Who Shouldn’t Pursue a PhD? A Guide to Knowing When It's Not the Right Choice

Some years ago, if you had asked me if I wanted to pursue a PhD, I would probably have looked at you with wide eyes and said, "No, I'm not crazy!"

If you’re considering a PhD, keep reading this post until the end, and let me help you in your decision-making process. To answer the question, "Should you pursue a PhD?" I flip it to "Who shouldn't pursue a PhD?" and you will have your answer.

Pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and energy. It isn't the right choice for everyone. In many fields, it is not necessary to do a PhD unless you want to be a university professor.

So, who shouldn't pursue a PhD?

1. Uncertain Career Goals

   If you're unsure about what you want to do with your career, or if you're pursuing a PhD because you don’t know what else to do, it might not be the best decision. A PhD is a very specialized degree and may not align with all career paths. In most PhD programs, you are too focused on answering very specific questions, and you may end up losing sight of the bigger picture. Plus, many careers do not require a PhD, and in some fields, it might even be seen as overqualification. If your goal is to work in industry, business, or any field that does not emphasize research, a PhD may not be necessary.

   
   

2. Motivated by External Pressures

   If you are considering a PhD because of pressure from family, friends, or societal expectations, rather than your own interest, it’s likely not the best path. Listen, it's at least five years of your life, and you shouldn't live it according to others' expectations of you. Even worse, if you are chasing a "Dr. blah blah" title, pursuing a PhD just for the prestige is not a strong enough reason to sustain the long and challenging process. Again, don't waste your time!

   
   

3. Dislike for Research

   A PhD is fundamentally a research degree. If you don’t enjoy research, problem-solving, and independent work, you will likely struggle through the process and may not find it fulfilling. A substantial part of a PhD involves writing research papers, theses, and possibly teaching others. If you dislike writing or find it overly stressful, this could be a major obstacle. You need strong ambition and resilience to continue during the PhD, and if you don’t enjoy what you do, you are going to have a hard time finishing the degree.

   
   

4. Lifestyle Incompatibility

   PhD programs can be very demanding and may require long hours, often leading to poor work-life balance. If you value maintaining a balanced life, this might be a significant drawback.

   
   

5. Financial Constraints

   You need money to enjoy life! PhDs often take several years to complete, during which time you may be earning a relatively low stipend. If financial stability or higher income in the short term is a priority, the opportunity cost of a PhD might be too high.

   
   

6. Mental and Emotional Resilience

   PhD programs can be stressful and may involve a lot of uncertainty, rejection (e.g., from journals, grants), and isolation. If you struggle with stress or need a lot of external validation, this environment is not for you.

   A PhD can take 4-7 years or more to complete. If you are not comfortable committing to a long-term project or tend to lose interest in projects over time, it might not be the right fit.

   
   

7. Limited Job Market

   The academic job market is highly competitive, with more PhD graduates than available positions. If your goal is to become a professor, be aware that tenure-track positions are increasingly difficult to secure. In some fields, a PhD might not significantly enhance your career prospects compared to a master’s degree, and it could even limit your options by making you seem overqualified.

   
   

8. Personal Life Circumstances

   If you have significant personal commitments (family, health issues, etc.), the demands of a PhD might be difficult to manage. Some PhD programs require you to be in a specific location, which might not be feasible for everyone.

Is a PhD degree a mere illusion or a hard-earned achievement?

Okay, if you've read this far and are still unsure, I will give you some tips and exercises to better understand yourself and your major.

• Try to ask people who are currently pursuing or have completed a PhD in your field about the pros and cons. If you don't know anyone, find PhD students in your field on LinkedIn and send a short message like, "Hi, I see you are doing a PhD. I'm interested in your field and would appreciate it if you could share some tips or tell me about what you love and dislike about your PhD."

• Think about the professional direction you want to pursue, and identify companies or university groups that work in that field. Then, research their LinkedIn profiles or home pages to see if you are attracted to what they do.

• Ask your family and friends if they support you. You will need constant emotional and possibly financial support. For example, if you have children, ask your family members if they can help with childcare.

• Be open about your wishes and career goals. Write down your long- and short-term goals and see if they align with your PhD timeline and responsibilities.

A PhD can help you grow in many directions. The soft skills you will gain by the end of your program are among the most important ones. You will become a problem solver, creative, and organized. Your writing and presentation skills will develop, and you will start learning how to build professional relationships. However, who you work with also matters. Try to find a group that matches you 50-60%. Working on something you love in the wrong environment is draining. You shouldn't be a depressed and anxious PhD student.