I'm finishing my MS degree and feel kind of sad, very much like I want more. Should I do a PhD?

I think you should do it. You seem happy in academia.

Yes, but not just to delay the real world. While you do it focus on skills, connections/collaborations, and publications. You have 3 years to distinguish yourself and launch into your career. Don't coast now.

I've already been working in the real world for ~10 years and plan to work for a few years before going back for a PhD. Definitely not using it as a way to hide from the real world.

Why not if you enjoy it and can afford it. The great thing about graduate degrees is that it’s easier to go at your own pace. If it takes a long time to get your PhD then so be it.

School is cool. Working is ok. If I could be a professional student I would

Sounds like you should keep going. I'm an NIH researcher and epidemiologist myself, and getting the PhD has definitely been necessary for the work I do (really just a starting point).

Have you looked into Actuarial Science? Pass the first 2 exams and you should be able to get a solid job as an analyst. You’ll get a raise with each additional exam passed and then a big bump when you become an associate and then a fellow.

It’s not the most exciting career in the world but it’s really comfortable and you can make a lot of money if you have good communication skills.

I just finished my PhD in a similar field. The main thing to keep in mind is that the majority of a PhD is VERY different from undergrad or masters work. You aren't taking classes, you are doing research. Research is like a very unstructured job - you aren't told what you need to do, but you need to show that you are doing things. A lot of time is spent writing and editing papers.

If you need to learn something, chances are there won't be a class on it. You need to buckle down and read or talk to people until you know it (and you need to REALLY know it, not just enough to pass a test).

Did you do any research in your masters? If not, I would consider trying to get some research experience before deciding to commit to a PhD program (it will also help you get into a better program/group). Look into "pre-doctoral" jobs where you can do some research with industry groups. Also look at postings for scientific programmers at university labs - its a good way to get your foot in the door.

You're afraid of actually having to work. I am see it all the time. You're not special, sorry.

What is the defiinition of an extroverted actuary?

He looks at your shoes when he's talking to you.

..... I love that joke, an actuary where I used to work told me that joke.

I once was told you should only get a PhD if your work aspirations require it. That person had a PhD, so they had some perspective. Simplistic, but relevant.

I have a MS, and I can assure you that's not the end. I have tons of certifications. Get some work under your belt, and get someone to pay for your next step (cert, degree, etc.) There's a lot more types of learning out there than you've seen yet, but formal and infomal.

If you have worked professionally for a while, and you are now finishing a MS, the best thing for you to do is sketch a career plan with a PhD as a next step and without. Most people with PhDs will tell you its a very "personal" choice.

If you do get a PhD, make sure you have a mentor / advisor who is not just intelligent, well-published, and respected, but more importantly is kind, gracious, and cares about you as a person, not just a minion. In the long run, they are more than just a "boss" but also someone who has the ability to make your life difficult if they choose to (or even if they are simply indifferent). My academic colleagues with research agendas at my current institution are very supportive of their graduate students, whereas my doctoral program could be rather toxic at times. I don't regret getting a PhD and I enjoy being in academia, but I do sometimes wish I had chosen a different University because of my lack of true mentorship.

Who's going to pay for the PhD? You? Then no, you shouldn't do a PhD.

The university or some company? Plus a stipend to live on? Then sure, why not. Do it.

Unless you're already independently wealthy. Then do what you want.

For what it’s worth, most stem PhDs in the US are fully funded with a stipend. You might need to TA a bit to help cover those costs, but there was not a single person at Caltech paying their own way through the degree.

If a PhD program requires you to pay tuition, or doesn’t give you a stipend, I would avoid it. It means the university/PI isn’t bringing in funding, which means the research is not good. Contrary to popular belief, a PhD does not improve your job prospects - it focuses them. Be careful where you focus…

I second this...strongly

thirdly. your dissertation chair can make your life miserable.

"STEM" is kind of broad. You and I are basically saying the same thing, which is that if they're not paying, don't do it. But I wonder what percent of statistics PhDs are fully funded. I had NSF so I am familiar with the concept of free graduate degrees.