I have run the financials on a PhD program. I have done highly independent research as part of my Master's. I am aware the TT job market is dicey on a good year. I am aware that it's a Very Institutional game, unlike startups, and h-indexes tend to matter more than one might hope. I have known a number of PhDs and watched their planned graduation dates slip, and their advisors put them through wringers.
So: thank you; I'm very aware of the PhD road. I would really like to go deep on a research problem and, later, be paid an acceptable sum to research & teach.
I have run the financials on a PhD program. I have done highly independent research as part of my Master's. I am aware the TT job market is dicey on a good year. I am aware that it's a Very Institutional game, unlike startups, and h-indexes tend to matter more than one might hope. I have known a number of PhDs and watched their planned graduation dates slip, and their advisors put them through wringers.
So: thank you; I'm very aware of the PhD road. I would really like to go deep on a research problem and, later, be paid an acceptable sum to research & teach.