The document discusses various reasons against pursuing a PhD, including time commitment, employment prospects, salary expectations, and research challenges. It emphasizes that while these reasons are significant, they can be overcome through careful consideration and planning. Ultimately, the author suggests that a PhD can be a rewarding experience if one makes an informed decision to pursue it.

1. Tales & Lessons from a Nomadic Academic Life[Excerpt]NitinMadnaniResearch Scientist (Text, Language and Computation)Educational Testing ServicePrinceton, NJhttp://www.desilinguist.org

2. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #1: TimeReason #2: EmploymentReason #3: SalariesReason #4: Research

3. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #1: TIMESource: National Science Foundation Survey of Earned Doctorates for 2003http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/

4. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #1: TIMEMedian CS PhD awardee age is 31.4and Engg. PhD awardee age is 30.5Source: National Science Foundation Survey of Earned Doctorates for 2008http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsf10309/

5. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #2: EmploymentSource: PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1056

6. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #2: EmploymentSource: PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=679

7. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #3: SalariesSource: National Science Foundation Survey of Earned Doctorates for 2008http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsf10309/

8. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #3: Salaries+6 years+6 years+9 years (also starting salary cap for most industry jobs)+7 years+8 yearsSources: College and University Professional Association for Human Resources Survey, American Association of University Professors Survey, Chronicle of Higher Education Surveyof Graduate Assistants

9. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #3: SalariesDo an MBA if you just want to earn money!+6 years+9 years+7 years+8 yearsPhD = Comfort [+Contentment + Happiness]Sources: College and University Professional Association for Human Resources Survey, American Association of University Professors Survey, Chronicle of Higher Education Surveyof Graduate Assistants

10. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

11. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

12. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

13. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

14. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

15. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

16. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

17. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

18. Why NOT do a PhD?Reason #4: Researchwhile (funding == true) { thesis_topic = find_original_idea(); GOOD_ENOUGH = query(advisor); if (thesis_topic > GOOD_ENOUGH) { graduate(); break; } else { years_in_gradschool += 1; continue; }}“THE BIG UNKNOWN”Adapted from PhD Comics, http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=626

19. On a more serious note …The point of the last few slides was to present the pros and cons of choosing to do a PhDThey should inspire thought, not fearConsider all aspects before you decide whether to embark on a PhDAll of the reasons not to do a PhD can be overcome (Exhibit A: ME!)Conclusion: A PhD from the US is one of the best learning and rewarding experiences in the world if you make an informed choice to pursue it!