- #1
arierreF
- 79
- 0
Hello all,Next year, January I will start my PhD in Cosmology. Salary is fair and I don't have to pay the tuition fee.
I always loved the idea of doing a thesis about Cosmology.
My master's degree was about computational physics where I had to learn how to program in C/C++, Fortran, Matlab, etc. When I finished my master's I had my first job, it was about software development where skills in C++ and a good knowledge of Linux were a requirement. Although I enjoyed the work because I really like to program, my goal was to study Cosmology and having a PhD degree. I was so focused on this goal that I did not renew my contract and I left the job this year to study Cosmology while applying to PhD positions.
Fortunately, I will start my PhD in Cosmology next January. I already know the supervisors, the work plan, etc.
I am so exciting but lately, I started to get some doubts about my future. And the reason for this is that I feel I am doing a PhD because I am passionate about the area and not because of my future career. I don't really find the academy life very attracting. It was never in my plans to be postdoc after PhD. I would like to have the experience of being a postdoc, but for just 1 or 2 years. Is it really worth it to do a PhD because I think Cosmology is so passionate?
I don't even know why I didn't question myself before, I guess it is the anxiety that is making me question my future?
Anyway, this is a rational question. I will spend 4 or more years (I am 26 years old atm) doing something I like, which will be a very rewarding and satisfying experience. I also know that a PhD is a PhD. It gives you skills that will be very useful for any job. I know that my area, which will involve analytical and numerical methods will also give me skills that any IT company will consider. But I will be 30+ years after finish my PhD. I don't have a family, I don't even plan to have a family yet. And where I live it is pretty common to have the first "decent" job in the late 20s.
I just would like to know your opinion about this choice. Choosing to follow a PhD because you find the area very passionate but knowing that you will not make a career out of it. And knowing that I will have to start everything again (looking for jobs just like I did after my Master's) after finishing the PhD.
I always loved the idea of doing a thesis about Cosmology.
My master's degree was about computational physics where I had to learn how to program in C/C++, Fortran, Matlab, etc. When I finished my master's I had my first job, it was about software development where skills in C++ and a good knowledge of Linux were a requirement. Although I enjoyed the work because I really like to program, my goal was to study Cosmology and having a PhD degree. I was so focused on this goal that I did not renew my contract and I left the job this year to study Cosmology while applying to PhD positions.
Fortunately, I will start my PhD in Cosmology next January. I already know the supervisors, the work plan, etc.
I am so exciting but lately, I started to get some doubts about my future. And the reason for this is that I feel I am doing a PhD because I am passionate about the area and not because of my future career. I don't really find the academy life very attracting. It was never in my plans to be postdoc after PhD. I would like to have the experience of being a postdoc, but for just 1 or 2 years. Is it really worth it to do a PhD because I think Cosmology is so passionate?
I don't even know why I didn't question myself before, I guess it is the anxiety that is making me question my future?
Anyway, this is a rational question. I will spend 4 or more years (I am 26 years old atm) doing something I like, which will be a very rewarding and satisfying experience. I also know that a PhD is a PhD. It gives you skills that will be very useful for any job. I know that my area, which will involve analytical and numerical methods will also give me skills that any IT company will consider. But I will be 30+ years after finish my PhD. I don't have a family, I don't even plan to have a family yet. And where I live it is pretty common to have the first "decent" job in the late 20s.
I just would like to know your opinion about this choice. Choosing to follow a PhD because you find the area very passionate but knowing that you will not make a career out of it. And knowing that I will have to start everything again (looking for jobs just like I did after my Master's) after finishing the PhD.
Last edited by a moderator: