User deleted post
I got laid off from Tech but got accepted into a PhD program for Fall 2024
Social ScienceView all comments
Being a TA is considered part of the training so it's part of full time graduate school (and you will learn a lot as well as get to know your peers). Some students (esp. in social science) do a lot of TAing because there is less other funding (compared to STEM etc.). That's perfectly fine. If you end up a professor you'll have the teaching ducks in a row.
Don't go to grad school unless you have a burning desire to teach and/or do research. You say you are still interviewing - that suggests maybe getting a PhD isn't truly a priority (but only you know that). Don't do the PhD on the rebound (from getting laid off) - very bad idea.
I've worked in both industry and academia, and been laid off, it sucks, but trust me, life goes on and you will be fine. Sit down with yourself and have a long conversation about what you actually want. Then do that. Stop thinking instrumentally (this job, that salary...) - think about how you want to spend your life and go after it.
I’m still interviewing not because I like the industry but because I’d like more income and don’t know how I can survive on a TA salary.
I dont mind making less money as an academic just not making the same money I made as an intern .
Back when I was in school my university had strict policies against moonlighting. Even if you can, you may have trouble finding a lab that is willing to let it slide. A PhD is a lot of work, even for full time students.
My PhD allows for part-time enrollment, I should have clarified that in my post.
Just don't do the PhD, you are going in with totally the wrong idea.
If you are TAing and taking graduate school seriously you won't have time for a job. (Many universities forbid this, for good reason.) Look around your university for fellowships. Or take loans. Apply for grants. When I was in grad school I was in super frugal mode for five years.
My TA/RA contract required me to not work outside the TA. If you can't survive on the salary, you'll either need to take student loans or just go to work and skip the PhD. If you don't have any family responsibilities, I'd suggest downsizing your life in a big, big way to make the PhD a priority if that's what you choose.
My PhD allows for part-time enrollment, I should have clarified that in my post.