Posted by: snurp October 25, 2012
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This is the scenario many Phds go through during their time.
However, one should also look at this with a pragmatic approach. Ask yourself: Why are you doing Ph.D.? Was it because you were passionate about Biological research? Or was it you thought you'd make more money? or as someone mentioned above, you want to hear people call you HEY DOC? haha!
If you're really passionate about research, what you're experiencing is not uncommon. When things start to work out, you'll feel your positive vibes come in. It's only a matter of time, but you'll finish it! Perhaps you'll continue on this path of scientific discovery and be very happy.
However, if you think you'll make more money after Ph.D, I will guarantee you, you'll be much more frustrated than you're now. Post doc doesn't pay much and for industry, Ph.D doesn't count as research (so you'll prolly be getting paid less than people with lower qualifications)Not to mention the limitation that comes with your visa status. And the last person you should be getting advice on this matter would be your PI and colleagues in the field (They all have this myopic vision on only how their research will change this world)
Once you've figured out the above two, you can make a short term plan. Have an exit strategy if you're leaving, if you're close to graduating, finish it but while you're finishing, make contacts and network with people in the field and industry, that you'll eventually want to go upon. YOu say you're in your third year, its about time to start networking anyways!
I know lot of us get into Ph.D without really understanding what the Ph.D entails. its not your fault :). One can't understand its nuances till you get into it.Good luck!
However, one should also look at this with a pragmatic approach. Ask yourself: Why are you doing Ph.D.? Was it because you were passionate about Biological research? Or was it you thought you'd make more money? or as someone mentioned above, you want to hear people call you HEY DOC? haha!
If you're really passionate about research, what you're experiencing is not uncommon. When things start to work out, you'll feel your positive vibes come in. It's only a matter of time, but you'll finish it! Perhaps you'll continue on this path of scientific discovery and be very happy.
However, if you think you'll make more money after Ph.D, I will guarantee you, you'll be much more frustrated than you're now. Post doc doesn't pay much and for industry, Ph.D doesn't count as research (so you'll prolly be getting paid less than people with lower qualifications)Not to mention the limitation that comes with your visa status. And the last person you should be getting advice on this matter would be your PI and colleagues in the field (They all have this myopic vision on only how their research will change this world)
Once you've figured out the above two, you can make a short term plan. Have an exit strategy if you're leaving, if you're close to graduating, finish it but while you're finishing, make contacts and network with people in the field and industry, that you'll eventually want to go upon. YOu say you're in your third year, its about time to start networking anyways!
I know lot of us get into Ph.D without really understanding what the Ph.D entails. its not your fault :). One can't understand its nuances till you get into it.Good luck!