Thanks Prof.
I'm doing the best I can, maybe I should go into the PhD field soon but at the same time the trouble is I'm in my smaller hometown nowadays and I like it here, especially the proximity to the sea and the vast amount of cycling options, but it's hard to find jobs. I'm definitely not a metropolis person, although up to 100 k is manageable.
Keeping and attracting local talent like yourself should be a huge priority of the small community --- and I totally get the being a non metropolis person (living in/near Wash DC now) and its a far cry from small town midwestern USA....
The problem with getting ones doctorate is that
1. Delay in time it takes away from maximum earning years
2. Income differential in the field you work in needs to be crystal clear -- extra 50K or 100K per year clear
3. Finding a network within your local community where you can fit back into after the doctorate experience (leadership)
4. Family, quality of life and managing the stresses of committing yourself to 3-4 years of academic toil
5. Clear plan for after --- with all involved including mentors as crucial facilitators (pretty rare in my experience)
Sometimes, doing nothing (I do not mean nothing, but in terms of credentialing) leads to avenues where something happens.
