Why You Should Not Do a PhD

in Project HOPE4 years ago
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From the last post that I've done, I thought I start writing a more negative post as to why you should not do your PhD. If you are, like me, you will probably find the last positive post as utter rubbish. So, this is for all you pessimistic guys and gals out there.

It's Not What You Know...

PhD Student Symposium | EDEN

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As the saying goes, its not what you know but who you know. This is true in pursuing a PhD, if you know of someone who is an expert in your field and is willing to mentor you, you're all set! However, if the opposite is true, then it can be a very tough battle.

In certain fields of studies, some professors may have their own bias towards a particular topic. Hence, contradicting them can be interesting. So, do keep that in mind. Also, it's not what you know, it's also when did you know about it. I remember talking about something that is extremely new and despite evidence supporting my claim, there will be those who will hold fast to their belief.

Do you Really Need a Ph.D.?

While some fields demand that you have a Ph.D. to advance your career, this may not be the case for some professions. As such, it may be better to upskill oneself in areas that could help in one's career.

5 Important Steps to Upskilling Your Project Management Teams

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This is important because you will need a reason to help you stay on course. Pulling the plug on one's study is an easy thing to do. However, what can keep you on track is that goal, that light at the end of the tunnel. It can be in the form of career advancement or personal development.

As such, it is important to make sure you have your priorities right before embarking on this long and arduous journey.

Are You Ready to Be Alone?

The Art of Being Alone. Solitude is nothing to fear | by Jenna Goldsmith |  The Startup | Medium

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I missed my days studying for my masters and my bachelor's in education. It was a great time hanging out and studying with those in the same course as me. However, during my time studying for my Ph.D., I was very much alone. I had to sort through challenges on my own and I would have no one else to discuss my issues with aside from myself and of course my supervisor.

That being said, I did learn a lot about myself. I learned how far I can push myself before I reach my breaking point. While it has been a good learning experience, there were days when I wish that I could have avoided it.

Conclusion

I think in the end, it's really up to what you hope to achieve in life. I'm happy to be at the end of the journey, but there are times when I wonder if this was the right path.



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Hello friend, I understand your point of view, I know there are times when we do not want to continue and where nothing seems right to us, but we must focus on what we want to achieve, for some a doctorate can be their great goal for others just to get their bachelor's degree, I think it is something of visions and own objectives, which for me is fundamental for you may not be.

Greetings!

Hello @alvinauh
This is a fairly reflective publication, and it challenges traditional studies, in a way. I know that studying has its degree of importance, but I have also wondered lately if it has been worth studying so much.
But, like everything else, it depends on what each one is looking for, what we need.

I don't plan on ever doing a PhD, maybe it's just me, but I see no point in doing one if you are in the field of computer science (like me). You get a bunch of theoretical knowledge that you'll probably never use.

 4 years ago  

@tipu curate

Your post has been voted as a part of Encouragement program. Keep up the good work!
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Hello friend, no doubt I can tell you that you took the right path, especially if you chose an area that you are passionate about, because the idea is to go step by step adding experiences by ourselves in the master's degree and phd, in some areas such as teaching is fundamental.

In the end these degrees, certify the knowledge you have and that you have acquired during many years of practice and reading. See you later, my friend, success !

Good article, you are absolutely right when you say that "everything depends on what you hope to achieve in life" I think that is the main engine to make things know where you want to go.