Why Going Back for a PhD Makes Successful People Feel Stupid

Most mature PhD students think they suck the moment they start.

That is the default experience.

You usually come in as someone who was doing spectacularly well.

Top of your profession.

Respected.

Competent.

You go back to school because you think, “I’m already good. I can advance.”

Maybe it’s for research.

Maybe it’s for a career pivot.

Maybe it’s because you want to do something that actually matters to you.

And then it happens.

You look around and realize everyone else did the same thing.

And suddenly you feel like the only idiot in the room.

Your friends, your family, your parents start…

The skinny

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