Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Doctorate: A Personal Journey

Deciding to pursue a doctorate is a significant life choice that comes with both substantial advantages and challenges. This article explores the potential pros and cons, and includes a personal account that might help you decide whether a doctorate is worth your time and effort.

Pros of Pursuing a Doctorate

The advantages of earning a doctorate are numerous and fulfilling. Firstly, it opens the door to higher salary opportunities, enhancing your financial stability and future earning potential. It also grants you a higher status in your professional field, making you an authority among colleagues and peers. Moreover, the accomplishment of completing a doctoral degree brings a tremendous sense of personal satisfaction and pride. Lastly, a doctorate can provide wider career opportunities, particularly in research and teaching.

Cons of Pursuing a Doctorate

However, the path to obtaining a doctorate is not without its challenges. One of the most significant cons is the time and sacrifice involved. The pursuit of a doctorate can significantly impact your personal and family life, as you will likely miss out on important family and social events while deducing your studies and preparing for comprehensive exams and your dissertation. The dissertation alone, and the arduous process of passing the defense hearing, can be an immense undertaking, leaving little free time for other activities. Loved ones may not always understand your commitment to your studies.

Decision Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to pursue a doctorate is highly dependent on the field of interest. Here are some key factors to consider:

Is your area of interest in demand now, and will it still be in demand when you complete your PhD in 5 to 8 years? What are your personal strengths and passions? Do you have the self-discipline and stamina to study for 3 to 10 years, sometimes without structure? Which institution can you attend with minimal funding or with a scholarship? Will your background allow you to gain acceptance? Are you willing to move for your studies, and do you have the necessary language skills?

For instance, my own journey involved earning a Masters from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in just 18 months, and then pursuing doctoral studies at RPI. However, I ultimately had to withdraw after issues with my dissertation advisor. This experience underscores the variability and personal nature of such decisions.

A Personal Account

I initially had my doubts about pursuing a doctorate, and my decision was influenced by the encouragement of a dean at OU, who supported my application despite a previous failure from an MIT professor. Despite my reservations, I decided to pursue this path when RPI offered to cover all expenses for my doctoral studies, provided I could resign from the USAF several weeks early. While the academic journey had its challenges, particularly with a difficult dissertation advisor, the overall experience taught me the importance of advocating for yourself and finding the right environment for your academic pursuits.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a doctorate is a profoundly personal one. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific circumstances and goals. As a personal experience taught me, the field you choose and the institutions you consider are paramount. Remember, every situation is unique, and you should make your decision based on your individual merits and needs.