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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=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).[/quote]

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”.[/quote]

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.  [/quote]

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.[/quote]

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