Started my PHD and parents think I’m making a mistake

[Anonymous]

I have a social science PhD (research psychology) and work as a researcher outside of academia. I make the exact same income as my husband, who is an engineer. A social science PhD doesn't always have to be a dead end. Most of my classmates from when I got my PhD a decade ago have interesting, well-paying jobs that use their degrees (although nearly all outside of academia). Psychology has more direct non-academic options than gender studies but there are non-academic research jobs that won't care as much about the specifics of what your social science PhD was in. I hope you find a way to do something useful with yours, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Totally disagree. These responses are coming from people with limited world views. I have a PhD in Social & Behavioral Sciences (a public health specialty). I have a very successful and fulfilling career as a professor. Great quality of life.

If this is what you are passionate about, pursue it. There are fields and jobs that the uninformed cannot imagine. You could have a fascinating life, and enlighten thousands of people in the future (imagine yourself teaching Gender Studies at a university or consulting with the department of Education or corporations about gender issues, OR helping UNICEF work on girls' education around the world???!!!) Don't let the naysayers squash your dreams. You be you. Best of luck!!

For every 1 person like this there are thousands who are living on the brink of financial ruin--people who were once like OP and are also very bright and deserving. If you can get out in 5 years with no student debt then maybe because there are job pipelines for EdDs but please don't plan on being a full-time professor. See also the website 100 Reasons not to go to graduate school. Also you are very naive if you are thinking about inviting your parents to conference presentation. And finally if you are paying tuition and not getting a full ride you are wasting your time.

[Anonymous]

OP have you looked at the blog 100 Reasons Not to Go to Graduate School? If not I highly recommend doing so.

[Anonymous]

I am a PhD physicist. My experience is based on my own life.

First, getting a PhD is hard work. I don't care what the field is.

Second, the PhD is expensive -- unless you get an assistantship with a stipend (in the sciences, they are universal; I suspect they are somewhat more competitive in the humanities.

Third, the Return on Investment for a self funded phd is not there.

Fourth, PhD requiring jobs in the social science are rare.

But, if it is your passion, in the end, you may end up with a job that is fulfilling. In my case, I have a well paying job (200K @55 yo) that is fun (for me).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a PhD physicist. My experience is based on my own life.

First, getting a PhD is hard work. I don't care what the field is.

Second, the PhD is expensive -- unless you get an assistantship with a stipend (in the sciences, they are universal; I suspect they are somewhat more competitive in the humanities.

Third, the Return on Investment for a self funded phd is not there.

Fourth, PhD requiring jobs in the social science are rare.

But, if it is your passion, in the end, you may end up with a job that is fulfilling. In my case, I have a well paying job (200K @55 yo) that is fun (for me).

I know all you boomers who went to grad school 30 years ago are well-intentioned, but you MUST stop giving this advice. There is no “may” anymore. OP *will not ever* get a tenure track job. She will be living hand to mouth as an adjunct for the rest of her life. This goes far beyond “the return on investment isn’t there”, it’s “utterly financially ruinous”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a social science PhD (research psychology) and work as a researcher outside of academia. I make the exact same income as my husband, who is an engineer. A social science PhD doesn't always have to be a dead end. Most of my classmates from when I got my PhD a decade ago have interesting, well-paying jobs that use their degrees (although nearly all outside of academia). Psychology has more direct non-academic options than gender studies but there are non-academic research jobs that won't care as much about the specifics of what your social science PhD was in. I hope you find a way to do something useful with yours, OP.

Key phrase here is OUTSIDE OF ACADEMIA, which you know isn’t what phd program job support is meant for. Getting a job outside academia is hugely stigmatized in all humanities and most social science PhD programs (outside psychology and maybe economics). When I gave even a hint I wanted a non-academic job in my political science PhD program, my advisor dropped me like a rock. Luckily I got out of there and have a great job now, but he gave me zero support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here: it is a PhD but my parents are not very well versed
in my interest, so they think it’s a waste of time. I have a small stipend but they help with miscellaneous costs. They wanted me to be an engineer and well that was not my fit so this whole Women and Gender Studies is something they are trying to see as being worthwhile yet can’t comprehend. I try to help educate them when they are in the mood but it’s like pulling teeth. Maybe when I present at a conference I’ll have them go.

DH and I both have PhDs in physics...and my parents (immigrants) were not happy when I decided to go to grad school. To me, the questions of whether it's a sensible choice and whether your parents support your decisions are separate and unrelated. If your parents are putting themselves in any financial hardship to supplement your stipend, then you need to stop accepting help from them...no matter how much they want to give it. In my case, the problem wasn't helping me financially...it was just a lack of understanding of what I was doing and why. The funny thing is that some of their concerns were valid, and if they had been presented more constructively and less absolutely it would have been helpful information to consider. I would almost certainly still have pursued my PhD, but some of their concerns about future options were valid.

As it turns out, I left academia...several reasons, but one was just not being able to see myself living the rest of my professional life as the only woman in the room. I was actually one of the only women in my subfield, so this would have been difficult to avoid. Nowadays, I make a very nice living in the private sector with a flexible job...but I'm still almost always the only woman in the room. So who's to say what was the "right" decision.

My point is that your parents are probably well-meaning, and some of their concerns are valid. Life is really, really tough for an academic without tenure. Even in a STEM field. It's insanely difficult in the humanities and social sciences, but some people succeed in that route (though you have to be very willing to move anywhere and slog through a lot of uncertainty during your prime childbearing years). But there are a wide array of career opportunities for smart, motivated, high-performing people...it's wise to consider them and plan for contingencies as early as possible. At the end of the day, even though I could certainly have my current job without my PhD, but IMHO it makes me better at what I do and opens certain doors for me. More importantly, for me, it was a life-defining project/adventure to embark on. I would be the person I am if I hadn't pursued my passion and interests...and I think I would always have had regret/nostalgia if I hadn't. Not everyone is like this. One of my closest friends from grad school left after two years. He's had an amazing and fulfilling career so far, with all indications that even cooler things are ahead for him. It was absolutely the right decision for him. Only you know yourself...but see if you can find a place to consider your parents concerns objectively and also truly evaluate your motivations and realistically evaluate your long-term prospects.

ITA with this. I’m a SocSci PhD who got a great first job but ultimately left academia anyway. No regrets about either (starting or stopping!). DD seems headed toward a STEM PhD and there’s (still) a lot to value about the lifestyle (especially but not exclusively once/if you’re settled). It really helps to have a supportive partner (not necessarily at the beginning of your PhD), but parental support/understanding is less important and, odds are, they’ll come around if you’re happy with what you’re doing.

Also agree with (a different) PP who said make sure you’re in a program that/working with an advisor who is able to place their PhDs. If you aren’t, consider making a change. I did (for different reasons) and it was much easier than I imagined.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a PhD physicist. My experience is based on my own life.

First, getting a PhD is hard work. I don't care what the field is.

Second, the PhD is expensive -- unless you get an assistantship with a stipend (in the sciences, they are universal; I suspect they are somewhat more competitive in the humanities.

Third, the Return on Investment for a self funded phd is not there.

Fourth, PhD requiring jobs in the social science are rare.

But, if it is your passion, in the end, you may end up with a job that is fulfilling. In my case, I have a well paying job (200K @55 yo) that is fun (for me).

I know all you boomers who went to grad school 30 years ago are well-intentioned, but you MUST stop giving this advice. There is no “may” anymore. OP *will not ever* get a tenure track job. She will be living hand to mouth as an adjunct for the rest of her life. This goes far beyond “the return on investment isn’t there”, it’s “utterly financially ruinous”.

PP here. I do not have a tenure track job. And I am not a boomer. And it is easier to get a tenure track position in my field than it was when I got my Doctorate. There were two positions nationwide. Two. Today there are a few dozen. Still, it is a hard road to go. There are, however, non-university research positions, at least in my field. I use my education every day; one of my customer's refers to me as a magic worker; I correct him and say it is the physics.

I gave 4 reasons not to, and one reason to pursue it.

[Anonymous]

My mom received her PHD in education and it gave her a $5K bump in salary and then eventually fired because they hired cheaper people. Worst decision she ever made.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a PhD physicist. My experience is based on my own life.

First, getting a PhD is hard work. I don't care what the field is.

Second, the PhD is expensive -- unless you get an assistantship with a stipend (in the sciences, they are universal; I suspect they are somewhat more competitive in the humanities.

Third, the Return on Investment for a self funded phd is not there.

Fourth, PhD requiring jobs in the social science are rare.

But, if it is your passion, in the end, you may end up with a job that is fulfilling. In my case, I have a well paying job (200K @55 yo) that is fun (for me).

I know all you boomers who went to grad school 30 years ago are well-intentioned, but you MUST stop giving this advice. There is no “may” anymore. OP *will not ever* get a tenure track job. She will be living hand to mouth as an adjunct for the rest of her life. This goes far beyond “the return on investment isn’t there”, it’s “utterly financially ruinous”.

PP here. I do not have a tenure track job. And I am not a boomer. And it is easier to get a tenure track position in my field than it was when I got my Doctorate. There were two positions nationwide. Two. Today there are a few dozen. Still, it is a hard road to go. There are, however, non-university research positions, at least in my field. I use my education every day; one of my customer's refers to me as a magic worker; I correct him and say it is the physics.

I gave 4 reasons not to, and one reason to pursue it.

Oh, and the key thing is not to go into debt -- if you have to borrow, you are digging a hole you will never crawl out of. You should only consider a grad degree if you have a stipend that covers living expenses and a tuition waiver. There are still costs: the stipend was much lower than my income would have been: about 1/3. By now, I am ahead.

[Anonymous]

I would not do a self-funded PhD. Nor would I do a PhD in gender unless I was brilliant and going to revolutionize the field. Otherwise not only is it a career dead-end and a waste of money, but there is a risk that it makes you self-righteous and tedious company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a PhD physicist. My experience is based on my own life.

First, getting a PhD is hard work. I don't care what the field is.

Second, the PhD is expensive -- unless you get an assistantship with a stipend (in the sciences, they are universal; I suspect they are somewhat more competitive in the humanities.

Third, the Return on Investment for a self funded phd is not there.

Fourth, PhD requiring jobs in the social science are rare.

But, if it is your passion, in the end, you may end up with a job that is fulfilling. In my case, I have a well paying job (200K @55 yo) that is fun (for me).

I know all you boomers who went to grad school 30 years ago are well-intentioned, but you MUST stop giving this advice. There is no “may” anymore. OP *will not ever* get a tenure track job. She will be living hand to mouth as an adjunct for the rest of her life. This goes far beyond “the return on investment isn’t there”, it’s “utterly financially ruinous”.

PP here. I do not have a tenure track job. And I am not a boomer. And it is easier to get a tenure track position in my field than it was when I got my Doctorate. There were two positions nationwide. Two. Today there are a few dozen. Still, it is a hard road to go. There are, however, non-university research positions, at least in my field. I use my education every day; one of my customer's refers to me as a magic worker; I correct him and say it is the physics.

I gave 4 reasons not to, and one reason to pursue it.

I know you intended to give a balanced overview, I really do. You have to understand that when OP reads what you wrote, her only takeaway is going to be “if I follow my passion, everything will work out!” But OP is never going to get a job in her field that doesn’t require food stamps. It’s not like physics where people will just hire you straight into a data science position regardless of your industry knowledge.

[Anonymous]

Who knew there were so many bitter, starving PhD's out there! Maybe one of you should start an NGO for yourselves

[Anonymous]

Like all fields, you should look at job prospects before you start a longterm training program. Especially if you are going to sink money into getting the training.

I still see lots of openings advertised in HigherEdJobs.com every week. Mind you, I am looking in a slightly different (but still social science) field.

Two clear trends in academia that poters are right about are: schools are moving away from offering tenure AND they are trying to use adjunct professors more because they are poorly paid and don't get benefits. Students suffer particularly from the latter (i.e. since adjuncts are usually not based at the school, change constantly, don't have ongoing research underway, etc). Parents looking at colleges should study the titles of the faculty listed on departmental webpages. You should only really count the ones who don't have the word "Adjunct" in front of their titles.

[Anonymous]

Are you paying for it? If so, do what you please. They are realistic and know this is not going to be a money maker. So you hope to stay in academia?