Is a PhD Worth It? | Navigating a PhD and Entrepreneurial Journey with Ashley Moses

Ashley Moses is a PhD candidate in Neurosciences at Stanford University, founder of PhD Paths—a resource helping PhDs find career opportunities outside academia—and a career coach supporting graduate students and postdocs in their professional development.

Ashley shares her personal journey, from her early passion for science to her decision to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. She discusses the factors influencing her career path, including motivations beyond academia and her entrepreneurial venture, PhD Paths.

Learn about the unique challenges of balancing PhD studies, personal life, and building a startup. Ashley also touches on the role of histamine in behaviour, the importance of gratitude, and the quest for balance and happiness.

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Ashley’s Work

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-moses-98a3m/

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Team:

Host: Jacob Watson-Howland

Chief Editor: Chloé Breheret

Chief Automation Officer: Jack McDuff

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00:00 Introduction: Is a PhD Worth It?

00:11 Factors to Consider: Industry and Personal Goals

01:14 PhD Duration: Varies by Country and Field

02:00 Personal Journey: Choosing Neuroscience

03:44 Existential Crisis: Rethinking Career Goals

07:35 Pivoting from Academia to Entrepreneurship

09:20 Building PhD Paths: Helping Others

17:37 Social Media Strategy for Entrepreneurs

23:50 Balancing PhD and Entrepreneurship

26:29 The Role of Histamine in Behavior

37:20 Daily Life of a PhD Student

40:44 Decompressing and Finding Balance

42:43 The Craft of Building a Van

42:46 The Type A Trap and Finding Balance

44:30 The Importance of Rest and Avoiding Guilt

45:55 Productivity Debt and To-Do Lists

48:30 Gratitude as a Remedy

57:17 Balancing PhD and Personal Life

59:48 The Rat in a Tube Study

01:01:20 The Hedonic Treadmill and Gratitude

01:04:24 Defining Happiness and Balance

01:17:14 Celebrating Small Wins in the PhD Journey

01:18:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts