Why Leaving a High-Paying Job for a PhD Was the Right Choice

Many individuals discover that their ultimate goal in life is not solely monetary gain but rather pursuing a career that aligns with their interests, passions, and values. This can lead some to leave lucrative professional paths for the pursuit of academic excellence, such as obtaining a PhD. In this article, we will explore some of the motivations behind such a career transition, with a personal account of my journey.

Motivations Behind Pursuing a PhD

Not everyone is motivated by financial gain alone. Some are driven by the pursuit of knowledge, the desire to contribute to their field of study, or the intellectual challenge that comes with advanced education. Getting a PhD often represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and allows individuals to immerse themselves in the latest research and advancements in their chosen field. For those whose primary goal is personal satisfaction and intellectual fulfillment, leaving a high-paying job for a PhD can be a rewarding decision.

My Journey from Accountant to PhD Candidate

My own career path illustrates this transition. Initially, I pursued a bachelor's degree in Accounting, with the expectation of entering the finance industry. Though I enjoyed my studies, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge led me to seek multiple degrees. Today, I hold six degrees, though I cannot recall where the certifications are kept. This experience underscores the fact that accumulating multiple degrees is not always the ultimate goal but rather seeking fulfillment in one's professional and academic life.

Reasons for Pursuing a PhD

Some individuals opt for a PhD to work in fields that require such a degree, like scientific or engineering research. These roles often provide a level of intellectual satisfaction that cannot be matched by purely financial gains. Moreover, obtaining a PhD is a process of learning to create new knowledge, and it allows researchers to contribute to their field in meaningful ways. This pursuit is not without its challenges, but the sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to make a difference can be incredibly fulfilling.

My Own Decision to Leave a High-Paying Job

My decision to leave a high-paying corporate job for a PhD was not immediately clear. In university, my initial goal was to earn a Bachelor's degree in accounting to secure an entry-level position in finance. However, as I progressed, I realized that I was far more interested in the pursuit of knowledge than in the career path. I worked in data analytics for two years at Deloitte, but the routine and repetitive nature of the work began to feel boring, and it took a toll on my personal relationships.

After some time in corporate life, I became increasingly dissatisfied. I found that the monetary gains and professional challenges were not enough to sustain my interest and satisfaction. It was during this period that I stumbled upon an opportunity to pursue a PhD in statistics and machine learning at NTU. The appeal of diving deep into research and contributing to the field was too strong to ignore.

I was initially apprehensive about leaving my comfort zone, especially the idea of moving abroad. However, after discussing my options with seniors and friends, I decided to take the leap and apply to the PhD program. Despite the rigorous interview and application process, I embraced this new challenge.

Two years into my PhD journey, I can confidently say that my decision was the right one. The intellectual stimulation, the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds, and the sense of accomplishment are incomparable to any job I had in the corporate world. However, it is important to note that my experience is not always satisfying and exciting. Research comes with its fair share of failures, rejections, and frustrations, which are part of the journey.

Conclusion

If you are considering leaving a high-paying job for a PhD, it is essential to be prepared for the challenges that come with the pursuit of advanced education. Pursuing a PhD is undoubtedly a long and exhausting challenge, but if you are ready to commit, the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling. As my personal experience shows, the journey of obtaining a PhD can be a deeply enriching and rewarding experience.