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sonataform
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23 Aug 2014, 5:12 am

I recently got an offer to do a PhD, I work 2 part time jobs and right now I can't afford to do it self-funding.

My PhD would be in philosophy (with a foray into history of science and 18th century history) --- I was wondering how other humanities people deal with this. It's really important for me to do a PhD but I also need it to work for me financially if I were going to do it.



arielhawksquill
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23 Aug 2014, 8:11 am

Graduate schools usually offer a financial package of some kind, a stipend and a job as a teaching assistant at least. Paying for a PhD in philosophy is not a sound financial investment.



sonataform
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23 Aug 2014, 8:14 am

I agree it's not a sound financial investment. But, like many people here I have a special interest and going into academia is the socially acceptable (and probably only) expression of that interest. I'm not doing it for money I am doing it because I wish to explore a topic and be good at something that is unique and also a bit hard for many people to understand but at least in journals and professional circles they appreciate that.

The grad school I'm applying to has limited funding and within the university there's no pool of relevant funding for my PhD.



sonataform
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23 Aug 2014, 8:14 am

I agree it's not a sound financial investment. But, like many people here I have a special interest and going into academia is the socially acceptable (and probably only) expression of that interest. I'm not doing it for money I am doing it because I wish to explore a topic and be good at something that is unique and also a bit hard for many people to understand but at least in journals and professional circles they appreciate that.

The grad school I'm applying to has limited funding and within the university there's no pool of relevant funding for my PhD.



katiesBoyfriend
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23 Aug 2014, 8:37 am

I don't think I got a dime out of having a Ph. D. On the other hand, money wasn't the reason I studied for it. I got mine much later than I initially thought due to circumstances I couldn't control, but it allowed me to save and invest money that I could draw on when I returned to university.



nebrets
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23 Aug 2014, 8:43 am

I know a few people who funded their masters while teaching JH/HS (secondary), but all my PhD friends funded their PhD with a university GTA teaching position with a stipend.


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Swordfish210
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19 Feb 2015, 12:10 pm

Does anyone know the odds for getting a GTA? My research proposal has been accepted but I'm afraid I won't be able to fund my PhD if I don't get a GTA.

Like most aspies my motivations for a PhD are not based on financial gain at all. I really detest my current jobs and the one are I have always prospered in is academia because of my special interests. :)



NerdGeekMom
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07 Mar 2015, 4:23 pm

I chose to pursue my dream program and go into debt, because it will stimulate my special interest. Screw the whole world, I am deliriously happy now, for the first time in my life.

GO FOR IT!


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