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I got laid off from Tech but got accepted into a PhD program for Fall 2024
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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 .
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.