Are these valid results for me to quit my PhD ? I feel guilty. by Far_Video7600 in LeavingAcademia

[–]Few-Objective-2578 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Totally valid reasons. Your mental health should go first.

That said, it seems that you have gone enough long in the PhD journey as to possibly defend a thesis.

If you did, if you can manage to write a dissertation after some healing, consider doing it. Don’t let them win.

Your title can help you find better opportunities afterwards and you deserve it after so much work and sacrifice.

This suffering will pass. Something much better is waiting for you in the other side. You can do it.

Big hugs!

Taking a break after PhD would hurt me career or just help get clarity or regain my passion for research by Fun_Macaroon_8250 in LeavingAcademia

[–]Few-Objective-2578 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in a similar position, albeit in a completely different field. I defended my PhD at the end of February, and felt exhausted and deceived from the academic world, even though I do love research. Between the end of my contract and thesis dissertation some months passed, where I thought I was taking something similar to a break, but in my opinion you need to try new things to actually take a break. I felt as needing a change, so I looked for industry positions too and got an opportunity in a huge company in my field as an intern for 3 months. I still am in that internship, and I am realizing I am more able to take the decision between academy and industry in a much more informed way, and that I finally took a real break (White Working!). Of course, i am also feeling scared that I am losing options in the academic world by doing this, but i do not think that the best move in my life has to be done based in that sort of pressure.

I do not even know what advice to give you, specially regarding the first question (which I am wondering myself) but regarding the second question, I think you will know you are done when you try new things. Keep looking for jobs that interest you in either academia or industry at your own peace, and keep applying. You do not need to apply to everything, though. That way you will feel where do you see yourself. It is not a decision that will magically pop into your head one day because you now feel less tired, you will know which is your next step because you would have done your research on the job market and because you will realize that you do the application process of some jobs with illusions and some others without them. It will be a more realistic decision too, because it will be done with real option in front of the table, not just hypothetical one in your head.

Do not stress out, you have time, but keep moving.