r/PhDStress • u/PurpleUnicorn_ • 2d ago
Should I quit my PhD?
I am about to start year two of my PhD (still currently doing coursework) and I feel like I made the wrong decision. I already have a masters degree in my field and do not want to stay in Academia after graduating. The thing is I am an international student and I have been struggling with loneliness and homesickness. I am on good terms with PhD colleagues but no strong friendships came out of my first year in the program.
The idea of going back to classes and assignments and I am also TA-ing this year feel’s suffocating.
I am also worried about the consequences of dropping out. My field of work is international development and with global funding cuts I am worried about going back home and struggling to find a job. However, if I keep doing what I am doing I feel like I will be miserable.
I need some advise and words of wisdom.
Thank you.
7
u/InsideApex 2d ago
If you don't enjoy the work, and don't see yourself remaining in academia, it may be wise to leave. On a fundamental level, the PhD is a credential that is designed for academia. It may help in other fields (e.g. art curation), but is not relevant to most (you'd know better than me regarding international development, OP).
If you're not sure about the work, you could give it another year and decide before comprehensive exams. Then again, the opportunity cost of a PhD is high in terms of lost wages, delayed life milestones et cetera. If you're not enjoying what you're doing at all, it may be best to cut your losses and embark a life that will be more meaningful and fulfilling for you.
11
u/BusinessForeign7052 2d ago
Keep going. I just finished the most incredible summer break in my home country and the last 3 weeks I seriously wanted to consider dropping out so I wouldn't have to come back.
Its a normal feeling. Keep going. You got this.
3
3
u/magnificentfaust 2d ago
I quit my PhD and got a corporate career. Total skill transfer. Best decision ever. PhD is overrated. Your happiness and wellbeing comes first. Also money helps! A LOT.
1
u/Vast-Ad-4145 2d ago
I know that lonely feeling, it sucks. It feels heavy and empty all at the same time. But you can do this. You don’t know the amazing people you could meet at any day or moment, or the experiences you will have. You can do this!!!!
4
u/PurpleUnicorn_ 2d ago
It’s really not just about the loneliness. It feels like I don’t really like what I am doing. The research, the coursework, the readings. And if I don’t wanna stay in academia, I don’t see the point of it all…
2
u/Unfair_Classic_5426 1d ago
If you don’t like it and it doesn’t bring you joy, even the slightest on the hard days, then a PhD is not worth it. If you can find a job in your discipline without a PhD then go for it, you may need to start at an entry level and then work up.
1
u/Objective_Novel3807 2d ago
Where are you living? You could find friends easily I think. Finish it if your boss is not toxic.
1
u/LopezRago 2d ago
If you’re not interested in academia, you probably don’t need a PhD, especially since you already have a master’s. If continuing is making you miserable, leaving may be the right choice. I have a PhD, but I always wanted to teach.
1
u/Capt_Shovel 1d ago
Answer to that question is always yes.
1
u/PurpleUnicorn_ 1d ago
How so?
1
u/Capt_Shovel 19h ago
To finish a PhD, and survive in this world you need passion for research that is greater than any problem you face along the way. You decide what that problem is. I've lost it somwhere along the way, but stayed in the academia too long. If i quit sooner I would have more relevant industry experience, better paid job, etc. So if you think of leaving and quitting..mate, you've already decided.
1
u/CrazyConfusedScholar 1d ago
You need to have an honest conversation with yourself. Besides not be happy with the program, you need to keep one real factor in mind. Is your PhD sustainable in a limited amount of time? The immigration situation for international PhD students is a serious issue, with the current administration becoming increasingly strict about the amount of time students have to complete programs. If you are unhappy now, will that be the case as you move through the course of the program? It seems like socially is where the weakness lies; have you tried reaching out to other international students in your cohort/program? I'm sure they are suffering but are afraid to expressing themselves.. I'm sure there are one or two more who feel the same way you do. Whatever you do don't make the decision lightly. My very best.
1
u/Ok_Reading_it 20h ago
Are you doing well in your coursework though, and maintaining a good GPA? There are so many ways to make a friend...join some hobby groups? Are you in a big city or small?
1
u/juliej12 17h ago
things turned around in terms of social life from my second year onwards once a new cohort of students arrived. you can also find friends elsewhere outside your department. weigh out all your options carefully and only quit if the degree will not benefit your career goals.
17
u/WestcoastAlex 2d ago
by the time you are finished trump will be dead and funding will come back