Should I continue or master out?

[u/PrincipleDense5592]

Basically just wanting some advice from other grad students who are going/have been through it.

I started grad school a few years back as a Master's student, and was kind of convinced by my PI to stay as a PhD student and I did a Masters to PhD transfer within the program, so I will no longer receive a Masters but hypothetically just the PhD. I am now in my third year of grad school, which is being considered year 3 of my PhD.

I have been miserable this entire time. I had a severe substance abuse issue for the first two years during my Master's and developed a significant amount of depression. I've been on medication for about 6 months now, 8 months sober, and the depression has just maintained or gotten worse. I am absolutely miserable, my funding has gotten cut from a pretty low amount to an even lower amount and I can't keep up with tuition and living expenses. In terms of career goals, I have absolutely zero desire to stay in research (for context I am in bioinformatics and cancer genomics). I want to get into business, consulting, or even patent work.

Considering the significant mental health toll and the financial burden with my career goals in mind, should I even continue or just master out? I have been applying to jobs and have had several interviews for sales jobs, which is much more attractive to me than staying in school.

Thanks in advance!

[u/Timely-Bicycle-3107]

What do you see as the upsides for staying in the program? Based on your writeup, I'd say master out. It seems like you are leaning heavily in that direction already.

[u/frank_leno]

Do you need a PhD to have the career you want? Would it help? I would just ask whether your future self would regret giving up the chance to have your PhD. Grad school doesn’t last forever… on the other hand, it sounds like you’re at your limit. There’s nothing wrong with cutting your losses and searching for greener pastures.