GPT

Thanks all, some really helpful responses here. It sounds like most are agreeing that staying on for a second year would be best. I do think getting an MA would help me out in the long-term, while gaining some teaching experience would be a useful way of demonstrating professionalism to immediate potential employers. jorou - I can't disclose the line of work I'm interested in because others in my department could identify me from it. Not directly related to any of the areas you mentioned, but thanks for the thought. Catria - Again, thanks for the thought but I am 100% sure my doubts are not motivated by mental health issues.

(Long-time lurker here. Grad Cafe was very helpful with my applications last year. Keeping the personal details to a minimum for obvious reasons.) I'm currently in the first year of a philosophy PhD program and I think I want to drop out. My program is good, the department has a welcoming atmosphere, but I just don't feel like I enjoy philosophy enough to keep doing it indefinitely. I like philosophy but I think I'd be happier in another job. Given how tough the job market is at the moment I don't feel like it's worth staying on the program when I could be happier doing something else. I'm sorry if the above sounds ungrateful. I realize that a lot of people desperately want to get into a PhD program and get shut out. I really thought I wanted to do a PhD in philosophy this time last year. Only when I started my program did I realize that academia probably isn't right for me. So here's my question: Should I drop out at the end of my 1st year or should I hold out for a second year? At the moment, I think staying on for a second year would be the better option. If I stay for 2 years I will leave my program with some teaching experience, and by teaching I will also be able to give something back to my department. Plus, if I stay on for two years I might have a shot at applying for a Master's degree. Does anyone know what the chances of being awarded a master's degree after 2 years on a PhD program are? Obviously I can't ask other grad students or faculty in my department without letting them know I'm thinking of dropping out. Thoughts appreciated.