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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:06:32 PM EDT
[#1]
PhD in what? Gender studies? History? Math, hard science? Likely something a lot of Indians (dot) or Chinese are competing in. The biggest BS we’re allowing is the mass corruption of H1B visas.
Go to college for 6-8 years, go into debt six figures and have to compete with low-cost diploma-mill foreigners for Starbucks wages. Yeah..... |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:07:54 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The research PhD's in the government aren't on GS scales. They on paybanded scales which typically see performance based pay increases every year instead of fixed increases every GS step. They can start in that range, but typically move up rapidly. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: GS-11's neither possess nor require PhD's regardless of what OPM thinks. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:08:33 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
lol It depends entirely on the field and the quality of the university the PhD is from. A PhD by itself doesn't mean much at all. If you have a PhD in medieval Spanish poetry from a shitty university, then a $56K job would be an impressive accomplishment. If you have a PhD in finance from a well-ranked R1 university, then a $56K job would to a pathetic failure. I have a masters and make more than $56K, but it's a narrow field and difficult to get into. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:08:52 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It means she's either a lesbian or a womans studies major. The latter would explain why she isn't making very much with a Ph.D. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
WTF is "Cis Heteronormative"?  The latter would explain why she isn't making very much with a Ph.D. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:09:48 PM EDT
[#5]
Some people make bad decisions. A shitty degree is one of them.
I was History/Poli Sci/Anthropology with a Masters in Ed. So, on paper, I can't do shit. I finally started to hustle and went corporate at age 27 or so. Money is out there if you are willing to work it. One thing I learned a long time ago is that the majority of PhDs are impressive only to the earner. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:09:57 PM EDT
[#6]
I know a married couple, the man has a Ph.D in music, French Horn performance to be exact, and his wife has a master's degree in some biology/behavioral sciences branch, which has had her spending summers camped out in the desert observing the behavior of wild horses for the BLM. "Of the 17 observed horses in this group, they average taking 12 shits per hour, group wide, from sunrise to sundown. Other significant behaviors include....(insert list of actions and counts)..."
Needless to say, they're poor as church mice. His day job is as the music director for a very small elementary school way out in the Nevada boonies. At least it's something. But he'd probably make more money managing the local McD's. Why people pursue degrees that don't likely lead to gainful employment utterly mystifies me. 
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:10:00 PM EDT
[#7]
Several year ago Mad magazine did a if you can A you’re a genius, but if you expect B you’re an idiot
THE classic example I believe is: If you can earn a PhD in Pythagorean Astronomy in 3 years you’re a genius. IF you think you can earn a living other than flipping burgers with it you’re an idiot. I once saw a book on Satanism written by someone with a PhD in witchcraft. How well it sold I don’t know. If you can earn a living with an esoteric PhD more power to you. In the Real World, don’t bet on it. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:10:14 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why do you plan on sending 3 kids to college? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: This, bigly. I'm on my second career now. Plan on paying off my 3/4 million dollar house next year. I'm 48. I have a HS diploma and a pension. Full medical for my wife and I for life, kids until they're 26. I plan on being completely done in another 3 or maybe 4 years, and will be able to pay for my 3 kids' college as well. No student loans. I drive a new BMW and my wife drives a Range Rover. I also own a newish F150, just because. Shove your PhD up your ass. Good try. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:11:09 PM EDT
[#9]
If we would allow student loans to be discharged in bankruptcy, we would see a lot less of these pointless degrees. No one would loan money for a woman's studies degree or a gender studies degree if there was a risk of losing your loaned money in bankruptcy.
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:11:45 PM EDT
[#10]
Shiiiiiit......I clear over $60K with a high school diploma
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:13:04 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I could see myself enjoying medieval Spanish poetry. In agony, I worked the blade to make it deeper. Please, I begged, let death come quick. Wild, distracted, sick, I counted, counted all the ways love hurt me. One life, I thought— a thousand deaths. Blow after blow, my heart couldn't survive this beating. Then—how can I explain it?— I came to my senses. I said, Why do I suffer? What lover ever had so much pleasure”  No one expects the Spanish Inquisition |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:14:12 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You need a PhD or experience to get a GS11 federal job. GS11 starts at $53k. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/202299/Screenshot_2019-01-21-17-52-12_png-816894.JPG BS plus 3 years of work or BS plus PhD. Your choice. The harsh truth is that in the federal government a PhD doesn't mean anything. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:15:48 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have known a couple GS employees with PhD's but they were in the 13-15 range. None were required for the positions and were obtained as personal goals or as resume enhancers to compete for future positions. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:16:04 PM EDT
[#14]
If the first words out of your mouth are "cis hereronormative"........
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:17:52 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This. Obviously not an MD. Or a Dentist, engineer, economist, etc. Pointless Ph.D = pointless job |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:18:24 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I will say this.. every PhD that I know personally is a freaking idiot Their parents who have sacrificed their own financial well being/retirement to pay for the degree is the original idiot I don't have a degree of any kind but I know a few people who don't broadcast the little letters after their name and nobody would know. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:18:56 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Learn a trade, work OT. Retire very comfy...at 56. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:19:00 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The positions for which my interviews were cancelled due to the shutdown start at GS12 and require a PhD. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: I have known a couple GS employees with PhD's but they were in the 13-15 range. None were required for the positions and were obtained as personal goals or as resume enhancers to compete for future positions. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:21:12 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The positions for which my interviews were cancelled due to the shutdown start at GS12 and require a PhD. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:22:30 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
You need a PhD or experience to get a GS11 federal job. GS11 starts at $53k. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/202299/Screenshot_2019-01-21-17-52-12_png-816894.JPG Quoted: GS-11's neither possess nor require PhD's regardless of what OPM thinks. A buddy of mine is an attorney with SSA in DC. He was tired of his job and wanted to cross he street to a different federal agency. So he goes to a hire a thon. The ladies asked him what level of education he had. He said, "I'm an attorney. I have a JD." The said, "Oh honey we can't hire you. We need more than a GED." May the shut down continue forever. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:23:23 PM EDT
[#21]
Lol
I made 45k in 1985 as a full time carpenter and part time air freight ops dock monkey with 128 credits and no degree. I had paid off my 7k in student loan debt one year prior at the age of 24. Phd. schlubb sounds like a case of working too 'smart' and not harder. They could probably get out of the financial ditch they have dug in several years if they picked up a hammer, then found a second night job and started putting in 70 to 80 honest hours of productive work each week, instead of assuaging their ego by just working jobs they feel are equal to their station in life as an 'educated' person. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:24:55 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have known a couple GS employees with PhD's but they were in the 13-15 range. None were required for the positions and were obtained as personal goals or as resume enhancers to compete for future positions. Just curious if the agencies were DoD? |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:25:14 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: True and funny story A buddy of mine is an attorney with SSA in DC. He was tired of his job and wanted to cross he street to a different federal agency. So he goes to a a hire a thon. The ladies asked him what level of education he had. He said, "I'm an attorney I have a JD." The said, "Oh honey we can't hire you. We need more than a GED." May the shut down continue forever. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:25:33 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This. If the reviewers continue to be assholes, at least I know how to use SAS, STATA, R, Matlab and ARC GIS. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: I used it as an example because I actually knew someone who got a PhD in that. We were in the same kendo club. Now, IF someone can get a tenure-track job at a good university, and can perform well in Academia, then a PhD like that can still be a ticket to a sweet gravy train. But if that plan doesn't work, people with PhDs like that are fucked. They will never earn back the NPV of the lost income their time in grad school cost them.  Not just investment banks and stuff like that, but also government entities like the SEC, BLS and other organizations like that.
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:26:33 PM EDT
[#25]
I retired from the Army as an E-7 (11B40) with 24 years. I had used my GI Bill to get my M S and then was a teacher (U S Constitution) and wrestling coach for 21 years. Arizona allows state retirees to take military time ti teaching time so I retired with 32 years teaching. Add to Social Security I have a monthly income in excess of $60K. Plus Tri-Care for 000 cost. My wife has the same so our income retired is is slightly above our income working. To get it I just had to live through some pretty rough deployments. (Most of which I volunteered for).
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:26:40 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
lol It depends entirely on the field and the quality of the university the PhD is from. A PhD by itself doesn't mean much at all. If you have a PhD in medieval Spanish poetry from a shitty university, then a $56K job would be an impressive accomplishment. If you have a PhD in finance from a well-ranked R1 university, then a $56K job would to a pathetic failure. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:27:01 PM EDT
[#27]
Double tap browser burp
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:27:30 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If the first words out of your mouth are "cis hereronormative"........ |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:28:13 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Were they doing research (getting published)? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: I have known a couple GS employees with PhD's but they were in the 13-15 range. None were required for the positions and were obtained as personal goals or as resume enhancers to compete for future positions. The point is that every hiring announcement out there is published with completely unrealistic education requirements relative to the position. Public sector jobs are not filled with advanced degree holders, period. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:28:27 PM EDT
[#30]
It never ceases to amaze me how many people drown in bewildered amazement when they enter the professional world after graduation.
I've seen countless young lawyers who learned the hard way that just because you have a bachelors degree and a law degree - you still have to work for a living. I guess they expected people to starting throwing money at them once they graduated and started wearing a suit.
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:29:03 PM EDT
[#31]
To me personally, the ONLY real "need" for a Ph.D. is if you intend to work in research academia - or in other advanced research fields, such as medicine, biology, pharmacy, etc.
Otherwise, I really do not see the point. Quite frankly, there really is NO REASON that university teaching positions should require a Ph.D. Teaching at the university level is not necessarily any more difficult or demanding that teaching in high school. I don't see what a PhD adds to that at all. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:30:56 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Skilled trades and OT can be a early retirement  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:33:06 PM EDT
[#33]
My experience is that most of my friends who have PHD's already have made many friends in the field who have guided them and/or are driven by a love for the subject.
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:34:44 PM EDT
[#34]
Getting rejected by top PhD programs in my field (philosophy) was probably the best thing that ever happened to me both personally and professionally. I applied 3 separate times to about 20 schools. The acceptance rates were between 1-3%, and then years of toil in low-paying jobs which may or may not get you tenure. I was devastated at the time because I really wanted to teach philosophy--I truly loved it. Now, I am doing better than I could have ever dreamed of doing, and my job is still somewhat philosophically interesting. I might still teach philosophy at a community college to give me something to do when I retire. There are plenty of PhD programs which are way less rigorous, and have way higher acceptance rates. Hell, if you have the money, just about anyone can get a PhD in something at an accredited college.
If you earn a PhD and you're "underpaid", it's because your job isn't worth more than what you're getting paid. PhDs don't automatically qualify you for a certain salary, just as BA degrees don't. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:38:46 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I used it as an example because I actually knew someone who got a PhD in that. We were in the same kendo club. Now, IF someone can get a tenure-track job at a good university, and can perform well in Academia, then a PhD like that can still be a ticket to a sweet gravy train. But if that plan doesn't work, people with PhDs like that are fucked. They will never earn back the NPV of the lost income their time in grad school cost them. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
lol It depends entirely on the field and the quality of the university the PhD is from. A PhD by itself doesn't mean much at all. If you have a PhD in medieval Spanish poetry from a shitty university, then a $56K job would be an impressive accomplishment. If you have a PhD in finance from a well-ranked R1 university, then a $56K job would to a pathetic failure. Now, IF someone can get a tenure-track job at a good university, and can perform well in Academia, then a PhD like that can still be a ticket to a sweet gravy train. But if that plan doesn't work, people with PhDs like that are fucked. They will never earn back the NPV of the lost income their time in grad school cost them. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:39:32 PM EDT
[#36]
Two of the PhD's I went to school with lament on Facebook about being over educated and under employed. The next ten posts are them hawking some stay at home Mom skin cream and weight loss crap (their husbands make good money in trades and they never talk about who's bringing home the money).
Small sample size, but the post in the OP reminded me of them. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:39:33 PM EDT
[#37]
I have a masters degree, make 65k, and only work 187 days a year.
I enjoy what I do, but the salary is pretty fixed. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:54:03 PM EDT
[#38]
aquarist/kwerst/
noun a person who keeps an aquarium 
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:54:18 PM EDT
[#39]
Not uncommon. Back when I was in higher Ed we hired a recent Harvard PhD at 55k. I even asked her how she intended to pay what I had to imagine were some very significant student loans. She just smiled and told me her wealthy parents covered everything lol.
A few months later she enters my office and proclaims she's never dating another Jewish man, herself being Jewish of course and proceeds to invite me to an all expense paid trip the Dominican Republic. She had just broke off her engagement and the trip was nonrefundable. And yes she was very cute. 
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Posted: 1/21/2019 9:54:52 PM EDT
[#40]
I decoded the OP post.
She gets $40/week (== once a week) to feed and care for the fish at houses with fancy aquariums. This takes half an hour/house. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:01:56 PM EDT
[#41]
In some fields, having a PhD can actually be a hinderance to gainful employment. Some employers have the idea that people with a PhD just want to do research and not actually produce, so they're less likely to get hired than someone with a 'lesser' degree.
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:05:40 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not uncommon. Back when I was in higher Ed we hired a recent Harvard PhD at 55k. I even asked her how she intended to pay what I had to imagine were some very significant student loans. She just smiled and told me her wealthy parents covered everything lol. A few months later she enters my office and proclaims she's never dating another Jewish man, herself being Jewish of course and proceeds to invite me to an all expense paid trip the Dominican Republic. She had just broke off her engagement and the trip was nonrefundable. And yes she was very cute. You just cliff-hangared GD. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:08:21 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Several year ago Mad magazine did a if you can A you’re a genius, but if you expect B you’re an idiot THE classic example I believe is: If you can earn a PhD in Pythagorean Astronomy in 3 years you’re a genius. IF you think you can earn a living other than flipping burgers with it you’re an idiot. I once saw a book on Satanism written by someone with a PhD in witchcraft. How well it sold I don’t know. If you can earn a living with an esoteric PhD more power to you. In the Real World, don’t bet on it. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:08:35 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They could probably get out of the financial ditch they have dug in several years if they picked up a hammer, then found a second night job and started putting in 70 to 80 honest hours of productive work each week, instead of assuaging their ego by just working jobs they feel are equal to their station in life as an 'educated' person. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:09:28 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I will say this.. every PhD that I know personally is a freaking idiot Their parents who have sacrificed their own financial well being/retirement to pay for the degree is the original idiot |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:12:10 PM EDT
[#46]
I have heard only dumbasses get PhDs, and you have to be rich to afford one or else you go $200k in debt to pay for grad school.
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:12:25 PM EDT
[#47]
PhD is not a ticket to being rich by any means. PhD in physics, chemistry, biochem, or bio will land you a job starting at $70-90k. Unless it's engineering. I've heard of people with engineering PhDs getting offered $170k starting.
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:14:00 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have heard only dumbasses get PhDs, and you have to be rich to afford one or else you go $200k in debt to pay for grad school. |
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:15:27 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Have you ever read a book that just suddenly ends without clearing things up? You just cliff-hangared GD. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Not uncommon. Back when I was in higher Ed we hired a recent Harvard PhD at 55k. I even asked her how she intended to pay what I had to imagine were some very significant student loans. She just smiled and told me her wealthy parents covered everything lol. A few months later she enters my office and proclaims she's never dating another Jewish man, herself being Jewish of course and proceeds to invite me to an all expense paid trip the Dominican Republic. She had just broke off her engagement and the trip was nonrefundable. And yes she was very cute. You just cliff-hangared GD. 
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Posted: 1/21/2019 10:15:55 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
To me personally, the ONLY real "need" for a Ph.D. is if you intend to work in research academia - or in other advanced research fields, such as medicine, biology, pharmacy, etc. Otherwise, I really do not see the point. Quite frankly, there really is NO REASON that university teaching positions should require a Ph.D. Teaching at the university level is not necessarily any more difficult or demanding that teaching in high school. I don't see what a PhD adds to that at all. |
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