There are pros and cons to everything in life right? But for some reason when it comes to my PhD program everyone who hasn’t been in my program feels the need to jump in and tell me ALL of the cons. A PhD is already challenging but these comments make it just that much more difficult as you are getting through.

It’s a waste of time

I get it, most people can’t see themselves spending an extra 4+ years in school for a specific subject. But for me that is how the experts are made. I want to be an expert in my field and actually contribute something meaningful to it. That was not possible with just an undergraduate education.

You will be homeless/You will make no money

People always push on me that I will be some starving grad student during my program. I understand that is a real concern and some of the stipends if any are very small for graduate students. And I also understand that the job market is tough. However, knowing all of this information makes you better prepared and I am now receiving one of the highest stipends in the US for a grad program and I have an additional scholarship on top of that. I am aware of the issues but I also know that does not have to be the case for everyone.

You’ll never graduate

People talk about spending 10 years on a project to not have it work out in a graduate program. And though it may be true that some people spend an unnecessarily long time in their program compared to others, I also understand some of those reasons why. I already did a Masters alongside PhD students and know what I am getting myself into and choosing a good mentor is key for me graduating in a reasonable amount of time. I know what it takes and I am willing to take the risk that it may take me longer than expected to graduate. But that does not mean I will not be successful during or after my program.

Those are some of the comments I just don’t have time in my life and I am tired of hearing. What are some comments you’re tired of hearing about your career path??

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