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[thirtythree]

So I got offered the job that I wanted. I guess I'm keen on it. It's a good job, it pays a lot, I wouldn't say it's what I've been dreaming of doing my whole life (but I don't know what I've been dreaming of doing), but it's a really good job, a prestigious one. It would allow me to keep my skills updated. There's pathways to doing a phd with the

Comments

[lumpage]

Not that I'm pushing you in any direction :) But if you do want to know more, often potential supervisors will fly you out for a meet an greet/ tour of the facilities. Or you can also offer to get yourself there. I know in molecular sciences, if you're interested in doing a phd in adelaide, they'll fly you in from anywhere in oz, if your resume is good enough.

It's the best way to get a feel for a lab or what not, especially if you can chat to some of his other phd students.

Ultimately though, they wont be there to convince you to do a phd, as they want you to be motivated to do one to begin with. But it might be a risk worth taking.

[lumpage]

Also, congrats on the job offer. Well done :)

[thirtythree]

Thanks! It's a good job and they keep calling me about it and are really keen for me to work there! I'm kinda surprised, really... I was quite nervous in the interview.

[thirtythree]

So I ended up calling the potential supervisor in Canberra yesterday and they're flying me to meet him tomorrow morning, hah :)

[archetypalangst]

If you wanna do a phd, do a phd. Seriously at every level of academics there's always people who are like "more school, fuck that, I'm gonna drop out and make some money". It's the same basic argument given by the kids who drop out of school at year 10, and where are they now?

[timhsvwalkinsha]

Let me join the chorus here. Your opportunity to take on a PhD is more time-limited than a job opportunity for a number of reasons that you can probably well understand yourself.

Sociology tells us also that if you want to be happy in a job/career, then having control over your work is one key player in that equation. The more control, the more satisfaction you're likely to derive. The greater your academic credentials, the more control you're going to have. I suspect that's a key reason why your supervisor played down the idea of getting a job immediately - less control, crappier jobs, and more asses to kiss who probably don't deserve it.

Unless your parents have been in the same position, faced with the similar choices, I'd be wary to act on their advice alone. Enjoy the excruciating delight of choice!