Why 80% of PhD Students Regret Their Decision – Don’t Be Next!

Embarking on the journey of getting a PhD is a decision that can profoundly shape your life, but it’s not one to be taken lightly.

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In this video, I explore the question so many people ask themselves: "Should I do a PhD?" It’s a question that goes beyond just academic ambition—it’s about understanding your motivations, goals, and the realities of this demanding path.

As someone who has been through it, I want to offer honest PhD advice that challenges the assumptions many people hold about this degree. For instance, one of the biggest mistakes people make is using a PhD to avoid something—whether it’s uncertainty about the future, the job market, or even deeper insecurities. When avoidance drives your choice, the result can often lead to PhD regret. A PhD is not a "safe" option; it’s a major commitment that requires clarity of purpose and passion.

I also talk about the pressures from academic supervisors and peers that can push you toward this decision. Many supervisors encourage students to pursue a PhD because it benefits their research, not necessarily because it’s the best step for your career or life. These external influences can make it hard to truly evaluate whether a PhD aligns with your personal goals.

The financial and emotional cost is another major consideration. For those considering a self-funded PhD, I provide insights into why this may not be a wise investment. The opportunity cost of spending years in a program that doesn’t guarantee a better outcome is significant, and it’s crucial to weigh that against other potential paths.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a PhD is deeply personal. It’s about knowing who you are and what you want. This video aims to provide the clarity you need to determine whether getting a PhD is truly the right choice for you—or whether it’s time to explore other opportunities. So, if you’re wondering whether to step onto this path, I encourage you to pause, reflect, and ask yourself the tough questions that could save you from PhD regret.
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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:02 If you are using it to avoid something
01:44 Because everyone does it
03:05 If you can't afford it
04:56 If you are expecting a structure
07:04 It's gonna solve insecurities
08:51 Outro

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▼ ▽ Socials for shorts and reels

[nickulin]

I'm from Russia and I do PhD to avoid army. I think it can be considered as an exemption.

[JJSalomoun]

I am doing my doctorate at the age of 50. Not for a career, not for an academic future, but just for my interest in a subject. I want to go deeper and this is my way to achieve this goal. But I totally understand your point of view. Thanks for your videos!

[quintinavideo]

I love this channel. It's refreshing to hear someone, an actual human being, talk about these things. What's up with PhD students not being able to even talk about all these feelings. I am a PhD student in music, and when I say, "I just want a job, really, ." people look at me like I am putting them down (along with me)!

[FergusHodgson]

The note about insecurity is important. My sense is many people fall into that trap, but it fails to satisfy. The truth is that no one cares about you having a PhD or not.

[amariap]

I’m about to start a PhD coming January. It has been my dream since I was 8 (really). I built my life in the academia and research fields and your video just made me surer about my decision. Thank you!

[airborneranger-ret]

"Using it to avoid something" - really good advice

[Harshal]

I was really into getting a PhD. But I sat down, saw the job market, saw my professor who have recently completed their PhD go for post doc and start a writing and editing agency for ppl writing their thesis(his students basically) as side hustle. I was actually devastated by that.

[Shaz]

I've always pictured myself in academia and joined academia right after graduating with my bachelor's. For five years, I was holding a research position and managed to publish more and presented in more conferences than most PhD students may have during the course of their programme! I was also giving guest lectures annually on my field of expertise! My fellow "junior scholars" colleagues at the research centre I worked were all either (a) holding a master's and undertook a researcher position before continuing on to a PhD or (b) postdocs actively applying for TT positions. Everyone knew why they were there and where they wanted to be, and all were supportive of me being one of them. I left to do my master's last year and graduated this year. Now I'm taking a hiatus from academia and working in the public sector. It is so structured (and suffocating) here in govt that I miss the freedom I had in academia. But I'm planning my return to academia - first into a PhD programme, and then where ever life takes me. It just feels like the natural next step for me.

[burnthappiness]

I think you do need to differentiate between a low information PhD that leaves the student in debt, and one that gives them a free ride to learn something real. I defaulted from an undergrad in math to a PhD from Harvard with Canadian government funding for four years. The most important thing I got from it was a love of travel (second year in Paris, thesis written in Kyoto). Then I learned how to program.

It was avoidant, but for myself I didn't have any better ideas at age 21. Better to get a math PhD than do drugs on the streets of Montreal!

[sciencequake]

I did Msc because no jobs after BSc, I did PhD because I did not find job afte Msc. I did post doctoral fellowship because I did not find job after PhD. I ended up in a low paying job after postdoc. Now I look back I realize I should have stopped at Msc.

[judenwabuokei]

I am self funded. In my final/ write-up year. For me, it wasn't easy but it was worth it. I applied for funding many times and did not get it. When I started the PhD I got a job as a Part-Time Lecturer, in addition to support from my wife.

The PhD journey was an intentional one for me.

Nonetheless, the points you raised are valid. Not everyone has the financial base to be self funded. It is mentally and emotionally draining

[dereksmith]

I am paying out of pocket for my doctorate, unfortunately. However, I work full-time and I am a college adjunct professor. I am not in debt for it, as I pay monthly. I am 61, and at this point, it won't help me a lot as I retire in 4 years. I tried it my first time in 2003-2005 and was ABD. I am doing it for personal satisfaction and will also earn more as a professor with it. I am currently working on my graduate research project/dissertation. I am at Liberty University, and the degree is a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership.

[nwangwuchukwuemekachijioke]

You are very correct! In fact, the world is changing fast, and flexibility seems to be an indispensable skill everyone should have. It makes one think critically and consider all available options rather than flowing along the wind.

[flowmovementtherapy]

100% agree with doing a PhD to avoid things. My PhD was miserable the whole way through. The only thing my PhD shows people is I'm super determined. I'm in a completely different field now and there's no comparison how happy and fulfilled I am today. Looking back I should have switched careers at the beginning of my masters.

[annika]

Good tips! I'm in the second year and have not regretted doing a PhD yet. I just felt like it combines many of my passions and capacities (like writing, speaking many languages, being interested in other people, explaining things...). I could probably earn a bit more in other jobs, but I love structuring my own day, being paid to learn, read, going to conferences, etc.

[ihorarkhypchuk]

Well, one of the reasons for me to do phd and continue with academic path is time you spend on understanding things. This is such a great feeling when you can see a tiny bit more of this world through your research 😊
Or I'm just crazy enough🤷

[Arman-wqkc]

Thank you very very much for these videos! You're a hero <3

Could you please consider making a video on 'when to consider a PhD'?

[quintinavideo]

"It's only going to make whatever mental problem you have worse"! 😂😂😂 So it's not a question of whether there's a mental problem or not.

[austinjohnson]

I earned my PhD in the liberal arts, and I received full funding from the university I attended. I want to repeat something that Andy said, NEVER ever pursue a PhD without full funding. The opportunity cost is simply far too great. You should take a pass on any program that doesn't offer you a scholarship/fellowship.

[WesternOutpostDonVonFilms]

I appreciate the honesty and self-reflection.