Read on Twitter
There are a lot of facts to consider here beyond this simple “there aren’t prof jobs so why would you do a PhD?”
A few points to consider *in favor* of the PhD (regardless of whether you can get or even want a prof job). A counter point
: https://twitter.com/edstetzer/status/1352783133716979712
A few points to consider *in favor* of the PhD (regardless of whether you can get or even want a prof job). A counter point
: https://twitter.com/edstetzer/status/1352783133716979712
Preliminary note: I’m taking the PhD as one in theology since that’s what Ed is thinking (I imagine). So let’s bracket statistics or psychology or English PhDs etc. I’ll generally talk to the PhD here with a focus on theology and maybe some philosophy.
1) The PhD teaches skills and habits of mind that are *extremely* transferable and relevant across industries. Everyone needs people who can think critically, communicate well, research complex ideas, argue, and persuade. These are worth the costs of a PhD no matter the end goal.
Plus in a good program you’re going to learn to critically and charitably engage with all types of differing views. This usually generates kindness, charity, and a wider perspective that is valuable to any organization.
2) The PhD isn’t a bad financial investment. Let’s say the average non-funded PhD costs ~50-80k in total. The top three selling vehicles in America (all trucks) have trims that cost more than that and base models that start at 50k. Yet no one (except Dave Ramsey) says anything.
The point being: People spend the same amount of money on far more frivolous things and no one scolds them for making a bad investment on those. What’s wrong with investing in yourself? Your mind and heart aren’t going to depreciate 10k after you graduate with your PhD.
Let’s keep going on the financial investment objection. What does Proverbs *constantly* repeat? Wisdom is worth more than gold, silver, rubies, etc. So what if you don’t get your dream professor job? You’ve grown in knowledge and wisdom. That’s the best investment you could make.
Besides. You can go to a funded program or you can find scholarships or find other ways to fund your PhD. Go learn to code and have that fund your way. Or something else. It’s not magic. You don’t have to saddle yourself with massive student debt.
Yes, there are examples of people who had a singular focus in the PhD (tenured prof job at X school) and decided to take out all the loans they could and don’t develop career networks outside of that and then the job isn’t there. But that’s not a reason against the PhD in general
Anyway, I could go on but my 2 month old just woke up from his nap and I’m not skilled enough to tweet and hold him at the same time. 
