Dear Sirs (and non-sirs), Was just wondering about the different reasons people choose to do a PhD in their area (Apart from wanting to move to a "nicer" country that is). For me, I need a PhD to get a decent job in industry and have no intention of becoming an academic. I also really enjoy research and it's a good way of delaying the whole marriage process for another 3 years and annoying my parents at the same time. Is that bad? How about everyone else?

Avoiding the marriage and annoying parents is always a satisfying thing. The reason i am doing a PhD is that I am interested in doing research, and really would like to pursue a career in research, either in academia or industry. The funding is a large factor, as not only could I not pay for the fees etc myself, but I have spent over four years as a student getting into large debt

Hi Hina, Your mind works like many other asian girls! With a PhD mostly people work in academia but some also work for pharmaceutical companies. My parents are on my case too, but thank God the final decision is mine ;, plus with such a highly qualified daughter there won't be many boys who could "match" your skills!
Take care

Sam, the decision is mine too which is why my parents have thrown about 50 guys at me so far and I've said "nope!" to everyone. I think you're right about the being too qualified thing, one of my mates (male) has already told me no one will marry me if I have a PhD....what a good friend! Reckon he's just scared of intelligent well educated women ;)

Avoiding marraige is NOT a reason to do a PhD. However, enjoying research is. It's your call.

I'm with Brair - you have to be completely committed to a PhD. Try a P/T Masters programme - still get a good qualification and can put off men for two years at least.

Brair and Mia, I am totally committed to doing a PhD. I have just finished a MSc in the same department where I got asked if I wanted to stay and do this PhD. The city is not particularly one where I would want to live for another 3 years but the department is the world's best for that field (my supervisor and personal tutor are very well known) so I couldn't really say no.

It took a bit of convincing with my mother (good indian girls stay at home and do what their parents say) my argument being, I haven't met anyone to marry yet and if I don't get married within the next three years I will be kicking myself. Luckily my dad and grandad were on my side even though my grandma keeps going on about wanting to see her great-grandchildren before she dies, oh the pressures!

Hina - I'm in a similar situation regarding the city my PhD is going to be in - it's a horrible city, but the department is really good and has an excellent reputation. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to do a PhD - mine is because I want to work with animals i.e. with an organisation like the World Society for the Protection of Animals - for this, you need a PhD.

That's a good one! I mean delaying the marriage - that's exactly what my family said! The first response I got from them was "So you're not getting married then?" My mum then said wow you'll be really old and that little cousin who is nearly four will have a boyfriend before I do! They are really on my case as well trying to find me people!! What one has to do with the other I don't know! But it's good to know ther are others in the same boat

I chose to do a PhD as I'm really interested in my topic and need to do one if I want to have a research career in this field! As for the place I'm in it's very small and it's not some where I would have ideally chosen but it did have a good project on offer! It found me rather than the other way round so I think it worked out for the best! Fate as some might call it!

D, tell your parents you can have a bf for the next three years and then you can marry him after your done (or not done as the case may be) ;) My mum is still on my case, keeps asking me if I still want to do the PhD, even though I have already started. Told her, she and dad have spent so much money and time into educating me, why not let me finish! Getting desperate though, now wants me to marry one of my male friends. I'm too young to get married, I only feel 18!

I'm with you there H! That's exactly how I feel! Too young and too much to do to get married and have the kids thing! My mum is desperate for grandkids! It’s really ironic as when I was at school it was always “Education, education, education!” and now that I want to continue my family are like you need to get married! My uncle who actually has a PhD said I should stop wasting my time (apparently my subject is not much use!) and get married instead! What is all that about? We’ll show them!

Wow, the things you write.

So much for doing a PhD to avoid marriage....esp as the big day is next year.....