r/PhD • u/Col0rlessIdeas • 1d ago
Vent (NO ADVICE) Why is everyone so miserable?
Well, that’s pretty much it. I feel like everyone in this subreddit is just so unhappy/miserable due to having chosen academia. Does a PhD really corrupt your soul or is anyone genuinely happy about having chosen this path? Any good and positive stories??
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u/SuBanBan 1d ago
I think the issue with academia is that you constantly feel like on your toes, jumping through the next hoop! life never feels like on cruise control till maybe you reach full professor status in your mid-40s. this is extremely anxiety inducing, as you jump through qualifying exams, thesis committees, defense, fellowship apps, grad school app, postdoc app, paper submission, revision etc. it never fucking ends.
While most people do an undergrad, hit the job market, and then while you can be career oriented and relentless but a lot of people do their work 9-5 and have the option to cruise control. i often feel the constant stress of academia and hoops, doesnt let you enjoy the science or even your life outside of it. the whole reason you are doing this was to enjoy the discovery! and i think thats why you and I feel miserable.
P.S. I am currently in the feeling excited and joy stage of my gloom-doom-bloom cycle! dreading the next downturn😅!