I’m Still Not Over My PhD — 15 Years Later

R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness · Jun 17, 2025 · 16m

I’m Still Not Over My PhD — 15 Years Later

It’s been almost 15 years since I ended my PhD. I graduated in 2011.

And if I’m being honest, I’m still not over it.

I came in strong—undergrad and master’s at one of the best engineering schools in the world. The first in my family to get an university degree told me I was no slouch.

I thought I’d accelerate through a top business school, graduate in four years, and be on my way.

Perhaps being a business professor or management consultant.

But that’s not what happened.

What happened was… grief, confusion, silence, rejection.

Two years of wandering…