Phd jokes scare me. are those really true?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ode_to_joy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Jokes Phd
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perceptions and implications of pursuing a PhD, particularly in mathematics, as expressed through humor and personal anecdotes. Participants explore the challenges and uncertainties associated with graduate education and career paths in STEM fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that PhD jokes discourage them from pursuing a BSc in pure math, suggesting a preference for more practical degrees like actuarial science or engineering.
  • Another participant argues that while a PhD is hard work, choosing a field of interest can mitigate feelings of misery.
  • Some participants note that comedians often exaggerate their struggles, implying that the jokes may not reflect the true experience of PhD candidates.
  • There is a suggestion that it is premature for a high school student to worry about these issues, with advice to focus on immediate educational choices.
  • Concerns are raised about financial implications and job prospects related to different degrees, with one participant sharing their own decision against physics due to financial considerations.
  • Another participant discusses the potential career paths available with a BSc in math, weighing the benefits of pursuing an MBA or MSc in Operations Research against the prerequisites for other fields like electrical engineering or actuarial science.
  • One participant reflects on the uncertainty of job markets for quants and the risks associated with pursuing a PhD in math, questioning the long-term viability of such a career path.
  • There are humorous interjections about jokes unrelated to the main topic, suggesting a light-hearted approach to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the value and challenges of pursuing a PhD, with no clear consensus on the implications of the jokes or the best educational path. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the balance between passion for math and practical career considerations.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions about job markets, financial stability, and personal priorities, which may influence their perspectives on pursuing advanced degrees. The discussion reflects a mix of personal anecdotes and broader concerns about the academic and professional landscape.

ode_to_joy
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
As a matter of fact, at this moment, pursuing phd is way far-fetched plan for me since I am a high school student. But those phd jokes really discourage me to go to undergrad in pure math and rather force me to get a degree in like acturial science or engineering. I was planning to study well-rounded, taking courses like fine arts, philosophy, a foreign language, then go to graduate school in pure math and then eventually land on a quant job. But after reading those jokes, I am really disconcerted of my future about getting BSc in pure math.

Is phd really 'please help desperately'? Can't a phd candidate feed his family unlike a pizza?

I also have considered going to graduate school in actuairal science or computer science, but in that case I have to compromise with those fine arts courses. :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
PhD is hard work like anything worth pursuing, but if you choose something you enjoy you won't be miserable.
 
Also keep in mind that comedian/writer types like to feel sorry for themselves.
 
I wouldn't worry about this for another couple of years. As my grandmother used to say, "Don't go borrowing trouble".
 
It's too early to think about this. But when in undergrad you should ask questions like how much money you have and how much time you are willing to spend in school.

I didn't go into physics because I believed it would be hard to pay for myself and my parents aren't rich either.

If you only want to be a quant in the end, look for more practical paths also.
 
I hear a lot of blonde jokes. You know what? It doesn't make me want to avoid them.
 
rootX said:
It's too early to think about this. But when in undergrad you should ask questions like how much money you have and how much time you are willing to spend in school.

I didn't go into physics because I believed it would be hard to pay for myself and my parents aren't rich either.

If you only want to be a quant in the end, look for more practical paths also.

By 'undergrad', you specifically mean the junior and senior years of undergrad, right? If not, is it still to early for a high school senior who will be attending at university this fall?

Well, I did an extensive career research during this winter break. There are so many things I can do with a BSc in math such as MBA, MSc in Operation Research. Also it seems like these business-related masters don't require specific courses, but MSc in electrical engineering or computer science, and acturial science require specfic preresiquite of which I have to give up some philosophy courses I want to take. But with these degrees, job prospects are larger as opposed to MSc in OR or MBA. (as twofish-quant compard job spots for MBAs vs. annual MBA graduates and job spots for quants vs. annual phd graduates.) That's my dillema.

The best way is to get a phd and get a quant job, get compensated for 5 years of my time during the phd with 250k salary. Of course, I will not do phd for money. If I am so concerned with money, I'd rather get a degree in petroleum engineering. But nobody knows if quant jobs are still in existence in the next 20 years, right? It is too risky to get a phd considering the volatility of the quant jobs. Well, quant jobs are not the only jobs that a math phd can get, but a master's degree is sufficient for the other jobs that a math phd can get, right?

I am definitely not the Perelman-type. I enjoy and am passionate about math, but I do not want to dedicate my whole lifetime doing math. I want to raise my family, go to a concert, go on a vacation, and such. So phd in math and get a quant job is the most ideal plan for me, but considering the current economy and insecurity of quant jobs, I don't know where to make a compromise.
 
Last edited:
Antiphon said:
I hear a lot of blonde jokes. You know what? It doesn't make me want to avoid them.

:smile:
 
  • #11

Similar threads

Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Any tips for doing a PhD in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
PhD in theoretical physics and a PhD in Pure Maths at an old age
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Admissions Applying to a PhD in Pure Math with an undergraduate degree in physics
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
6K
Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Admissions Non-thesis masters in Material Science to Material Science PhD
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Other Am I too old to become a Prof?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Admissions Climbing my way to a Physics PhD 10 years after a Philosophy BA
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Programs Trying to decide what program to study (physics or engineering)
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Advice: Doing grad school abroad and getting a masters instead of PhD
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K