@Fled

Thank you for your comments.

Before I put forward my response to your comments, I must get a few things off my chest.

(a) Firstly, I do not want to become embroiled in a debate concerning the "goodies" and "baddies" that comprise the on-going soap opera (or so it seems) of academia. To be frank, there are good people and bad people in all corners of the globe (be it, meeting them on the street; in the coffee shop; or working alongside them), therefore I feel that I would be adequately prepared for anything in that regard. Plus, its not like "good" and "bad" are accepted, universal principles in any case.

(b) I found your comment, 'a simple, uncomplicated, relatively low risk, predictable life' to be rather offensive. I think that kind of demeanour represents a certain snobbishness, perhaps a bloated sense of entitlement on your part because you're in possession of a PhD. The truth is, that ALL life is complex. We never have it "simple", its never "predictable" and it is anything but "low risk." With this in mind, I think that maybe you should look at things a little bit differently and understand that people do different jobs and activities, and we shouldn't devalue these jobs and activities just because they don't align themselves with ours.

Nevertheless, thank you again

@Mackem_Beefy

Thank you for your comments.

At the outset I want to say that I did not come from a 9-5 position, or background for that matter. I have never worked 9-5 in my life. My last position had three sets of hours: 0730 - 1530; 1200/1300 - 2100; 2100 - 0800/0900. In addition, I used to work mainly evenings when I was a bar supervisor, whilst doing degrees in the daytime.

I agree with your comments regarding being green and inexperienced. I think we, as human beings, do feel a little anxious when embarking on major projects (be it, new jobs, relocation, PhD). I would be lying to you all if I said I didn't feel a little anxious when I first considered that this might not be for me back in November. Hence why I have taken my time and have really put the effort into trying to see if its for me in order that I can make a somewhat reasoned decision.

As for seeking advice, I have already consulted those closest to me (family, friends, girlfriend) and I have considered talking to maybe a university counsellor or careers service advisor. So, your points are well made.

Thank you again

Firstly, thank you for all of your responses shedding light on a variety of issues and considerations, they have been extremely helpful. Secondly, I apologise in the delay of my response.

Moving on.

@treeoflife

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I agree with you the grass isn't greener on the other side. The job market is really really tough at the moment and its not like I'm going to walk into a position (entry-level or not) with or without a PhD. Hence, why I'm unwilling to drop the PhD without an alternative. You make an important point about employment. Yes, just because I work five years somewhere does not mean I'm going to progress in that position/field and, of course, having a PhD does kind of put you in the minority in terms of qualifications nationally which may help down the line. The over-qualification point is equally important. Some (maybe many, I don't have any evidence as such) people do not consider what follows a PhD (or a BA, BsC, MA, MsC, MBA etc., for that matter). They undertake the qualification, ploughing their way through mountains of work to the submission of their thesis and the successful defence of their work in the viva, without really considering the post-PhD implications. Post-PhD life is something that has weighed on my mind quite a bit. I've already experienced issues of over-qualification already with regards to my "first-class" degree classification (Lord Winston was once interviewed and admitted to intentionally not granting/allocating positions to individual's with "first's" because they are 'most likely middle class and have no person skills'; yet, I'm working class [son of a butcher] and I have worked in bars for 7 years of my life!) and my master's degree. So, I'm worried that the PhD will be a 4-year period in which I gain something I am proud of but experience the same difficulties I have with my master's.

Thank you again.

Hi all, this is my first time on the Postgraduate Forum having signed up today. The reason for this thread is due to my indecision regarding the PhD I'm currently undertaking. First, some background:

I graduated with a 1st class degree in 2010 and completed my master's degree in 2011 with distinction. In 2013, I was awarded a fully-funded scholarship at a university to undertake a 4-year PhD course. At this point I was doing bar work and saw the PhD as a relatively good opportunity for me to enhance my career prospects further, potentially going into academia.

In the period between applying for the scholarship and being accepted I took up new job in healthcare (admin). I met some really good people and the pay was decent, especially when increments were added (i.e., night pay, weekend pay etc.,). Additionally, this position also offered me the scope to use my degree effectively in the NHS (my friend from undergrad, for example, got a job in a doctor's surgery on reception; 18 months later she is a research co-ordinator).

I'm currently approaching the 5th month of my first year. This year has primarily consisted of completing compulsory modules in order to make myself "research-ready" and continue with my PhD in the 3 years that follow. HOWEVER, I've been considering my decision since November and I just feel the PhD is not for me. I don't want a job in academia anymore, all I want is to be settled in life and be earning a decent living. The problem is, I'm overqualified as it is for the majority of jobs. I've had 2 interviews this year with no luck. I feel stuck because, on one hand, I want something other than the PhD and, on the other, I can't give it up because it is providing an income. In addition, I feel awful because someone with more desire should be in my position.

Any advice?! It would be much appreciated.

Thank you.