Why you shouldn't apply for a PhD
TLDRThe video script, sponsored by Squarespace, is an honest discussion about the realities of pursuing a PhD. The speaker, known for his PhD vlogs, shares his concerns about potentially encouraging too many people to pursue a PhD without fully understanding the commitment. He outlines several reasons why someone might reconsider a PhD, including financial considerations, the potential for overspecialization in the job market, low earnings during the program, and the social and mental health challenges of isolation. However, he also acknowledges the passion that drives individuals to contribute to the frontiers of knowledge through research. The speaker emphasizes that a PhD is not for those seeking wealth, prestige, or comfort, but for those who are passionate about making a meaningful scholarly contribution. He also shares his personal experiences and the advice of PhD supervisors, stressing the importance of genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject. The video concludes with a sponsorship message for Squarespace, which the speaker recommends for its ease of use in building websites and hosting online stores.
Takeaways
- 🎓 **PhD Motivation**: The primary reason to pursue a PhD should be passion for a subject, not money, prestige, or power.
- 💼 **Career Earnings**: PhD graduates earn more than those with only undergraduate degrees, but the difference is not substantial compared to those with master's degrees.
- 💰 **Financial Considerations**: PhD students often earn very little and face misconceptions in the industry, which can hinder career progression.
- 🕒 **Time Investment**: A PhD requires a significant time commitment, often 3-4 years, which could be spent gaining experience in other ways.
- 🧐 **Specialization Concerns**: PhD holders can be perceived as over-specialized, which might limit their job opportunities outside academia.
- 📈 **Academic Career**: Staying in academia involves low pay, long hours, and frequent relocations, which can be challenging.
- 🤔 **Social and Mental Health**: PhD students often work alone, which can lead to isolation and mental health issues.
- 🔍 **Research Passion**: A successful PhD candidate needs a genuine interest in research and the drive to understand and contribute to their field.
- 📘 **Publishing Contribution**: A PhD is an opportunity to expand human knowledge and publish findings for the benefit of others.
- 🚫 **Avoid if**: One should not pursue a PhD for financial gain, job prestige, or a comfortable life, as these are not guaranteed outcomes.
- ✅ **Applying for a PhD**: Consider a PhD if you are passionate about academic research and believe that dedicating several years to it is the best use of your time.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is a discussion on the pros and cons of pursuing a PhD, including the financial implications, social factors, and the personal passion required to succeed in such an academic endeavor.
Why does the speaker feel a responsibility to create this video?
-The speaker feels a responsibility to create this video to provide an honest and comprehensive view of what pursuing a PhD entails, so as to not mislead or encourage people without a full understanding of the commitment involved.
What is the average career earnings difference between PhD graduates and those with only undergraduate degrees?
-PhD graduates earn 26% more in total across their careers compared to those with only undergraduate degrees.
What misconceptions do PhD graduates often face when moving into industry?
-PhD graduates moving into industry often face misconceptions such as being over-specialized, pigeonholed, and sometimes even accused of being unable to communicate effectively with others.
What are some social factors that can affect someone during their PhD?
-During a PhD, individuals often work alone, which can lead to isolation and a lack of social interaction. There is also the potential for developing mental health problems and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging.
What does the speaker suggest is the main reason someone should pursue a PhD?
-The speaker suggests that the main reason someone should pursue a PhD is if they are passionate about a subject and believe that spending several years deeply engaged in that subject is the best use of their time.
What are the characteristics that PhD supervisors look for in prospective students?
-PhD supervisors look for students who have the necessary technical background, are enthusiastic about the topic they will be studying, and are eager to push the frontiers of knowledge and share their findings.
What is the speaker's opinion on applying for a PhD for the sake of prestige or a comfortable life?
-The speaker advises against applying for a PhD if one values money, prestige, power, or a comfortable life, as the PhD journey is often characterized by low pay, long hours, and personal sacrifices.
What is the role of passion in successfully completing a PhD?
-Passion is crucial for successfully completing a PhD as it provides the motivation to endure the long hours, challenges, and potential hardships that come with the academic pursuit.
What is the primary reason the speaker developed psychosomatic breathing problems during their PhD?
-The primary reason the speaker developed psychosomatic breathing problems was the deterioration of their mental health due to the intense workload and stress associated with their PhD.
What does the speaker recommend for those who want to build a website for a project they are passionate about?
-The speaker recommends using Squarespace to build a website for a project they are passionate about, as it is user-friendly, allows for easy website management, and offers a professional look.
What is the speaker's final advice to those considering applying for a PhD?
-The speaker's final advice is to seriously consider their motivations and values. If the individual's primary goal is financial gain, prestige, or a comfortable life, they should reconsider applying for a PhD. However, if their passion for a subject and the desire to contribute to human knowledge are their main drivers, then pursuing a PhD may be the right path.
Outlines
🎓 The Realities of Pursuing a PhD
The speaker begins by acknowledging his influence on YouTube viewers considering a PhD and expresses mixed feelings about it. He discusses the financial aspect, noting that while PhD graduates earn more on average than those with only undergraduate degrees, the difference is not significant compared to those with master's degrees. The speaker also addresses misconceptions about PhDs in the industry and the low pay during the PhD program. Furthermore, he talks about the social isolation and mental health challenges faced by PhD students, the lack of work-life balance, and the hardships of early academic careers. Despite these negatives, the speaker emphasizes that a PhD should be pursued out of passion for pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and contributing to society's understanding.
🚫 Why a PhD Might Not Be for Everyone
The speaker advises against pursuing a PhD for the sake of money, prestige, or a comfortable life, as these are not the rewards it typically offers. He stresses the importance of passion for the subject of study, as it is crucial for enduring the challenges of a PhD program. The speaker shares insights from interviews with PhD supervisors, who value enthusiasm and a drive to advance knowledge in a student. He encourages potential PhD candidates to reflect on their motivations and values before deciding to apply. The speaker also mentions that even those who start a PhD with conviction may struggle or quit due to the immense difficulties involved. Lastly, he discusses the misconceptions about what having a PhD means and the importance of understanding the commitment involved.
🌟 The Passion-Driven PhD Journey
The speaker concludes by reiterating that a PhD should only be pursued if one is passionate about their field of study. He hopes that the video does not deter people but rather provides a realistic understanding of what a PhD entails. He encourages viewers to watch his PhD vlogs for more insights and thanks them for their engagement with the content. The speaker also promotes Squarespace, a service he has personally used and recommends for building websites, especially for those with a passion project, and provides a discount link for his viewers.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡PhD
💡Squarespace
💡Career Earnings
💡Academia
💡Mental Health
💡Work-Life Balance
💡Passion
💡Publishing
💡Supervisor
💡Technical Background
💡Master's Degree
Highlights
The video discusses the potential misconceptions and challenges of pursuing a PhD, urging viewers to consider their motivations carefully.
The presenter feels a responsibility to provide an honest portrayal of what a PhD entails, beyond the encouragement seen in his vlogs.
A comparison of career earnings between PhD, Master's, and undergraduate degree holders is presented, showing a relatively small income advantage for PhDs.
PhD graduates often face misconceptions and are sometimes pigeonholed in the industry due to their advanced degree.
The presenter shares personal experiences of low pay and long hours during his PhD, highlighting the financial sacrifices involved.
Mental health challenges and social isolation are common among PhD students due to the solitary nature of the work.
The presenter developed psychosomatic breathing problems due to the stress of his PhD, emphasizing the physical toll of the degree.
PhD graduates who stay in academia face a career of low pay, long hours, and frequent relocations.
The video argues that a PhD should be pursued out of passion for pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, not for financial or prestige reasons.
The PhD is described as a contract where society invests in the student, and the student returns the investment by contributing to societal knowledge.
Passion for a subject is identified as the key reason to pursue a PhD, as the difficulties of the degree require a strong motivation to complete.
The presenter warns against pursuing a PhD for the wrong reasons, such as money or prestige, as the degree does not guarantee these outcomes.
PhD supervisors are looking for students who are enthusiastic, eager to push the frontiers of knowledge, and ready to share their findings.
The video encourages viewers to reflect on their values and motivations before deciding to apply for a PhD.
The presenter emphasizes the importance of understanding what a PhD means for one's career and personal life before committing to the degree.
The video concludes with a sponsorship message for Squarespace, a platform the presenter personally uses and recommends for building websites.
The presenter offers a discount link for Squarespace to his viewers, showcasing the ease of use and benefits of the platform for personal projects.
Transcripts
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