I'm thinking to quit
Just like the title I'm thinking to quit doing my PhD in chemical and I just wanted to get an insight from people with any suggestions I should do.
So I'm doing PhD in chemical engineering and my research is on designing and studying potential therapeutic proteins and peptides for cancer treatment. I'm on my second year and the work has been really stressful for me, I look at my peers and they are already making tones of money while I'm here still in School and I I feel like I haven't gotten anything special since finishing highschool. Yes I went to grad school right after undergrad. I'm getting paid minimum wage from my stipend, but I'm working my ass of from Monday to Sunday on average 12hrs everyday. I was hoping it'll get better after my first year but no it's not getting better. I still don't have any papers but I have 2 on the way. The thing is it seems like it'll take longer time than I thought. My PI is adding work every time and I'm just stressed. I am doing all these work and I just don't see the fruition of my hard work. I'm broke as hell, I have no time, I can't sleep because I'm always thinking about the experiments and trying to fasten my project. I try to exercise at least 4 times a week but I just feel miserable and I just don't know if I should keep going for the next 3yrs. Honestly I don't know if I can. Additional to all these I feel home sick I haven't seen my fam since I started my PhD (they live abroad). So, I'm thinking to get my master's next year and leave but I'm also a bit scared that I may not get a job quick since I don't have any internship experiences but lot of research experiences. Apologies I feel like I'm complaining but I just need advice or suggestions on what I should do.
Thank you
Posted Dec 1, 2023, 11:32 PM UTC