Ask HN: PhD or continue my consulting work

[tokyowiz]

Hi, I'm a software engineer with three years of experience, including two years in a university's software engineering department (though I'm not sure if that counts as real experience) and one year at a large consulting company, working fully remotely. I don't like the job; it's too stressful and I'm not learning much. Recently, a professor contacted me, suggesting I pursue a PhD in computer science. However, the salary would be half of what I'm currently earning. The upside is there would be less stress, and I'd have time to study topics I'm interested in. For example, I want to learn a new programming language (Rust) but currently don't have the time, or improve my skills with LeetCode exercises, which could help me land a better job, perhaps at a FAANG company. Is pursuing a PhD better than gaining more professional experience for landing a job at a major company? Does it make sense to make this career change from a practical standpoint? At the moment, I'm not interested in the academic world, but that could change if I enjoy following this path.

[mamonster]

You're gonna have to take my word on this: Consulting gets significantly less stressful past year 3. The entire point of the industry is that you "abuse" fresh grads with work in exchange for them getting a "big" name on their CV. Past year 3 you either get promoted very quickly(consulting pay scale is like an S-curve Edit: Its more like an S-curve and then a lottery, because once you are on the "partner" track past year 6-7 its a crapshoot and if you don't want to play its better to exit) and will get to chill out a bit more, or you exit into the industry into a cushy job.

If you are not interested in academia, do not go for PhD. You will absolutely hate having to do TA for random subjects for shit pay.

[tokyowiz]

thanks for ur reply, the problem is that also my senior are so stressed, and my company should be one of the best in my country. thats my fear. instead the phd seems more chill, i mean i like the subject of it, i also searching online that google / other fang they take into consideration the pdh in general.

[martinclayton]

(Roughly) where in the world are you?

[tokyowiz]

pizza pasta nation