinessciencecafe5098]

I rejected several PhD offers because I felt like none of them were exactly what I wanted and they were "easy picks". It was hard to reject them, because it felt like i was missing an opportunity, until i found the perfect PhD! I finally accepted one in the UK because I'm absolutely obsessed (in a good way) and passionate about the topic, and I'm starting next week. I'm super excited!!

[@Cat-ct9hn]

Marine's Science Café Great! What will your PhD be and where will you study?

[@ElfInTheFlowers]

Best wishes!! It is a fun, stressful, insane ride. :) The best strategy is to find a support group among your peers and a few good mentor among faculty and grad school veterans and you'll be ok.

[@Linarom24]

Marine's Science Café I have a question... when universities offer you a PhD, do they pay for your education? I want to get a PhD in Astronomy, but a bachelors alone is a great amount of money. So, I would be a great debt. Do they help you with financial aid?

[@Cat-ct9hn]

Lina Barrera Most universities offer fully or partly funded PhD programs. However, that depends on your country.

[@AM-reacts]

They "offer" it to you in UK? You have to apply here in the US. You have to be reviewed and be accepted. I've never heard of a graduate degree being offered. Interesting.

[@zahriahkaharah2034]

This video was unexpectedly immensely helpful. Looking at a PhD from a point of , am I passionate about this and am I willing to funnel time and research into this vs a one up on my resume makes much more sense. Thanks for the video.

[@MeMe-lo2cx]

Nice vid. Thanks. Can I ask please where you did your PhD I mean in which university?

[@spirited154]

Just got rejected from all of my applications for the second year in a row. Really started questioning my decision to pursue it, and this is a good, realistic look at what I'd be putting myself through. I'm not entirely ready to give up yet, but I do want to take a break. Thanks for the video.

[@notjustwarwick4432]

Why did you get rejected?

[@spirited154]

Lorenzo Panetta The standard response was "we had a lot of strong applicants and not enough positions." But I got the impression that a lot of the reason was a lack of experience.

[@smrits2]

Emily M I got a lot of that too. Luckily I got into a PhD program recently and will be starting next month. I'm already a medical doctor so I'm not doing it for the title.

[@spirited154]

Congratulations!

[@ajkihn5626]

I want to generate new knowledge in my field, at the beginning as an MD and an MSc in Oncology I thought that was enough, unfortunately to get more funds for my research projects I need a PhD because there is not support in my country. I am looking for a PhD to reach my ultimate goal that is developing studies that can prevent and reduce cancer burden in LMIC like mine, I know it will require a lot of effort, but after a year of work and improving my CV I can say... I aspire more than ever to continue doing research 😊

[@shadabahmed4547]

You are a good human being 👍, got your content 100% . Thank You

[@tomluntz1826]

Nice that you decided that something which was right for you should be headlined as something everyone should do

[@jenny-hamel]

This is incredibly insightful - thank you for making this. I'm currently a second year master student and have considered going on to PhD - but I think I'm going to spend a few years developing my career and finding something specific that I'm truly passionate about before moving forward academically.

[@luismisanmartin98]

"spend a few years developing my career and finding something specific that I'm truly passionate about before moving forward academically" Literally what I am thinking of doing now! How did that go? I have heard many people tell me that if I go into industry for a while, I will probably not come back for a PhD. I don't know if they're right but what do you think in your experience?

[@yoshikagekira7600]

just commenting in case of any of you two replies. 😅 i am currently undergraduate prefinal year 😕

[@jenny-hamel]

@@yoshikagekira7600 I missed Luis' comment, so I'm glad you made my notification pop up! I am working in the industry that I thought that I would enjoy most and thankfully discovered I was right about it! I have spent the last ~2 years pursuing one aspect of my field, but have realized that I think I want to lean more into another path and am currently trying to secure my first project. I definitely do still want to pursue a PhD, but I think it will be a little later on in my career. I'm still learning about myself and my interests, it's definitely a process!

[@InvasiveWargaming]

Really good video, I don't think there are enough people talking seriously about if PhDs are the right move. We produce many more PhDs each year than there are job openings, and it leaves a fair number of people worse off than if they hadn't gone to graduate school at all. So far, I'm able to use my PhD as a postdoc, but there's no guarantee beyond the current funding cycle (if even that).

[@390376]

This video has the advice that I personally would give to anyone asking about my PhD. You do it only because you love and respect your field. No less no more. A tough phd program will make you the best researcher you can be. Not everyone in business appreciate or understand this skill.

[@MayaTheCuteCat]

I am very passionate about research, always happy doing experiment. I have a phd, BUT I can't find job and don't have money. the world does not deserve us.