We are often blinded by past statements such as "it was easy when I went to university" or "it was easy when I was doing my PhD". However, as we progressed through our studies, we gradually realized that the reality did not fully correspond to these statements. University is not just a relaxing place, but an environment that requires continuous learning and Xi adaptation. From undergraduate to master's degree to doctorate, each stage is accompanied by deeper academic requirements and self-challenges. Zhang Xuefeng never seems to persuade people to study for a doctorate, and this view has aroused deep thought and discussion among netizens. However, understanding the reasons behind this view requires a deeper understanding of the difficulties and challenges of Ph.D. life.
Looking back on life in high school, we are often confused by the "freedom and ease of college life" that teachers advertise. However, once we step through the gates of university, we find that academics are complex and challenging. University is not an easy place, but an environment that requires continuous learning and adaptation Xi After graduation, students who choose to pursue master's and doctoral degrees will find that each stage comes with deeper academic demands and self-challenges.
However, for some people, doing a PhD is not their first choice. Netizens found that in all of Zhang Xuefeng's live broadcasts and **, he never seemed to persuade others to study for a doctorate. Although Zhang Xuefeng tailors his advice to each candidate based on their actual situation, a PhD is not his first choice. This triggered deep thinking and ** among netizens, and even almost made the doctoral students break their defenses.
**1.1. Reasons for not persuading people to study for a PhD**
The observation and summary of netizens found that the most comfortable way to live is to be admitted to the civil service after graduating from a bachelor's or master's degree, or to choose a relatively good job in a state-owned enterprise. They shared the case of a classmate whose husband works in a tobacco company, and although he is just an ordinary worker, he can earn more than 200,000 yuan a year and the cost of living is relatively low. In contrast, those who are engaged in teaching and research after graduating from PhDs, especially those who are doctoral in liberal arts, have an annual income of more than 100,000 yuan and a relatively low standard of living.
This netizen emphasized that once others know your income and standard of living, they may no longer give a thumbs up because of your doctorate title, but laugh contemptuously in their hearts. However, he also points to an exception, those who aspire to dedicate their lives to academic careers. This resonated with netizens, who thought that some people might not ask about studying for a doctorate, and those who wanted to study for a doctorate were unlikely to go to him for advice, forming a natural selection and diversion.
**1.2. The impact of different life choices**
According to the comments of netizens, engineering doctors can also have a monthly income of 5k in non-prestigious schools, which makes people see the possibility of improving their academic qualifications and financial returns. However, some netizens believe that not everyone can read a doctorate. There is a huge gap between what is done on paper and what is actually done for a PhD. Especially in China, it takes real action and hard work to publish sci**, write graduation**, and conduct a defense.
Another netizen mentioned that Zhang Xuefeng's customers are mainly grassroots, which also implies that his advice is more focused on practical life and workplace needs. This sparked a resonance among some netizens, who believed that the actual situation of the individual and the feasibility of future development are factors worth considering. It may be necessary to choose different sources of information according to one's preferences and needs, just as there are different mentors or opinions, and everyone's situation and aspirations are different.
To truly understand why Zhang Xuefeng does not persuade others to pursue a PhD, we need to understand more deeply the difficulties and challenges of interpreting PhDs. These difficulties are not easy for everyone to face and overcome.
**2.1.Challenges faced by girls**
For female students, applying for a Ph.D. may face greater difficulties regardless of their major. In professions with a high number of female students, academics may place higher demands on them on the grounds of increased diversity. In majors with relatively few female students, there are concerns that they will not be able to withstand the pressure of their PhDs. Single girls may be more likely to break down due to a lack of comfort, while girls with boyfriends face the worry of getting married and having children while studying for a PhD. In fact, many study groups do not admit female students.
**2.2.Psychological stress and distress**
During their PhD, many people experience periods that can be considered clinically depressive, and which are often not mentioned. Immersed in high-intensity academic pressure, most PhD students have had such moments, but many are reluctant to express themselves or are not informed due to alienation.
**2.3.Transfer to Master's and Withdrawal Options**
The difference between a PhD and a job is that the sunk cost is high. Not only is it a waste of time to drop out, but it also requires the return of all scholarships, and it is very difficult to get back into the field of research. Therefore, for many people, transferring to a master's degree becomes a better option than dropping out. In addition, the supervisor has far more power over the doctoral student than the supervisor, so it is difficult for the doctoral student not to obey the supervisor's request.
**2.4.Uncertainty in academic careers**
Entering academia is a very uncertain process. Publishing SCIs, getting project grants, and getting faculty and job promotions all require a lot of hard work and competition. There is no guarantee that a PhD will lead to a stable job and a successful career.
Zhang Xuefeng's lack of persuasion does not mean that studying for a PhD is a wrong choice. It's because the difficulties and challenges of PhD study are not something that everyone can easily face and overcome. Everyone's situation and pursuit are different, and you need to make a choice based on the actual situation of the individual and the feasibility of future development. Therefore, more information and different opinions are needed to make the most appropriate decision. Studying for a PhD is a deliberate choice because it involves not only one's academic interests and goals, but also the demands of real life and the workplace. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand your interests and goals, and make good trade-offs in order to make an informed decision. Whichever path you choose, you need to be prepared to face difficulties and challenges, and to pursue your true dreams and goals.