[mjstreet]

So, this is not a technical question, but I need some advice from other chemists....

I'm a grad student in analytical chemistry, and I'm in my second year. I am not the typical grad student, though, because I am supporting a wife (who is a stay at home mom) and two kids. I am currently receiving 30k a year because of a fellowship, but it will soon go down to 22k per year. It feels like a stretch living on my current salary, and I am wondering if I can make it on less. The other problem that I have is that I don't like my work situation and am looking for an out (I have practically no contact with my advisor, and I'm never sure what I should be doing or if I am making progress). I could leave now with a Master's and try to find a job, or I could try to stick this out and finish the PhD. Advice, anyone? Is the PhD worth it? Also, I have heard rumors that it is HARDER to find work with a PhD because it puts you in a higher pay bracket and because the market is saturated. Anyone know if this is true?

[Mitch]

It is not worth it! I'm a Berkeley PhD chemist and although I can probably always find a job, I will never be able to find a 9-5 job anymore. I think a Masters might be a better fit for your life.

[Dan]

If you don't like the work and you are struggling financially then getting out at this point is probably a good idea. You can always go for a PhD at some point in the future if you wanted to. You don't want to spend the next few years constantly worrying about money and hating your job.

[Doc Oc]

Thank God people here are talking some sense.  I'm sick of seeing everybody's default answer of "a Ph.D is the only way to get good jobs."

I am in complete agreement with Mitch and Dan.  You don't like your current work, and that isn't likely to suddenly change.  Continual sacrifice is expected of Ph.Ds, even after they finish.  A Master's will give you better work/life balance.

[408]

Masters.

A PhD should never be done for the money.

[Jasim]

"a Ph.D is the only way to get good jobs."

Whoever said that has NO CLUE how the job market works for science graduates. For money making, at least what I've seen, Master's is the way to go as other's have expressed. You can also teach part-time with a masters if you need the extra cash. PhD job postings are certainly less common that masters.

About the only time I would ever recommend going for a PhD above a masters is if you wanted to be a professor or academic research scientist (for which the current outlook is pretty grim given the economy).

I think company's have the idea that a masters is sufficient and they can pay less for someone with a masters.