I talked to a sales representative yesterday afternoon. She was a junior from other lab. Joining us in the conversation was another master student who is currently waiting for her thesis to be approved. So basically there were 3 of us: a bachelor graduate, a master student and a PhD student. We were discussing prospects and career after finishing our study at each level, how much we could earn and what options or alternatives that we possibly have. One key issue discussed was whether or not one should continue study after completing first degree. I realised I've never really voice out my own opinion on this matter. It has always been quoting what others say or think. So I decided to write one.
If you search through the web, there are really a lot of articles on whether or not to PhD. If one could find '100 reasons to do a PhD' article, there is almost certainly another entitled '100 reasons to NOT do a PhD'. Regardless what reasons there may be, in my humble opinion, one ultimate question to ask yourself before you make any decision is 'Why do I want to do a PhD?'
I have no 'right' or 'correct' model answer to this question but I do know some answers are not good or 'solid' enough to support one throughout the entire PhD process. My boss@advisor used to tell me that the PhD process is like bearing a child. You carry the child everywhere you go, in your sleep, during your meals and I couldn't agree more with him. Unless one has submitted and passed his or her thesis, one's heart is always hanging in the air. And mind you, bearing a child for an average of 4-6 years is not an easy task. Another demotivating yet realistic piece of advice from my boss is - never do a PhD or research if you want to make money. It did not dawn on me at the earlier stage of my study but now after a few years working behind the bench, while comparing myself to other working friends who have had assets, the fact is pretty clear that who make better money. To me, 'PhD = better prospects/ fortune' is seriously untrue. So, 'I can't think of anything better to do at the moment' or 'I can't find a job now, I'll go for a PhD first and see how it gets' are really not good reasons to go for a PhD. One's future is not guaranteed by merely obtaining a 'Dr' title.
A common answer which I often hear undergrads saying is 'I think I like research, so I want to give it a try.' Well, a PhD is not for one to 'try' and see if it works out because it involves huge effort, commitment and time (normally it's your best golden years). I'll suggest one to go do a master by research first or at least work as an research assistant for a few months to see if you really like the lab environment and whether or not you could adapt and fit into the system.
After answering this ultimate question, one has to next take a very honest close look at him/herself. What is my personality like? What is my character? What are my strengths? What do I lack? Do I have the passion it takes? Skills can be trained, interests can be cultivated, character can be shaped but if there's no passion, your PhD years will feel like ages long. Yes, one will still manage to pull through if one work hard enough or if one is smart enough but one may feel like never wanting to touch any pipette again after that.
Another crucial question to ask ourselves would be 'Am I the main or only member with earning power in the family?' In other words 'Do I have to support or contribute to the family income?' If you are, then maybe a PhD is really not the best option for you. To be frank, the pay or stipend each month for a local PhD student is barely enough to cover one's own expenses (I don't know about overseas, but China's situation is more or less like us). How do we support a family if we can't even support our own selves properly? I have not even mentioned the luxury of owning a car or house.
If after all these, your answer still remain affirmative, then welcome to the Permanent Head Damage process! It is not easy and you might end up with nothing 'solid' in hands but one thing for sure is that you'll walk out of the dark tunnel someday realising that you have transformed into a better person.
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