People feel ecstatic at different things !! :
People feel ecstatic at different things !! Work of art !
Meeting some specific people !
A serene surrounding !
A movie !
Solving a problem !
Telling others that they are pursuing a PhD !
For a very rare breed, actually pursuing a PhD !
My motivations ! :
My motivations ! Ofcourse, getting some rare respect by telling others that ..
Importantly, a break from the mundane
Some intellectual satisfaction ..
Ofcourse, there is a presumption, do I need to say?
Some feeling of contribution ..
Feeling younger by being with much younger folks !
Yes, indeed .. Clarity on motivations is critical :
Yes, indeed .. Clarity on motivations is critical Is it to use PHD for career purposes ?
Is it to enhance monetary possibilities?
Is it purely for knowledge ?
(that means you already have pots of money or for ladies, your respective husbands have!)
Is it for widening horizons ?
Is it to pursue something different?
Clarity will help you choose your topic as well ..
Other aspects .. :
Other aspects .. Is your family supportive ..
Do you have enough time to continually spare it over a long period..
Do you have patience ?
Are you willing to work on your own?
Are you ready for some surprises on the road?
As they say in SOM, are you ready for two or three severe depressions?
Am I trying to dissuade you? :
Am I trying to dissuade you? No .. No .. Not at all
I am only preparing your mind so that you are much better prepared to take it head on
This phase is important because it is a serious commitment of time !
Let me tell you, once you start pursuing it, phd will always be at the back of your mind .. It will provide a momentum to get going !
Pratahsmaranam .. God .. I have not yet finished my PHD .. Will become a big driver !
Let me share my experience about the work I am doing .. :
Let me share my experience about the work I am doing .. My topic: Factors influencing investment in Indian states
My primary survey .. I toiled hard
Secondary data .. A big opportunity to learn
Learning analysis & software .. A steep learning curve ..
It has done wonders to the confidence that I can make learning a lifetime commitment