I have a PhD in the social sciences, now work as a data scientist/PI in industry.
1. I agree with hideo, though they have sort of a maximally negative take here. This perspective is good to entertain however, as there will be weeks/months where it sucks as bad as they say. Other times, it will be fine/much better. Of course you will need to be prepared for the worst to make it.
2. Much of the PhD angst for me derived from financial stress. This won't be an issue for you, which is an interesting
comparative advantage.
3. Many programs allow you to bail after two years with a masters. There is no shame in this, and sometimes I wonder why I didn't do this (despite the PhD being an unmitigated, if unbelievably stressful, success for me personally).
4. Speaking for myself, a doctorate has opened doors I never imagined would be possible for me. It also almost drove me insane multiple times. Get a group meeting through the student health center (I did a men's group, and it got me over the line).
5. I agree with vanusa that you basically don't want to leave anything on the table in life. If this is in your belly, it is. If having the biggest 401k possible is in your belly, I'd avoid it or get a masters. As others have said, FAANG isn't going anywhere (despite rebrands and name changes), and from my experience you will command a higher salary if/when you want to go back.
1. I agree with hideo, though they have sort of a maximally negative take here. This perspective is good to entertain however, as there will be weeks/months where it sucks as bad as they say. Other times, it will be fine/much better. Of course you will need to be prepared for the worst to make it.
2. Much of the PhD angst for me derived from financial stress. This won't be an issue for you, which is an interesting comparative advantage.
3. Many programs allow you to bail after two years with a masters. There is no shame in this, and sometimes I wonder why I didn't do this (despite the PhD being an unmitigated, if unbelievably stressful, success for me personally).
4. Speaking for myself, a doctorate has opened doors I never imagined would be possible for me. It also almost drove me insane multiple times. Get a group meeting through the student health center (I did a men's group, and it got me over the line).
5. I agree with vanusa that you basically don't want to leave anything on the table in life. If this is in your belly, it is. If having the biggest 401k possible is in your belly, I'd avoid it or get a masters. As others have said, FAANG isn't going anywhere (despite rebrands and name changes), and from my experience you will command a higher salary if/when you want to go back.