Dear Reyne,

            Is a PhD really worth it?  I am working all the time.  I am being paid barely above minimal wage.  Sometimes I don’t even know if my research will get anywhere.  I often ask myself, “Why did I choose this?????”  Is this something that people go through and then get out of?  Or is this a sign that I should quit?

Sincerely,

Sick of Research in an Organic Lab, CA

Dear Sick of Research,

            To a certain degree we all get really sick of research sometimes.  You work hard; nothing works; you have no idea if you’ll ever finish; your PI is on your case…   It’s no wonder that we question our choices.  Now, no one can tell you if you should quit or not.  That decision has to be made by you. 

You should ask yourself some honest questions.  What do you want to do with your life?  What is your career goal?  Do you need the PhD for your career goal?  Graduate school is just a finite period of your life.  If getting a PhD will allow you to do something you really want like teach at a college, remind yourself of your end goal and pull yourself through.  Essentially, will that PhD help you get what you want in life?  If so, you can do it.  If not, there is no reason for you to do it.

Best of Wishes,

Reyne