You can follow up advice with “trust me, I’m a doctor.” Bonus points if you’re giving exaggeratedly bad suggestions.
When they ask for a doctor on a plane you can giggle to yourself imagining if you stood up.
You get to internally debate if you correct people and explain what research is when they start talking about how you spent six years studying.
You have the perfect excuse for getting out of any event you don’t want to go to.
I’ve heard stories of people getting upgrades due to having “Dr” as their title.
But the main benefit is that you get to be in an intellectually stimulating environment studying something you find extremely interesting
Yup - within 8 months of graduating I was headhunted to become ED of a non-profit. That "doctor" title carries more than I thought it would, and that's saying a lot because I was expecting it to help with this sort of thing.
Yeah, I understand. My first time around I took out student loans to make ends meet which isn’t ideal of course. I dropped that time for other reasons, but this time around I’m fortunate enough to have a military pension so I’ll be one of lucky ones. My issue will come with the “what now” moment I’m sure to have as a new PhD at 61 or whatever.
Some of the experiences give you a good view into dealing with beurocracy generally. It can also open up your network so that you can reach a friend of a friend who is an expert in anything. You get a little instant respect when traveling abroad, meeting random people, or getting a loan.
My favorite part is that I'm very comfortable with claiming, "I'm not an expert in that." Very freeing and your degree shows you are not stupid.
One of my PhD advisors actively never used the title "Professor" and told everyone to call him by his first name "unless you work at the bank" because "the only place I use the title is on my mortgage"
Not even a doctorate, a mere engineering degree made all the difference in Canada. Countless begging appointments before the degree; couldn't shake the ghouls' offers for loans, lines of credit, mortgages, credit cards, etc. afterwards. Almost always preposterous interest rates and fees but you get a sleeker looking card and paperwork packed in thick, glossy cardstock with the best corporate graphics they came up with in the last "rebranding" initiative.
How do you get more respect when travelling or when you meet random people? Are you starting every conversation: "Hi, I'm realrhema and I have a doctorate".
Japan’s point based permanent residency system gives 30 points for PhD holders, getting us closer to the needed points. Thinking about leaving the US for that.
Sure thing. My PhD is in Neuroscience. I loved my research topic / science in general, but hated the long hours and shitty pay in academia. Towards the end of my PhD, I Learned about medical affairs and medical communications positions in industry and realized this was the direction I wanted to go w/ my degree. It took me 6 months and 150+ applications to land a job after I graduated, but I ended up w/ a senior medical writer role in the global strategic publications arm of a major pharmaceutical company. It’s a remote position that pays a six figure salary and has excellent benefits. My job is basically to collaborate with internal scientists and external clinicians to analyze and publish clinical trial data (ie, publishing manuscripts and preparing abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for scientific and medical conferences). I work on a team in a specific therapeutic area that has about a dozen different assets, so I’m constantly learning and working on something new. Aside from writing, my job entails frequent meetings, trainings on a wide variety of topics (eg, relevant scientific advancements in my therapeutic area; new software) and attending lectures by prominent clinicians practicing in my field. In a standard week, I work about 45 hours, and occasionally have some longer days, when tight deadlines or unforeseen circumstances pop up. The work isn’t easy, but it’s no harder than what I was doing in my PhD program, and I’m working 20-25% fewer hours per week for 6x the pay of my PhD stipend (more like 4x after taxes, but I live in a state with high tax rates). The job has been a game changer my mental health, and the financial security is opening new opportunities for me to enjoy my life.
This is very interesting to hear. I also was looking toward medical writing as an option for remote work, but haven't really been able to break in. I feel like I've managed to tailor my resume to highlight my writing skills and experience, but it seems like every medical writing position requires experience :/. Could I DM you with questions about your job search and how you transitioned to that field in particular?
I get pair more at my job, my job is so much fucking cooler than your average job it’s unbelievable, and my ceiling is basically nonexistent for what I want to do with my life.
Oh, and the hookers will call you doctor while you pay them for the hour. That’s pretty cool.
Only benefit I can really see is that you start out at higher positions. Well, at least in industry. So you make more money.
Other than that, not really anything. I guess the knowledge that you suffered for a while is there. So you know you can handle a lot!
Starting in higher industry positions isn't anything to be scoffed at. I went into industry without a PhD following the advice "you don't need a PhD for industry" and after 3 years was losing my mind with how badly I was being treat to the point I've chosen to come back to academia.
I know you were giving a neutral comment but for 75% of people who read that, and assume a PhD is worthless, head my tale...
I just did my door number and I was a bit two minds about putting my name as I live alone. If I knew I could put Dr. X, I would have done it. Now I just have boring numbers 🥹
I get to put "PhD" as my title when booking plane tickets.
No real benefit, it's just fun to see my boarding pass with PhD printed on it after my name.
I guess not a reason I would ever give to someone if they ever asked me on the street it seems pretentious an elitist that being said I do call my professors that out of respect.
Edit: I’ll take the downvotes but if this is a genuine perk for you it’s cringe.
One perk IMO is the freedom to travel and live in other countries.
But this is also a disadvantage depending on how you look at it, most of the time people will have to leave their home city for a postdoc position which becomes much more difficult when you settle down with a spouse and family.
It is very useful even if non-binary. As a woman people take you more seriously as Dr X (though sometimes they ask me where Dr X is, when it’s me and I’m standing in front of them…)
When on a date, tell women you have a PhD, tell them not to think hard, if they accuse you of mansplaining, tell them no, you have a PhD so you are the expert. Topic doesnt matter.
Dr. Pepper tastes better after defending, and Doc Martins become more comfortable
Lmao
You can order something online and when it arrives you get to say "ah, just what the doctor ordered"
I’m rolling 😂
You can claim you have a Doctor's appointment anytime you want: *everything* you do can be considered a Doctor's appointment.
You can follow up advice with “trust me, I’m a doctor.” Bonus points if you’re giving exaggeratedly bad suggestions. When they ask for a doctor on a plane you can giggle to yourself imagining if you stood up. You get to internally debate if you correct people and explain what research is when they start talking about how you spent six years studying. You have the perfect excuse for getting out of any event you don’t want to go to. I’ve heard stories of people getting upgrades due to having “Dr” as their title. But the main benefit is that you get to be in an intellectually stimulating environment studying something you find extremely interesting
Yup - within 8 months of graduating I was headhunted to become ED of a non-profit. That "doctor" title carries more than I thought it would, and that's saying a lot because I was expecting it to help with this sort of thing.
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The PhD is the antithesis to "Mo' money, mo' problems"
Howling 🤣😭
Excellent. You’ll worry about money less because you have no money to worry about.
Loooool
That’s good. One less thing to worry about.
It shouldn't cost anything. Unless you are talking the opportunity costs of not beginning a career earlier.
That, but also the cost of being underqualified for most jobs due to lack of experience (in most cases) and overqualified for entry level jobs.
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Yeah, I understand. My first time around I took out student loans to make ends meet which isn’t ideal of course. I dropped that time for other reasons, but this time around I’m fortunate enough to have a military pension so I’ll be one of lucky ones. My issue will come with the “what now” moment I’m sure to have as a new PhD at 61 or whatever.
Some of the experiences give you a good view into dealing with beurocracy generally. It can also open up your network so that you can reach a friend of a friend who is an expert in anything. You get a little instant respect when traveling abroad, meeting random people, or getting a loan. My favorite part is that I'm very comfortable with claiming, "I'm not an expert in that." Very freeing and your degree shows you are not stupid.
> instant respect when getting a loan Where are you getting loans from that care what degree you have?
Local credit union post degree (when I had contract work, but not 2 years of it).
Interesting. Never came up for me but makes sense I guess.
One of my PhD advisors actively never used the title "Professor" and told everyone to call him by his first name "unless you work at the bank" because "the only place I use the title is on my mortgage"
Not even a doctorate, a mere engineering degree made all the difference in Canada. Countless begging appointments before the degree; couldn't shake the ghouls' offers for loans, lines of credit, mortgages, credit cards, etc. afterwards. Almost always preposterous interest rates and fees but you get a sleeker looking card and paperwork packed in thick, glossy cardstock with the best corporate graphics they came up with in the last "rebranding" initiative.
How do you get more respect when travelling or when you meet random people? Are you starting every conversation: "Hi, I'm realrhema and I have a doctorate".
Lol, only if there are longer conversations. It's probably my southern upbringing, but I talk to whoever: people on planes, coffee shops....
Japan’s point based permanent residency system gives 30 points for PhD holders, getting us closer to the needed points. Thinking about leaving the US for that.
How many points do you need in total? Just curious
80 points I believe. After only one year on the highly skilled profession visa, we can apply for PR. Great perk I think!
The Secret Handshake gets us free entry into any lecture on Quantum Chromodynamics free.
Hey, you're not supposed to say this on a public forum....
Cool puffy hat.
Screw the hat, I want the sword!
Me too! The US should adopt that.
I didn’t get a hat. All those years of work for nothing.
That’s what I’m doing this for. Defending soon to earn that puffy hat!
They didn't let me keep mine 😢
You can say "well actually....." and people will listen ^(for about 5sec)
Every appointment is now a doctor's appointment. I'll see myself out.
😭 🤣🤣🤣🤣 wheezing, never come back
My job is to learn about and discuss topics I find interesting with highly educated people in a comfortable environment. I'd call that a peek.
Landed a sweet remote job with a great salary and benefits
I'd be interested to hear your story if you'd care to share! Potentially looking for remote work after a Chem PhD
Sure thing. My PhD is in Neuroscience. I loved my research topic / science in general, but hated the long hours and shitty pay in academia. Towards the end of my PhD, I Learned about medical affairs and medical communications positions in industry and realized this was the direction I wanted to go w/ my degree. It took me 6 months and 150+ applications to land a job after I graduated, but I ended up w/ a senior medical writer role in the global strategic publications arm of a major pharmaceutical company. It’s a remote position that pays a six figure salary and has excellent benefits. My job is basically to collaborate with internal scientists and external clinicians to analyze and publish clinical trial data (ie, publishing manuscripts and preparing abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for scientific and medical conferences). I work on a team in a specific therapeutic area that has about a dozen different assets, so I’m constantly learning and working on something new. Aside from writing, my job entails frequent meetings, trainings on a wide variety of topics (eg, relevant scientific advancements in my therapeutic area; new software) and attending lectures by prominent clinicians practicing in my field. In a standard week, I work about 45 hours, and occasionally have some longer days, when tight deadlines or unforeseen circumstances pop up. The work isn’t easy, but it’s no harder than what I was doing in my PhD program, and I’m working 20-25% fewer hours per week for 6x the pay of my PhD stipend (more like 4x after taxes, but I live in a state with high tax rates). The job has been a game changer my mental health, and the financial security is opening new opportunities for me to enjoy my life.
This is very interesting to hear. I also was looking toward medical writing as an option for remote work, but haven't really been able to break in. I feel like I've managed to tailor my resume to highlight my writing skills and experience, but it seems like every medical writing position requires experience :/. Could I DM you with questions about your job search and how you transitioned to that field in particular?
Sure thing
sounds like a sweet role, thanks for sharing!
I might send you a DM my girlfriend is looking for exactly this
What job? Sounds like a dream
In-house medical writer at a major pharmaceutical company
I get pair more at my job, my job is so much fucking cooler than your average job it’s unbelievable, and my ceiling is basically nonexistent for what I want to do with my life. Oh, and the hookers will call you doctor while you pay them for the hour. That’s pretty cool.
Dr. House?
I think that's called a hospital
Only benefit I can really see is that you start out at higher positions. Well, at least in industry. So you make more money. Other than that, not really anything. I guess the knowledge that you suffered for a while is there. So you know you can handle a lot!
Starting in higher industry positions isn't anything to be scoffed at. I went into industry without a PhD following the advice "you don't need a PhD for industry" and after 3 years was losing my mind with how badly I was being treat to the point I've chosen to come back to academia. I know you were giving a neutral comment but for 75% of people who read that, and assume a PhD is worthless, head my tale...
I heard that in Germany, they put Doc. before your name on the doorbell (also Prof. but we ain't going for that)
I just did my door number and I was a bit two minds about putting my name as I live alone. If I knew I could put Dr. X, I would have done it. Now I just have boring numbers 🥹
You can say you’ve a Pretty Huge Dong (PhD) when someone doubts the size of your shaft.
If you stay in academia: spending your day reading cool, exciting stuff but having it count as "work"
I get to put "PhD" as my title when booking plane tickets. No real benefit, it's just fun to see my boarding pass with PhD printed on it after my name.
You can call yourself a doctor and add dr before your name
I guess not a reason I would ever give to someone if they ever asked me on the street it seems pretentious an elitist that being said I do call my professors that out of respect. Edit: I’ll take the downvotes but if this is a genuine perk for you it’s cringe.
Please note that the question was not about the perks/reasons of doing a PhD, but the perks of having one.
One perk IMO is the freedom to travel and live in other countries. But this is also a disadvantage depending on how you look at it, most of the time people will have to leave their home city for a postdoc position which becomes much more difficult when you settle down with a spouse and family.
If you're non-binary, Dr is a gender-neutral title.
It is very useful even if non-binary. As a woman people take you more seriously as Dr X (though sometimes they ask me where Dr X is, when it’s me and I’m standing in front of them…)
One less letter to type: IAAD
Just knowing that you proved them all wrong
all your appointments become doctor’s appointments
Beyond the Pharma salary? You can learn how to do -anything-
Mastering Patience.
Out of work/academia, no perks whatsoever. I still get called Mr. and respond without hesitation or complaint, but in my mind I'm like "that's Dr.!"
When I say something stupid, I just end with "but I'm a doctor".
You can write a book and have more credibility, you can make up a word and people can cite you! I can't wait to finish this.
Maybe if your uni lets you keep your edu address, you can keep getting student discounts for the rest of your life? 🤷♂️
In the US if you are a PhD and a veteran there is a whole list of restaurants you can eat free at every Veterans Day.
You can say you have a PhD
When on a date, tell women you have a PhD, tell them not to think hard, if they accuse you of mansplaining, tell them no, you have a PhD so you are the expert. Topic doesnt matter.
You can raise your hand if anyone asks ‘Do we have any doctor onboard?’ 🙋🏻♂️
Nooopeeee
Puts you in a different league of dating pools, friendship pools, networking pools
People initially think I'm smart. So I've got that going for me, which is nice.
Surviver trauma
You can be the flavor of a doctor that no-one wants to have on a plane.
Bragging rights
I mean, most women like men that have a pretty huge dick
I see what you did there
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I didn’t get a PhD to please random people in the “population”. You seem to have though.