I am sharing an office this semester with a younger colleague who left a
Ph. D. program and is now painfully reconsidering a return to graduate
school. I have shared this thread with him and it has only reinforced my
own views. Having a 1982 Ph.D. (with a book and much other scholarly work
in conferences, historical associations, etc.) and only 5 years of full
time teaching since then, I could not in good conscience advise anyone
(not independently wealthy) to pursue a Ph. D. with college teaching as a
goal. I don't know about your campus, but Boston is crowded with
unemployed and under-employed Ph. D.s like me trying to earn a living with
part time or adjunct teaching positions. It is folly to go for the Ph.D.
in this deplorable situation.
Peter C. Holloran, New England Historical Association, pch@world.std.com