How to deal with early PhD graduation in front of friends who have more than 5 years in grad school and haven't graduate?

[Meganpsi]

Hi,

I'm about to graduate from a PhD in life sciences in the United States in a total time of 4 years and 2 months (no masters, straight from bachelors). I feel bad about telling some friends that I'm graduating and thank god I have a job aligned in industry (no postdoc). In my department there a lot of students in their 5th, 6th, 7th years who still do not know when they will graduate. Those of my colleagues who know I'm graduating ask me why so early, and why so fast, etc. I do not even know what to answer without hurting their feelings or making enemies. The truth is that I have published more than the average PhD student in my field, but I don't want to say that.

Any advice? I don't even feel like celebrating with my peers and colleagues because of that. I don't know what to do, maybe I feel like my PhD is not enough. Thanks!

Edited September 23, 2016 by Meganpsi

[fuzzylogician]

Why not just say that you were lucky enough to get a job that you find attractive, so you're graduating now so you can start by X start date? You don't need to say anything about publishing more than anyone else, that would just be rubbing it in. 

[TakeruK]

Seconding what fuzzy said. I think it's normal in most fields that if you have a good job offer, then you're ready to graduate! 

[bhr]

I have a friend who finished her PhD in just three years. Everyone in her cohort was happy for her that she was able to finish/get a job. Her success reflected well on the program to boot, which means everyone else is better off too.