A Wee Bit Rusty - posted by magicite
So I was completely wrong. This semester is definitely one of my busiest ever, if not the busiest ever. Why is it so busy? I have a ridiculous schedule. I'm taking four grad classes (though one is colloquium and is easy), have my normal TAship, and also continue to work at Cray in my "free-time." Plus, I'm supposed to be starting out on some independent research.... yeah, more on that later. Hence, the complete lack of posts here.
So as a PhD student, I'm expected, roughly in my second year (i.e., now), to start doing some real research. But here's the problem: I have absolutely no time for it this semester. This has given rise to some inevitable friction between myself and another entity... not sure what I'm going to do about that.
That's not entirely true. I've thought quite a lot about what I would like to do with my life, and I'm not as confident as I once was that I want to get my PhD. Don't get me wrong, I like doing research, it's just that I'm not sure getting a PhD is in my best interest at this time. As much as I like research and CS, I like other things as well, and I don't get to do those other things at all while in school.
So, what to do. I really have three choices, as far as I can tell. I can continue along on the PhD path as is. Or, I can get a job in industry and get my PhD at the same time, albeit slowing down the process. Or, I can just get a job in industry after completing my masters in the spring.
I asked my advisor on the likelihood of option number two working out; that is, going down the PhD and job route. He said it was approximately.... zero. It just doesn't happen. So that realistically narrows down my options to sticking with PhD, or stopping at masters and getting a job.
Now now, I know what you're thinking. The economy is crap, unemployment is at an all-time high, so going the job route is unreasonable. While these facts are true, it ignores the fact that, well, I was offered a job a little over a month ago. So again, the two options remain: PhD, or job.
Let's assume that right now is the only time in my life where I can get a PhD. Thus, taking a job and stopping at masters means I would never be able to get a PhD. What do I lose out on? Well, I probably cannot be a CS professor anywhere. I probably couldn't get into a high-end research institution. That's... really all about it. A PhD probably won't make me anymore money in the long-run (side note: while it's "not about the money," it's an important factor to consider). All things considered, I don't think I'm missing out on much.
Now the question is, stability. Arguably, a PhD ensures stability. If I were to become a professor, I'd be a professor for life. Economy going poorly? Doesn't really affect tenured professors. New widget or technology X make me unneeded? Gulp. This is perhaps my biggest hesitation with regards to the job route. What if my skills go the way of the Punch Card? I think I worry about that problem too much. History has shown that I learn new things independently and explore new areas on my own. A rolling stone gathers no moss, all that. Still, it sits in the back of my mind.
About the job. I like it. It's interesting work, and I think I can make real contributions. And it allows me to have free time.
But... the grass is always greener on the other side. Blah.
It really comes down to a matter of choice. Neither choice is wrong, or necessarily better/worse than the other; they're just different paths that will lead to different lifestyles. That makes this whole thing difficult.
Ottergoose says: Take the job, make yourself so valuable that they can't let you go, or, in the event of forced layoffs, have to hire you back as a contractor. Look forward to a career with a decent wage in the same area as your family and friends.
How many PhD CS guys end up with jobs where they're able to "make a difference" in this area... not too many, I suspect.
BAD DAD says: Go for the Phd you will always have to fall back on......It's not a bad security blanket
db says: I'm curious if you have made a decision regarding which path you are going to choose. I am sort of in a similar situation now (I'm approaching the end of my first year). I understand the benefits of a PhD but am just not sure that I still want it...
