PhD? What PhD?

[ironphoenix]

I have officially terminated my PhD program. My supervisor and I discussed what remained to be done, and having come to the conclusion that it's somewhere between 1000 and 2000 hours, and that this would require me to spend some 10 to 20 hours per week for the next year to two years in order to complete it in a reasonable time, it's not going to happen.

How do I feel about it? A bit sad, but a lot relieved. That thing has been stressing me out quite a bit, and now it's gone. It closes a few doors: I'll probably never teach at a university quite the way I originally had in mind, for example. However, I am pretty well-established in a successful career, and I like managing, so I'm not too badly hurt. As much as anything, it's a blow to my ego, but one which I can weather.

What now? Well, I've decided to take a few months to rest and let the facts settle in, rather than leaping onto my next project. I'll start thinking seriously about my next major undertaking in late July, after my vacation.

Comments

[jagash.livejournal.com]

As you said; you need to be smart to get your masters. You need to be crazy to get your PHD. Congrats on the closure and decreasing your stress levels.

[oni-neko.livejournal.com]

i'm glad you've decided not to be stubborn about it. too many people would keep going and hurt themselves badly. With age and experience comes wisdom. and I'd say you have more of that than some professors I've had in college.

[ilanikhan.livejournal.com]

Such decisions are hard, but often times for the best. I can't wait to hear what your next big project will be :)

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Condolences, but that does sound like a load off. I hope your next project goes better.

[squireofmichael.livejournal.com]

Being someone who is looking to eventually pursue a PhD, may I ask a) what was the field you were studying in and b) was this a recent decision, or something you've been comtemplating for a while?

I'm glad to hear you're at peace about it!

[ancalagon-tb.livejournal.com]

"I realized that there just wasn't enough of me left to do the thesis work and maintain my marriage, work performance, and sanity. "

That resonated in me. Some people have boundless energy and incredible time management skills. These aren't normal human beings. For the rest of us, well we have to let things go sometimes, because there is just so much things we can do.

[torrain.livejournal.com]

After reading this over, I'm pretty sure that congratulations is the thing to say.

I'm glad your life is taking you you're taking your life places you want to go.

Good decision

[dr-freddie.livejournal.com]

Just saw this today. But the key thing I zeroed in on is that you like what you're doing. That's all that matters, really. As for teaching, we've had people teaching courses who aren't profs. And there's always adjunct prof'ing to supervise students.