======= Date Modified 14 Aug 2012 21:39:56 =======
Hey Smoobles,
Thanks for your post. I don't have much work experience and on paper this job is something I'd really like to do. Whether it's for the rest of my life, I can't tell right now as I've never done it before. I know I shouldn't base my decision on my girlfriend... It just feels like I am giving up a lot right now and I'm not sure if I am ready. Career wise, I don't know which option I'll regret more, not having a PhD or giving up my "dream" (perhaps for now) job... especially next year, when I really need to be looking for a job or could be starting to write up for PhD.

About a year ago applied for a job that I really wanted (Dow). I was (am) miserable with my PhD position (Mech Eng), mostly due to external conditions - the issue is not the topic. Anyway, I was successful enough to be offered a position with the company a few months ago. The company has been willing to wait for me to finish up here and write up what I have for the lesser degree. But now I am having second thoughts, I have made some really good friends and met a girl I really like -this job is over 5 hours away. It occurs to me that it is just over a year or so now for me to get a PhD but I want this job too... if not now then next year. It's all a bit of a mess now. Not sure what to do. Any advice, job vs phd?