Why you (probably) shouldn't do a PhD

[@iabhisekdas]

I think why doing a PhD is a schizophrenic experience...sometimes PhD people take pride in it and talk about humanity but forget how to talk to human s.

[@preciousamaechi689]

I’m doing a PhD in materials engineering (wool biocomposites) and I must say that I have no regrets. Of course I’ve been lost and bewildered one too many times. Of course they push me to points where I think I can’t even do it. But these supervisors of mine push me with kindness, with smiles on their faces, with arms opened wide. Every Tuesday, we hold meetings; myself, my director of studies, and two other supervisors. All they want is to simply teach me! I’m learning a lot, I’m growing, and I’m glad to be here in England studying.

[@florisalexandrou1095]

So in summary, the pay is bad and in terms of income, you lose in the long-term compared to plenty of industrial positions. It's very difficult to get an academic position and doing a Ph.D. is super hard and stressful. There are a lot of risks and your success partly depends on external factors such as your supervisor and colleagues. If there are other ways to get some of the benefits of a Ph.D. without the stress, ultimately, why would anyone do it?

[@James_Hayton]

Because some people are drawn to the work for healthy reasons, not just because they want the validation. As I said, if you would do the kind of work anyway (even if there wasn't a qualification at the end), and you enjoy solving problems then it can be a very good path to take

[@JohnVKaravitis]

If you don't want it, don't do it. The real problem is that there is so much competition for an ever decreasing number of slots in PhD programs. It is fucking ridiculous. I for one do want to pursue a PhD in Physics, but have no desire whatsoever to enter academia or to teach. FYI, for all PhDs in all fields every year, there is a 3% acceptance rate to some university teaching position. And so on.

[@weevilknievel3200]

Oh man, thanks so much for being a resource. I'm a first year in Ecology & Evolution, and you've brought up so many points that help with my perspective. I found your channel when I searched for overcoming writer's block on a paper for one of my courses. Sincerely, thank you.

[@sreyachatterjee6797]

Hey, since you're doing a PhD in ecology and evolution, can you tell me whether as a physics masters student, one have a scope in this field or not? Or whether physicists delve into the problems in this field?

[@augustodutra3839]

I will start my PhD in September and I have filtered out some well ranked Universities after checking out the "Rate my professor" website page of my possible supervisors.

[@ratnanirupama]

Thank you...Please make a video on dealing with anxieties and panic attacks.. Off late I have been facing these issues very frequently due to a constant worry about my future. I regularly workout and meditate which is helping me to deal with it to a certain extent. But it would be very kind of you if you could elaborate more on such issues. Thank you.

[@James_Hayton]

There are 2 aspects to this- one is the short term response to the panic, the other is the longer term. Meditation and workouts can help with the short term, but don't necessarily fix the underlying problem if you are worried about the future. What's the worry about, more specifically?

[@ratnanirupama]

About my future after PhD - jobs, life after that, family pressure.. sometimes even comments from supervisors

[@meharihabtemariam3035]

@@ratnanirupama Don't worry about the future that much. Focus on what problem you need to solve today. No one would be able to tell you how would the future would look like, but one thing for sure is you will be able to land a job somewhere no matter what, in fact you will start with high ending salary just because you have a Phd. Most of the time, your PhD equips you with skills on how to solve problems in different angles, sometimes it can be a trial and error, but guided with an educated guess, and that's what setting you ahead from people without a PhD. Therefore, if you are passing every journey of your PhD panicking and with depression, you are missing the core concept doing a PhD in the first place, and eventually you might find your self being not independent researcher and free ambitious thinker. I would focus worrying about the current problems in your project rather than what would happen after you finish, mainly, because, I am sure my skills that were earned in PhD would help me to be pragmatic, resilient to failures, and ambitious yet realistic about any problems that would have happen in the future. Another thing I want to tell you is, you should be grateful if your advisor always criticises you critically, because, mainly, as a student you are expected to make mistakes, and someone who would let you drown in the ocean of mistakes for the sake of having good relationship or is scared of you being demoralised is the last advisor you want to have in the world. In fact, if you have not been criticised you did not do anything new, which is not the aim of the PhD. So, take care of yourself (like what you are doing), try to make friends from your programs and the university communities and clubs, eat good, sleep good, everything should be fine.

[@BardChords]

Train up in a field that requires less head-time and still pays well- In the United States, for instance, Air-Conditioning installers make significantly more than the average post-doc, and it's a year or two of apprenticeship or certification. What you are describing is a normal reaction to the shame of doing something you know is wrong, it's cognitive dissonance. You're not going to do much for your family, no matter how much money you make, if you are overloaded with anxiety and panic.

[@meharihabtemariam3035]

@@BardChords I have a question for your comment. If she is going to learn air conditioner installer, is she supposed to abandon her PhD? Another thing as well, why would someone go to do a post doc if they do not plan to be a professor at University?? I mean simply they can go to industry or start their own company after their PhD, don't you think??

[@JohnHoganArtist]

I come from a working class background, I was homeless at 15. I always knew I was intelligent enough, I also knew I was an artist. I am pursuing a PHD because I want to achieve the highest academic achievement possible. I love my art (painting) and so I wish to accomplish the highest standards. (practice based phd) I love my subject. I love to write, and solve problems. I wish to achieve teacher status.(i know i would make a good teacher)There are also many other personal reasons. I will complete my phd, because I have set myself the challenge, and I never loose a challenge. I am under no illusions regarding employment prospects afterwards, but at least I will have the opportunity to try. PHD's in the uk are now funded by the government, so there is no excuse not to complete one.

[@meharihabtemariam3035]

Are you sure PhD in the UK is funded by the government? Do you mean to say the government gives you loans to do a PhD?

[@JohnHoganArtist]

@@meharihabtemariam3035 yes

[@meharihabtemariam3035]

@@JohnHoganArtist OK, but the term government funded is vague and people understand it the wrong way, as if you have never to pay back the money like the US PhD. So, if I were you, I would use "loans" for the UK PhD and fully funded for the US PhD programs.

[@morganmitchell4017]

@@meharihabtemariam3035 I'm about to start my PhD in the UK in October. My place is fully funded, just like everyone else's. When you apply, you do so with the expectation that your tuition will be paid, and so will you. After getting accepted you get a little like this: This letter is to confirm that Morgan Adam Mitchell holds an unconditional offer for a PhD in Physics in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. Morgan's registration is from the 3 rd of October 2022 to 2nd of October 2026 Associated with the offer is a fully funded PhD studentship (3.5 year duration) at the standard UK Research Council rates. This covers the tuition fees and provides a non-taxable stipend per annum. The stipend for 2022/2023 is £16,062 and is paid in monthly instalments.

[@blondscientist]

@@meharihabtemariam3035 john is right. In UK you get a salary and you don't have to pay back anything if you obtain a scolarship (which is vast majority of people doing a PhD). There is a self-funded option and many other options but those are rarer. EU is like that also with smaller differences. But I don't agree with John "there is no excuse not to complete it" just because of this. Finishing one is more complicated than that.

[@jrb2882]

Interesting video, I'm a history gradute and I'm honestly planning to do my PhD because I can't find any good jobs, at least if 4 more years with an scholarship not having to be thinking about money

[@James_Hayton]

I'd look at the job market to see if there good jobs for PhD historians. If not, you could find yourself over-qualified for other jobs.

[@xiaolinli669]

Hey David are you going for a phd then? My subject is anthropology so a bit similar to yours in terms of job market...

[@timothyrday1390]

It will take you longer than 4 years to complete a history PhD (especially if you are going into a joint Master's/PhD program), so be sure to think about ways to support yourself and to write the dissertation beyond a 4-year timeline. As our wise KZbin host notes, it's not at all like undergrad, where you show up to every class, get your papers in on time, and study hard enough to get good grades on your exams. There is very little structure and support at the end of a PhD program, so you are pretty much a lone warrior at that point. It's doable, but don't think it will be like another 4-year undergrad degree.

[@wrbl]

Holy sht… I wish I saw this video 4 years ago before starting. Now I am on my final year with terrible mental health with the thought of dropping out everyday…

[@bruhhhh108]

i did a research masters degree in sociolinguistics and i loved every second of it, even if i sometimes struggled mentally. now i work a full time events planning job and i miss lingusitics research so much. there's something amazing about all the independence i got to work on research papers and my thesis. i absolutely loved the problem solving aspect of it. now at my job, i constantly struggle to see any worth in what i am doing. it feels awful to only partially use my brain, it feels like it's rotting. i still read research papers in my free time i would love to do a phd but i'm still not sure it's the right path for me- but at the same time im not sure any other job would make me feel as inspired as research does

[@xinyizhao904]

omg I feel exactly the same! And I want to do a phd in sociophoneitcs. I'm wondering wether you are still struggling to make a decision to do PhD because I am!!!

[@bruhhhh108]

@@xinyizhao904 hiiii! yes i still don't know what to do -.- i am woroking a fulltime job now

[@xinyizhao904]

@@bruhhhh108 I also used to work full time until last week 😱

[@masterculturedunkerque7918]

Wow similar path except that I pushed myself to work full time in order to be able to go back to my studies in Arabic and then switching to sociolinguistics research project. Unfortunately life decided to happen and those projects are still on hold. Hope you can figure out to sort out of this situation

[@trevoryingwane5714]

Great insights and wisdom. PhD or aimply any that one pursue should be based on pure interest that reo validation. After all it is vanity

[@keegster7167]

I’m hoping to finish a master’s, then a scientific job in industry. But if that doesn’t allow me to do the subject of research I’m looking for, then I’ll have to get a PhD after that. But I’m hoping I can publish papers etc. after a master’s which seems theoretically possible, but then I’m not sure why people don’t generally do that. I’m going to start working on a couple papers next year (second year of master’s). I’ll be done with required classes by then

[@James_Hayton]

If your goal is a scientific job in industry, then maybe a PhD is the right path. What I would do is talk to people doing the kind of jobs you think you might want to do (and talk to academics too). Go beyond what your courses require and be interested in the work people are doing. This will help you stand out AND it will help you understand what's involved in those career paths. If you don't know why people don't publish during a master's, have you thought of asking? Have you told any professors about your goals and asked for advice?

[@keegster7167]

@@James_Hayton Yeah, I joined two relevant reading groups and a lab and presented papers I found there, helped out with a conference, became a journal editor, got a small teaching assistantship, and found a couple person in the field I’m looking to work in (speech technology and phonetics). So…it’s been a *lot*. But I’m pretty obsessive, so it’s nothing new for me. But from talking to people, it seems like a lot of people who go into industry don’t have paper ideas and topics that they already want to work on like I do (instead, they often only write as much as they have to); while in Academia, the problems they work on oftentimes are way too niche (and often too psychological), and they spend way too much time on grants, which I don’t want to do. So, I figure that I’ll go into industry and use what I learn to fund my own research as I like. After all, I won’t have to teach etc. then either. But I’m not how to meet people whose goals are the same or who have already done that.

[@bulldogmadhav5762]

I have been considering doing a PhD and am at the end of my undergrad but everything online and everyone I talk to makes it sound like it’s a terrible decision that will ruin my life. I’m really interested in my subject and enjoyed learning/working in my undergraduate lab but am also just indecisive and seeing people online seem to always regret it makes me wonder if anyone should ever do a PhD I wish making life choices could be easy :((

[@James_Hayton]

If you love doing research, do it! But I would say; 1) Find the right supervisor/group to work with 2) Talk to people directly, not just online (including current PhD students and research staff) 3) Don't tie up your self-worth with the PhD 4) If it doesn't work out, you can quit!

[@carti8778]

I am finishing my PhD in theoretical physics in Dec but won't be continuing in academia. You should only do a PhD if you are very sure of taking a pay cut and can resist temptation. The problem is not with the Ph.D. but after it since there are few jobs available in academia. Most of the students are stuck in a postdoc loop for 5-7-10 years. 70% of physics PhD holders don't stay in academia as per NSF. You can make 2-3k dollars extra per month than a postdoc salary, so think wisely, best of luck.

[@azkcm]

Is there any system that protects PhD candidates from having a problematic supervisor? For example, any ways to make complaints? Or complaints would not help but make the relationship gets worse?

[@James_Hayton]

It will vary from one institution to another, but there will be ways to raise complaints. However, it's best to raise issues with your supervisor first (by email, so you have a record of it in writing) before going to someone else. It's also best to raise issues early, while there is time to sort things out. If you are afraid of how the supervisor will react, remember that you can also leave if issues are unresolvable. This puts you in a much stronger position!

[@meharihabtemariam3035]

Doing PhD is the most amazing thing ever that happened to me.

[@charlenemakk6790]

Good to see some people being positive about it

[@mylifeisinhishandsamen4167]

Please, give us more detail

[@HCho-xe1cj]

Thank you for this video! I'm getting into my second year of PhD course and I realized I don't want to do it anymore. So, I'm thinking of quitting and preparing for transition into industry, but I'm struggling because I have no idea how I can start preparing. Do you have any advice for the person like me?

[@James_Hayton]

I’d say start looking at the job market- see what’s out there. Also talk to people working in industry. You can do this without quitting yet, just to see what your options are.

[@estheraddo2493]

I am interested in an update. What did you decide?

[@daviguananbaradearagao441]

@@estheraddo2493me too. So how is doing ?

[@kurtsalm2155]

Can you apply the graduate credits you have towards a masters degree. If so, get the masters then get out of the program.

[@olindblo]

Is wanting to get ANY income for the pleasure of teaching and doing research a good enough reason? A PhD just happens to be a requirement for those jobs. I would love to teach and research every day for the rest of my life. But getting paid enough to have food on the table and a roof over my head is all I would ask for, just so I can do what I love.

[@James_Hayton]

If you love research and can earn enough to support yourself, go for it! BUT I would say it's important to know the job market before you start and to speak to people doing the work you're thinking of doing

[@chrisogonas]

Great advice!

[@potospotos4078]

Simply wonderful

[@NoIce33]

I guess the short summary is: do it if you want to work in the academia. You'll absolutely need a PhD there, and it is at best useless outside.

[@James_Hayton]

Not necessarily useless... in some industries it's very useful (pharma research, for example). Get to know the job market and what's in demand before you start

[@NoIce33]

Yeah, that's true. But that comes with a catch: a PhD makes you blatantly overqualified for most jobs. We have pharma companies in the vicinity of the uni; they are perfectly happy with bachelor students with basic lab experience, but if you have a PhD, you can apply to a group leader position (which you can only carry if you are an excellent biochemist) or gtfo, no middle ground. Outside academia, there are not really that many positions where a PhD would not scare the hell out of the employer, and the few that exist require a very specific training that most people with the degree never actually have.

[@vans4lyf2013]

What if you want a research job in big tech and they keep filtering you out because you don't have a phd?

[@James_Hayton]

Well then maybe you should do a PhD!

[@blondscientist]

That is my situation and reason why I am doing it. Hopefully it will be worth it because I am not enjoying the experience.

[@tzvi7989]

@@blondscientist what's your thesis on?

[@blondscientist]

@@tzvi7989 immunogenomics with application in vaccine production

[@tzvi7989]

@@blondscientist so is that wet/dry lab or mix of both?

[@REAAX]

Magnificent beard

[@James_Hayton]

Thanks!

[@ssebasgoo]

I want to try it. If I fail, it will be fine because I'll still have my master degree with me. If I succed, I'll be the best searcher of my field.

[@James_Hayton]

You're unlikely to be the best researcher in your field after a PhD! It's a common misconception though, spread by people who should know better. How can everyone with a PhD be the best in their field, unless each is in a field of one?

[@ssebasgoo]

@@James_Hayton Don't worry, I know it's not that simple. I'll work for it and, after 30~40 years or so, I'll be that person.

[@dominicmoyo7997]

For Medical Physics you have an advantage on industry positions if you have a phd

[@James_Hayton]

Absolutely. A PhD is the right path for some people, but for many it's not and a lot of people go into it for the wrong reasons or with misguided expectations. Most people shouldn't do a PhD, but that doesn't mean that nobody should

[@ismailhaggag957]

Given the problems in academia such as "publish or perish" and too many administrative works. As a young aspiring student who wants to work on big problems in theoretical physics, should he be in an academic environment pursuing masters, PhD ..etc? if the student only cares about doing science, not the academic position or the degree. Would it be better to self-study and maybe seek a local advisor without enrolling in a university? or it is more advisable to work with highly successful professors abroad maybe in PhD program? Anyway, thank u so much for the video.

[@James_Hayton]

If you want to work on big problems in theoretical physics, then a PhD could be the best path. Find the right department and you can immerse yourself in conversations at the cutting edge and learn from others. Self study can take you a long way, but if you really want to work on the big problems then the academic route is probably best

[@ismailhaggag957]

@@James_Hayton thank u for the advice!

[@tzvi7989]

Tfw jobs in my field literally require a PhD min 😭

[@James_Hayton]

If you know you want to work in the field and you need a PhD for your dream job, do it! I'm not saying that nobody should do a PhD!

[@xiaolinli669]

Thank you for the video. What if I am genuinely interested in doing the work even though I may not in the end get the certificate, but I am sensitive to criticism and can temporarily disengage when I feel disheartened?

[@James_Hayton]

Then you need to work on that sensitivity to criticism. Even if you don't do a PhD, it's an important thing to work on as a general life skill. I'd suggest choosing a PhD program carefully to make sure you have a supportive environment

[@xiaolinli669]

@@James_Hayton Thank you! Nice advice :))

[@antimagicray]

voice(volume) is too low, otherwise great video.

[@BhanudaySharma506]

Hit Like if you are doing or already completed a PhD. And now this piece of advice if of no use for you.

[@James_Hayton]

Sure, If you just pay attention to the title, but there are important details I included. If you start a PhD for the wrong reasons, it can be worth continuing if you can change your mindset and expectations (as was the case for me).

[@julianguevara7222]

Would you quit a well paid job and a well settled life to go to PhD (linguistics) under the assumption that after it you will get an even better paid job? Awesome video btw!

[@James_Hayton]

Probably not! But if you're thinking along those likes, test your assumptions first. Are there any well paid jobs that require a PhD in linguistics (in places where you'd want to live)? And is the difference in pay worth taking several years out (and possibly paying a lot for tuition too)?

[@julianguevara7222]

@@James_Hayton As far as I've learned so far, job opportunities can be very few and limited to academia, and there might be a pay rise of about +20% (best case scenario) compared to M.A level. Thank you so much for your input!

[@sumanpatra2745]

Hello, more to all is there any assurance of a permanent job even after completing a PhD with good publications ? & If yes then please make a video for the permanent jobs after PhD in general.. Thank you.

[@ayses3851]

Interesting

[@Modj-j5m]

A PhD is not a bad idea 🤔 if you have leadership and exceptional writing skills, and an excellent teacher. A PhD is creating your path into an academic 🙏 career. Its a path about learning 😌 and thinking 🤔! Its a fascinating experience .....

[@James_Hayton]

I do say it can be a wonderful experience... I also say right at the start that I'm not saying that nobody should do it and I put "probably" in the title as a qualifier. Most people shouldn't do a PhD, but it can be great if you do it for the right reasons and (as you say) have the right people to guide you

[@lepidoptera9337]

If you don't want to finish with a PhD in physics, then you shouldn't get started studying physics. It's a waste of time.

[@James_Hayton]

Haha, ok. Even though an undergrad degree in physics is one of the most valuable you can get...

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@James_Hayton I couldn't have gotten a good job with that even 30 years ago.

[@James_Hayton]

@lepidoptera9337 plenty of people from my undergrad physics course got good jobs… 🤷

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@James_Hayton Maybe, but not because of undergrad physics.

[@James_Hayton]

Sure. OK then

[@KAIZORIANEMPIRE]

PhD is easy I did it in solar stuff.

[@James_Hayton]

Solar stuff is fascinating. Mine was in small stuff but wasn't so easy!

[@KAIZORIANEMPIRE]

@@James_Hayton ah it's the mind set I think. Ice never found anything hard because I accepted life was hard 😂 so since I was 7 I decided everything else was easy lol

[@blondscientist]

@@James_Hayton 🤣

[@adamlevine2046]

damn that beard

[@shamillamoonsamy5990]

deep information, deep thinking. thank you

[@adamlevine2046]

@@shamillamoonsamy5990 You're welcome. glad you found it informative.

[@DerekDavis213]

Amigo, you really need a better microphone. So hard to understand you...

[@strauss7151]

Bad audio

[@James_Hayton]

Not useful if you don't tell me how its bad! Maybe you're hearing something I can't?

[@strauss7151]

@@James_Hayton Too much echo.

[@James_Hayton]

Thanks- it’s a new space so still tweaking the setup. I’ll add some stuff to damp the echo and invest in a good shotgun mic at some point.

[@blondscientist]

I find these comments so pointless. It's the message that matters.

[@strauss7151]

@@blondscientist Poor audio distracts from the content of the video. Perhaps people who absolutely need this info would watch it regardless of poor audio. But for those who decided to give it a shot out of curiosity because it popped up in their feed, bad audio gives them good enough reason to click away.