Is doing a phd really worth it? Is an acedemic career worth it?!!! What you reckon?

It is very rewarding and helps with promotion in future jobs. However, the nasty back-stabbing and evil individuals in academia can be discouraging - however they're not stopping me!!!

For me its definately worth it. Many + points to doing a PhD:
1. Hopefully accomplish a life long ambition
2. Be regarded as a leading expert in a particular field
3. Student life for another 3 yrs!!!!!!!!

Barry is particulary interest to student life!!!HIHI

I guess there are many reason why one would opt for a PhD. I myself done my MSc and feel that I would be worth more when I join the industry now and have three (or four) years of work experience. There is always the possibility to continue for a PhD when the need arises. And yes Jamie, the evil individuals in academia are gone for me, but they are replaced by evil supervisors in industry ;)

no

I am asking the same question from myself over and over. doing a PhD was my goal in life but I dont want to scacrifice my personal life to it? Can a married PhD student give me some advice on whether take a PhD or try and find a job?

Depends if you want to get married and settle down and have lots of kids! Only you can answer that!!

Oh and hope your partner has lots of money to support them as kids can be very expensive! Can you support them on a PhD studentship or any a post doc position is another matter worth considering!

I get the point about being married and all that. But since I dont have any kids (not planning to have till I finish any way)I have already decided to go ahead with it. from the start of my academic life this is all I ever wanted. so be it.