[joe42]

That's pretty much the decision I had to make a year ago, and I ended up in the PhD program.

But if I knew then what I know now (that I'd not be having a good time), I'd be leaning closer to the software job.

The remaining unknown (to me) is what the degree is worth, in the end.

Really, I suppose, I'm just not looking forward to telling everyone (friends and family) that I'm quitting. It's admitting a defeat/failure/mistake, and that's hard, so I'm trying to find a good reason to stay.

[daegloe]

Nah, you're not defeated. Just the opposite. You're empowering yourself by taking command of your life decisions. We all make mistakes along the way, but learning from those mistakes and course correcting are the biggest wins we can ask for. You should be proud and wear your decision like a badge of honor.

As the Aussies say, good on ya!

[msg]

If you're talking about worth in terms of cash, I would run don't walk away from the PhD.

If you're talking about worth in terms of cherished personal values, I would try to figure out if I want to be a scientist or an engineer. If it is a vocation.

Through my master's program, this was on my mind while doing my thesis. I ended up deciding against choosing a narrow specialty and becoming a miner, so I headed to industry to become a maker.

Neither choice is the less noble.

[joe42]

> worth in terms of cherished personal values

Yeah, that's probably part of it. I guess The Internet can't help me with that one.

> I ended up deciding against choosing a narrow specialty and becoming a miner, so I headed to industry to become a maker.

I like this. Sums it all up quite nicely. Thanks!