This article destroyed my dreams

[anthcat]

Anyone else read this?

http://www.thevalve.org/go/valve/articl ... ork_times/

Ugh. The original Times article was depressing enough. But this is even worse.

http://chronicle.com/review/brainstorm/ ... t-isnt-one

Nothing most of us didn't already know, but in more condensed and soul-killing form.

[miratrix]

And that's why i want to position myself to be able to get a job with the government, museums, CRM, or whatever after graduation...better to rely on four employers of very few people than one.

[zygomatic]

It is a rather grim forecast. I am hoping that by the time I complete my PhD that things will be on the up-swing and faculty will be retiring. 8)

[twocosmicfish]

It is something people should be aware of going into PhD programs - completing the program does not guarantee a job! The more people get this message, the more people will skip the PhD and the easier life will get for those within. It's like being a profesional dancer - if you are not really really good at it, don't sell everything and move to New York! Even if you are good at it, make a plan, work your ass off, and always keep a contigency plan open that does NOT involve the same industry - for PhD's this means something outside academia.

If people took the time to be aware of the labor market before getting into programs, fewer people would go into them but those who did who see better pay and working conditions both within and without academia. Currently, it is a hirer's market, and has been for decades.