Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
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Is a PhD worth it? Before you apply, watch this - here are 6 honest reasons NOT to do a PhD that nobody tells you about.
A PhD sounds like the dream: deep research, more money, a shot at academia. But the reality of doing a PhD is often very different. In this video I break down the real risks behind should I do a PhD - burnout and mental health, toxic academic culture, unrealistic salary expectations, choosing the wrong lab or supervisor, the opportunity cost of years on a stipend, and academic bullying nobody warns you about.
If you're weighing up grad school, researching PhD life, or trying to decide whether a doctorate is really worth it for your career, this breakdown will help you make the decision with your eyes open, before you commit years of your life to it.
00:00 Should you do a PhD?
00:34 Reason 1: Burnout
02:25 Reason 2: Toxic culture
04:57 Reason 3: Money and salary expectations
06:54 Reason 4: Choosing the wrong lab/supervisor
09:03 Reason 5: Opportunity cost
11:28 Reason 6: Bullying in academia
▶ Become a Master Academic Writer With AI using my course: academy.academiainsider.com/courses/ai-writing-course
▶Join 21,000+ email subscribers receiving the free tools and academic tips directly from me:
academiainsider.com/newsletter
Is a PhD worth it? Before you apply, watch this - here are 6 honest reasons NOT to do a PhD that nobody tells you about.
A PhD sounds like the dream: deep research, more money, a shot at academia. But the reality of doing a PhD is often very different. In this video I break down the real risks behind should I do a PhD - burnout and mental health, toxic academic culture, unrealistic salary expectations, choosing the wrong lab or supervisor, the opportunity cost of years on a stipend, and academic bullying nobody warns you about.
If you're weighing up grad school, researching PhD life, or trying to decide whether a doctorate is really worth it for your career, this breakdown will help you make the decision with your eyes open, before you commit years of your life to it.
00:00 Should you do a PhD?
00:34 Reason 1: Burnout
02:25 Reason 2: Toxic culture
04:57 Reason 3: Money and salary expectations
06:54 Reason 4: Choosing the wrong lab/supervisor
09:03 Reason 5: Opportunity cost
11:28 Reason 6: Bullying in academia
