Wow, Shiva and Smile Sharma, Sure I have no beef against what ya all thought of PhD. But for me, I swear to god, it is just the continuation of academics. And dont be surprised, if I am telling you today that I will do post-doc. You know what that is?? Sorry sorry brother, didnt mean to look down on you. I will tell you my short story, if you have few minutes. I came to NYU to do my undergrad when I was 18. I finished my bachelors in CS and bachelors/masters in Mathematics(NYU has that program) in regular four years. Okay, thought I will go, get a job. Worked at a New York Bank(I know I am keeping the name out), as a Financial Analyst. First month great, flew around, trainings workshop, try to learn the whole office instead of just Customer Analytics Department, guess what happened, in one month I was done. There is no left to learn or do. After that, I freaking took over the work. I was coming up with Time series models for them every week instead of every month. Ahah after three months, I was seek of that repetitive work. I understand, may be all works are not like that, but people like you who brag about 9-5 work, trust me nigga, there is nothing to it, other than you try to kill time and your brain everyday. Anyways, so deciding to come to Grad school, expect here at MIT for a 4 years PhD program, loving it. Research and research and research, love it. I never know what I am getting into the very monday, and by the end of the week, when me and my group come up with a result, then I know this is fresh and this is what I PERSONALLY LIKE. So please dont put up your personal opinion about PhDs onto other people. They have differrent reasons for it. Sure, its okay, you came out of associate degree or whatever it is. Thats fine. You already knew what you need to know and they are contained. Great, but think before you speak, specially if you dont know what you are talking about. I am 23, and I want to get this done by the time I am 26. Three more years, and watch me, I will come here in Sajha and ask fellows to join me in a POST-DOC organization if you know what that means!!! Industry and job is boring for ME. LABS, RESEARCH and ACADEMIC WORLD fantasizes me! GET THAT.