Let me first start by introducing myself - I am currently a postdoc at a prestigious university working within the field of Natural Sciences. Like most of the people on this forum, I chose to study for a PhD for two reasons: 1) Because of a fundamental curiosity for my subject, and 2) by obtaining a PhD I would gain the depth of knowledge and ability to critically analyse complex data needed in order to progress in an industry deeply related to my subject; so basically improved job prospects. However, with an increasingly depressed looking job market, and after 1.5 years/100+ job applications with little more than a ‘thank you for your interest’ email, I must admit I am starting to question the point of obtaining my PhD. Having spent the last 10 years of my life in academia, honing and refining the skills I once thought to be immensely beneficial to the United Kingdom, I now feel these 10 years have been a complete waste of time and tax-payers money. It has become evidently clear that far too many PhDs are chasing increasingly few industry/academic positions, and so even the ‘high flyers’ within my field are being forced to take their skills elsewhere (abroad), or to accept 3 month contracts at questionable companies for roles that do not require even a fraction of their abilities. With that being said, there is still the option of the perpetual postdoc, moving from pillar to post every 2 years in order to stay afloat and to stay ‘competitive’ (although after years of being a postdoc you are probably less competitive than a fresh graduate). Apologies for the rant – I hope this depressing situation is not mirrored in other disciplines.