Unfortunately, I've become a casulty of the economy and have been unemployed for the better part of a year now. And, it's not for lack of sending out job applications. So, I'm debating the eternal question faced by those who have a Masters, but are unemployed....To continue applying for jobs or go back for the PhD I didn't finish...?

 

The highlights of my background:

M.S. in Genetics (B.S. in Zoology/Genetics before that)

M.Ed in Higher Education Curriculum Design

Many years experience in college teaching (from being a TA thru community college instructor; teaching freshman thru grad students).

Experience with non-profits & public education/outreach programs in the sciences.

Experience in student advising & coordinating academic programs in STEM.

 

Since my past colleagues/friends/etc. are split on this connundrum, I wanted to cast my net a bit further and get more opinions. Given my background and the economy, which would be the better option: to continue applying for jobs or consider going back to grad school for a PhD? And, most importantly: Why? (I'm looking at PhD programs in Biology/Zoology or Patheontology because of my interest in evolutionary genetics and taxonomy.)

One point in favor of returning to school is the prospect of being financially supported (albeit minimally, as compared to a real job) which you can probably determine before you commit to going.

As a recent PhD graduate, I would suggest strongly against it, unless it is a requirement for a new career goal.

a) Unless you are fully immersed in the project you undertake and willing to put in long hours for little financial reward for 4-7 years, you'll probably drop out. The drop out rate for US PhD programs is 57% http://edudemic.com/2012/01/phd-job/

b) There's no guaranteed job at the end. This a sobering take on the STEM PhD job market:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/us-pushes-for-more-scientists-but-the-jobs-arent-there/2012/07/07/gJQAZJpQUW_story.html

 

So what's you end game?