u/radicalsapphic

I graduated this past year with my bachelor's degree from a T20 US school. I did research (STEM) for a few years there on a subject I really liked a lot. I've been offered the opportunity to return for a PhD. I'm conflicted and not sure how to proceed, though. I know ultimately only I can make the decision for me, but I would appreciate some input. Here's some details and what I'm thinking:

- Pros of staying: well-ranked program (T25ish grad program), school is particularly good for the subfield, PI is quite well-known in the topic, I already know I love the school and city, already familiar with the work, would most likely collaborate/be coadvised by another institute

- Cons of staying: optics of getting multiple degrees from one place, limiting myself from going somewhere "better," PI's mentoring style is quite hands off and distant so current students tell me to go somewhere else, topic is not the "hottest" right now (I enjoy the work and find it impactful, but it's not the best pick if the goal is to publish a whole bunch)

On getting multiple degrees from one place: I see this get mentioned as a negative because you are limiting your academic network, less diverse experiences, etc. But I don't really see this in practice. I've seen multiple professors and my university's president do this. Multiple professors I've interacted with don't seem to view it negatively. Additionally, as mentioned before, I would probably spend a considerable portion of this PhD in collaboration at another institute. Would it still be better to go elsewhere? 

On current students telling me to go elsewhere and the PI's mentoring style: I do want to take these concerns into consideration. The PI can be sometimes difficult to reach and is comparatively hands off. For these reasons, some of the students have complained about lack of guidance. On the other hand, the PI does not demand that students work any number of hours, demand publications, etc. It's a low mentorship but low pressure environment. This has me conflicted. I may benefit from finding another PI at another school who is more involved. But, I could also risk finding a lab/PI that's high pressure, toxic, etc. So, I'm either safely choosing the fine/decent PI or taking the gamble on finding a great PI. Additionally, as mentioned before, I would likely be coadvised by another PI elsewhere who I know to be a good advisor and could fill this role.

For context: my post-PhD goal is industry or national labs. I'm not currently planning on academia but may change my mind. 

Any input is appreciated!

throughout college, I had planned on pursuing a PhD (STEM field). i got a few years of research experience by the time i graduated (last May). my plan originally was to take one year off before starting a PhD. i planned to apply for PhDs last December. in the meantime, i applied for jobs and started one mid-autumn. fortunately, the job is related to my field of study, and it wasn't hard for me to land it. all things considered, i am very lucky considering the current state of the job market for new grads.

i ended up not applying for any PhD programs this past cycle. after multiple conversations with current PhD students and PhD holders, i was recommended to really evaluate if a PhD is worth it for my career. i was warned that a PhD is exhausting, low-pay work that doesn't necessarily pay off. so, i decided to just work and reassess.

now, 7 months later, i've decided i do want a PhD. and that i am not enjoying the job. all things considered, the job is good. relatively high pay, good manager, low stress, nice coworkers. sometimes the work is interesting, and the skills are fairly relevant for my long-term goals, but i've quickly realized that i need more intellectually challenging work with more purpose. while i am materially and financially in a good spot, i feel a significant lack of fulfillment in life, which is affecting me mentally. i find myself missing research, and i am more drawn to the work of research scientists that i've interacted with in industry and academia. i don't regret not going straight for the PhD. i needed this time to better understand what doors a PhD opens and closes and what type of work i enjoy. but now that i know, i'm itching to go back for it.

i likely could begin a PhD in August if i wanted to. but that would mean quitting this job after 10 months, which i don't think is ideal. my team and manager are great, and my manager talks a lot about the next stages of my training and more responsibilities. there is nothing wrong with the job. it's objectively good, and most people would be happy with it. i feel some sense of obligation to stick it out longer because of their investment in me. but, i also now see how this line of work is not a fit for me. while i feel poorly about leaving less than a year in, i also don't want to delay my own career goals more than i need to.

do i stick it out and wait to start a PhD in 2027, garnering more industry experience but delaying my long-term goals? do i leave after 10 months and start a PhD this August, advancing my goals but leaving my company with some disappointment? do i try to find a middle ground and potentially start the PhD in January so that I pass the 1 year mark at the job? any help appreciated!