"Should I pursue a PhD?"

Perhaps, like me, you've been agonizing over that question for a long time. Perhaps you think a PhD will help you gain an advantage in this crazy economy. Maybe you'd like a ticket to the academic lottery. Or maybe you want to avoid the real world for awhile.

These are just a few reasons why people pursue PhDs, but what reason is good enough to justify another 3-10 years of schooling?

If you think I'm going to claim that fiery, passionate love for research is the only legitimate reason to go for a PhD, I actually think that is one of the worst reasons. Sure, passion is great, but major life decisions shouldn't solely be based upon feelings. The long, grueling, and often unfruitful work of a PhD program can make those feelings fade.

Deciding whether or not to do a PhD is a very personal decision, and my only advice is that before embarking on such a big commitment, be sure to have a clear plan and do a thorough cost-benefit analysis.

Trivial pursuits

There are three prevalent worldly concerns that many people waste their lives pursuing: fame, power, and money.

Unless one is willing to sell his or her soul, fame is tricky to obtain. Quality has no relation to popularity. Some of the shallowest people are famous, and some of the most brilliant are obscure. In fact, the more authentic a person is, the less likely it is that the world will accept him or her.

Many people seek power and influence by devoting themselves to careerism, doing anything to get ahead, but that path leads to a dead end; which is why there are many unfulfilled workaholics in the world.

Materialism -- the worship of money -- is a never ending spiral of unnecessary purchases, but the thrill of shopping provides only a temporary high.

What is a worthwhile pursuit, then? Love is the answer, of course. If you realize this, you are blessed.