I Quit My MIT PhD

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  • Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
  • The struggle with my PhD and why I decided to leave and go all in on my startup
    ▬ In this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
    In this video, I share my personal journey from a struggling student in Croatia to attending MIT and Harvard and why I ultimately decided to quit my Ph.D. program. I talk about the early challenges I faced, my achievements, and my intense focus on getting admitted to MIT. Despite achieving this dream, I realized that my true goal was to prove to myself and others that I could do it, rather than the Ph.D. itself. This realization, coupled with my growing interest in a startup venture, led me to decide to quit the Ph.D. program. I discuss my experiences at MIT and Harvard, how I found happiness in pursuing my startup, and offer advice to those considering doing a Ph.D., suggesting that they should only pursue a Ph.D. if they are certain about a career in research.
    ▬ Follow me for more tips ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
    Instagram: / samuel.bosch
    LinkedIn: / samuel-bosch
    Discord: / discord
    TikTok: / boschsamuel
    UA-cam: @SamuelBoschMIT
    ▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
    0:00 - Introduction
    0:35 - My childhood struggles
    2:35 - My first success (physics olympiad)
    3:19 - My dream of going to MIT
    4:22 - The biggest disappointment in my life
    5:04 - Dropping out of college
    5:32 - My second attempt to get into MIT
    6:10 - I finally got into MIT!
    6:45 - The happiest days of my life
    8:00 - What is the key to happiness?
    9:43 - The struggle with my PhD
    13:03 - My new startup
    13:52 - I quit my PhD to work on my startup
    14:21 - Why you (probably) shouldn't do a PhD
    15:58 - Do I regret going to MIT?
    16:31 - Conclusion and outro
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 355

  • @SamuelBoschMIT
    @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +18

    Interested in joining my startup? Check out open positions on my career page: marveri.com

    • @olaitanlabs5948
      @olaitanlabs5948 6 місяців тому

      Totally unrelated but what MBTI personality are you, Because you mentioned lack of discipline I am guessing ENTP

    • @josereyeslovato
      @josereyeslovato 5 місяців тому

      Are you looking in the future a Business Administration CDO with knowledge in DS and Business Analytics? I'll will be in Boston on April 24.

    • @shyguymercedesbenz5845
      @shyguymercedesbenz5845 5 місяців тому

      She was so fucking excited when those big strong arms grabbed her and threw her out of the chair 💪

    • @Zahara-ps2ce
      @Zahara-ps2ce 5 місяців тому

      Can I take your place as a PhD student at MIT? If you don't want it, I'll take it. 👍

    • @vaccaphd
      @vaccaphd 4 місяці тому

      That is sad. MIT Ph.D. is for life. Startups come and go with rare exceptions.

  • @jyoutir
    @jyoutir 6 місяців тому +283

    this is actually some really good advice '' u may not lack disipline, but a purpose and goal to acomplish'' wow

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +26

      Discipline is always a good trait, but the combination really pushes people forward :)

    • @lebambale
      @lebambale 6 місяців тому +4

      What a good point, yes!

    • @liquid3868
      @liquid3868 4 місяці тому +3

      this is just great

  • @mailoisback
    @mailoisback 6 місяців тому +288

    I knew this was coming. It's not feasible to pursue a PhD at MIT while simultaneously working full-time on a startup. I wish you the best of luck and success with your startup!

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +21

      Appreciate it 🙂

    • @Heyu7her3
      @Heyu7her3 5 місяців тому

      You can if it's your dissertation work (of course, that introduces some IP issues to resolve).

    • @Pseudothink
      @Pseudothink 5 місяців тому +1

      (10:49) "I wasn't able to force myself to sit down focus and study something I'm not excited about. Isn't that exactly what discipline means?"
      I can relate to this. For so many of my younger years, I thought I wasn't disciplined compared to my peers, and that was the reason why I would sit at my desk, staring at homework or a project that I thought I wanted to do, but couldn't "discipline" myself to work on.
      The truth that I learned 20 years later (after years of therapy) was that I had normalized abandoning myself, and forcing myself (from my critical parent ego state) to do things that I didn't actually want to do. My stubbornness which manifested as not doing these things was my child self's way of fighting back against being forced like this.
      If you find it necessary to force yourself to do anything, you're in a bad relationship with yourself. We wouldn't force someone else to do something they didn't want to do, so why does it seem okay to force ourselves? Being connected to myself and "on my own side" means developing a healthy relationship with myself, awareness of my wants and needs, and using my critical parent and nurturing parent ego states to help protect and nurture my child self to do the things he wants to do. After a lifetime of "forcing myself" to do what I thought I "should" do, I found this to be a very challenging thing to do, initially. But after practicing it with continued help from my therapist, I'm glad to say I eventually got proficient at treating myself well and not trying to force myself. I hope that if this seems relevant to you, that you find your way to a similarly positive relationship with yourself.

    • @davidc4408
      @davidc4408 3 місяці тому

      You can if you pay some other smart researcher to do most of your work

  • @iamret
    @iamret 6 місяців тому +102

    I'm pursuing my PhD at Stanford, and this video perfectly encapsulates all my feelings. Thank you, man, for sharing it, and I wish you the best of luck with your startup!

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +2

      Good to hear that. Best of luck to you!

  • @momogoesrawr13
    @momogoesrawr13 5 місяців тому +19

    I mastered out of my PhD earlier this year bc I just felt perpetually stuck and demotivated after having to compete for limited resources and investment from my PI. It made me realize that my objectives and those of most academics aren’t aligned and while I appreciated what I learned and the people I met, it’s just not for me. This was super inspiring! Thank you 🙏🏾

  • @eightysevenf
    @eightysevenf 6 місяців тому +32

    Damn this was really valuable. Thank you for your honesty. I’m an academic and have actually seen you around campus! It has truly helped me to have an honest perspective like yours, which nails all the discipline challenges i myself face, to help me make sense of a world that not a lot of people are honest about or can even process. Thank you.

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому

      Glad you found this valuable, and next time come say hi! 😊

  • @huichuanzha383
    @huichuanzha383 6 місяців тому +19

    Thank you for sharing. I was shocked yet deeply moved when you spoke of 'sacrificing most of your life and happiness.' This is the first time I realized that you, too, have had experiences similar to mine. Since the beginning of junior high, I gradually sacrificed my personal life and the time spent with friends. I hesitated and struggled with this decision, but ultimately, I chose this 'lifestyle.' I once naively thought that if I lived in a Western country, I could study topics of interest, share learning, life, and entertainment with like-minded friends - a balance of education and fun, how wonderful that would be. Since childhood, I've been fascinated by painting, enjoyed music, and loved literature... I was interested in almost everything. For the sake of my studies, I gradually gave up nearly all my hobbies, even shifting my passion to my weakest subject, mathematics. Despite this, I grew to like mathematics and often scored full marks. Yet, there was no escape; after mastering the current year's material, I had to start learning the next year's content in advance, without the possibility of skipping grades, only to compete with others who had also studied two or three years ahead in the same grade. I've had my doubts, but seeing my classmates also sacrificing their lives, interests, and even sports, I thought perhaps this is the normal life of a student in China. But I can't help but yearn for the possibility of studying in the United States, of pursuing a Ph.D. there, where I might live the ideal life I've always dreamed of. Your sharing has been very helpful, if I apply for my Ph.D., I will consider not only academic achievements but also the lifestyle during my doctoral studies

  • @JakeRobbins1018
    @JakeRobbins1018 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing this, Samuel. Listening to you made me feel less incompetent myself, and more comfortable with who I am & the state of things around me. Much love, & good luck ahead.

  • @eduardoachaparro-barriera8073
    @eduardoachaparro-barriera8073 6 місяців тому +2

    I needed to hear that. Thanks Samuel, best of luck!

  • @thaivang8726
    @thaivang8726 6 місяців тому +3

    Oh, that INTRO was fantastic! I was hoping to pursue a PhD in Sociology, and after hearing your perspectives, I am more aware of a PhD journey.

  • @misnik1986
    @misnik1986 5 місяців тому +25

    as a 6th year PhD candidate from UCSD, I admire your courage and I definitely understand the struggles you have been through because I am in the same situation, I am just crossing fingers and hoping this nightmare will be over as soon as possible. Good luck for you

    • @chemistryphysics716
      @chemistryphysics716 4 місяці тому

      UCSD is not good enough. not worth doing a PhD at UCSD.

    • @misnik1986
      @misnik1986 4 місяці тому +2

      @@chemistryphysics716 but the UCs in general all well ranked in the world, why are you saying this?

    • @chemistryphysics716
      @chemistryphysics716 4 місяці тому

      @@misnik1986 UCLA and UC Berkeley. We are talking about PhD's. No point if you don't get a PhD from a top 10 program in your field. Not always, but they usually reside at Harvard, Berkeley, Caltech, MIT, Stanford, UChicago, Yale, Princeton, Hopkins (Biology). I"m talking Science programs. If you want to be elite you got to get a PhD from one of those schools. If not then you get the benefit of working for the guy that went to one of those schools. If you want to be a prof then you need either PhD or Postdoc (preferably both) at those schools. For chemistry (my field) you can add Scripps and Northwestern.

    • @lukewheeler2361
      @lukewheeler2361 3 місяці тому +1

      depends on the major but for stem fields its an amazing graduate school, definitely a top choice graduate school @@chemistryphysics716

    • @sandro5437
      @sandro5437 3 місяці тому

      @@chemistryphysics716 what a douche

  • @nicohambauer
    @nicohambauer 6 місяців тому

    Glad you made a choice and followed your heart. Doing things that you love is the best you can do!

  • @vanderdepaula3724
    @vanderdepaula3724 6 місяців тому +1

    Many of your videos are excellent, but this one surpasses it. Frankness and courage to talk about sensitive subjects are precious things that are increasingly rare on the internet. Congratulations!

  • @prabhatp654
    @prabhatp654 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for giving me the words to all the Thoughts I had in my mind for the last 2 years

  • @Username23134
    @Username23134 6 місяців тому

    These are the kind of videos which are really valuable. I would really like such a video about your startup journey until now

  • @Holycheeeese
    @Holycheeeese 6 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for making this video, self-reflection is an extremely powerful!

  • @user-pz4xe8ny7e
    @user-pz4xe8ny7e 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much! I am also a undergrad who are trying to apply for a PhD in USA. When you talked about your inner happiness, I re-examine my inner happiness and I am sure it is something related to academia. Thank you, Bosch , you do give me a lot of useful advice.🥰

  • @kaleevans1692
    @kaleevans1692 2 місяці тому

    Really appreciate your honesty and advice! This has made me think about my PhD ambitions a bit more carefully

  • @ArtinJ
    @ArtinJ 6 місяців тому

    Glad you had the courage to make the right decision for you. Best of luck in your endeavors!

  • @mogn
    @mogn 6 місяців тому +4

    Oh Sam,
    It's so exciting to listen to you, because I experienced it the same way in 2009, forever alone, focused on my studies at MIT, family at home in Germany
    BUT I finalized the phd! I'm happy about that too, but I understand you, because the price ( my price) was high
    ... someone once said,
    pay attention to what you wish for, sometimes fate demands its price

  • @Diego_Cabrera
    @Diego_Cabrera 6 місяців тому +2

    I can relate to you so much. I made it into the top college in my state, but later willingly rejected the offer to go to another college that offers a better campus and environment. It's tough to accept the fact that I'm just like you; I need a goal in order to function. Without a goal, I feel completely lost. Currently, my obsession is still school, but I'm also trying to grow my channel because I feel like this path allows me to impact many more people. Best of luck with your startup!

  • @yahyabenmahane3959
    @yahyabenmahane3959 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for the valuable advice! Indeed, much of your advice really hit home for me.

  • @k.l.dyellow6463
    @k.l.dyellow6463 6 місяців тому

    Great video full of insights! Thanks for sharing!

  • @unknown_beauty
    @unknown_beauty 6 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing! I was lifted up by your videos. Wish you a nice future!!!😘

  • @zoonpolitikon1648
    @zoonpolitikon1648 6 місяців тому +1

    I am really happy for you. A PhD is definetely the way to go for me, but you look so happy with your decision. Best whishes in all your endeavours.

  • @lolapalloza183
    @lolapalloza183 5 місяців тому +1

    Very honest, much appreciated. I have had quite the same journey

  • @finn3807
    @finn3807 6 місяців тому

    Hi Samuel,
    Ich finde das war bis jetzt eins deiner besten Videos in denen du einen "Realtalk" rausgehauen hast. Sehr gut strukturiert und inspirierend☝️

  • @lenishpandey192
    @lenishpandey192 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for this video and your advice.

  • @segunadewola
    @segunadewola 6 місяців тому +30

    Hi Samuel, I appreciate you making this video and being so transparent about how your motivations affect your discipline. You don't know how you've helped me today. God bless you bro!

  • @Linussssssss
    @Linussssssss 6 місяців тому +2

    Looking forward to the video!!

  • @elias501
    @elias501 4 місяці тому

    Hey Samuel, I absolutely admire your honesty and your incredible ability to self-reflection. That probably summarizes feelings and struggles that so many of us have but do not have the courage to actually talk about it. This video will definitely be a starting point for many people to appreciate where they are and, most important, think about what their real passion is, without getting influenced too much from external factors. Great work and all the best for your start-up journey! Looking up to you man!

  • @COLONELLCOOL
    @COLONELLCOOL 6 місяців тому +6

    This resonates with me - interestingly, I was in a similar situation but I decided for my PhD and against the startup that I was also building up. Now that I have completed the PhD, which I also only did to prove to myself that I can do it, I am ready to tackle the startup again. Maybe you will have a similar experience and get a PhD later. Good luck with everything!

    • @rogorix4991
      @rogorix4991 4 місяці тому

      I want to do this too I also feel like having a PhD might be a great bonus for your startup reputation

  • @nro337
    @nro337 6 місяців тому

    Great video! Appreciate the openness and I'm sure this was a hard video to make in some ways. Best of luck with your startup!

  • @adarshbalachandar8680
    @adarshbalachandar8680 6 місяців тому

    Have been watching your journey pretty much from the start of your YT channel! You keep inspiring, motivating and enlightening me man, wish you the very best!

  • @scottjackson163
    @scottjackson163 6 місяців тому +10

    I left a PhD program at Stanford back in 1981, after earning the A.M. If I had the decision to make again, I would stay for the PhD. I can relate to the feeling of having won the prize, just by getting in.

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +4

      Interesting. I guess I’ll know in a few years (or decades) if I will regret it :)

  • @davidlakhter
    @davidlakhter 6 місяців тому +1

    I'm very happy for you Samuel!

  • @TheNewTravel
    @TheNewTravel 6 місяців тому +3

    What an inspiring journey! Can’t wait to see what comes next :)

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому

      Thank you 😊 lots of startup updates ahead!

  • @Kevin-ps3ow
    @Kevin-ps3ow 6 місяців тому +1

    I love your videos and since I came across your Channel you’re one of my main sources of motivation. I’ve been struggling with motivation and have had - and still have - episodes in which I was sure I’m just not intelligent enough.
    So as silly as it may sound but knowing you’re struggling too helps me a lot in bad episodes !
    Keep up the good work, Grüße aus Deutschland

  • @Bbb78651
    @Bbb78651 2 місяці тому

    Thank you so much Samuel for opening up. It really stood when you said "I lack the discipline even now." Most people live their entire lives without that self-awareness. Proud of your for getting to MIT PhD, its no easy feat. So glad you could pursue your goals, and find your career path. I think I'm in the exact opposite situation - I love research, from a business background. Pursuing my path with your words definitely gives me more clarity. Keep it up!

  • @GeorgiaMade404706
    @GeorgiaMade404706 Місяць тому

    This is a good ideology and is worthy of thesis research itself. Great video!

  • @danielwang5366
    @danielwang5366 6 місяців тому +21

    I'm an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins, when I got into the biomedical engineering program I was ecstatic. At that time it was ranked the #1 biomedical engineering program in the world, it was my dream and something I thought would be nearly impossible for me to achieve. But almost 1 and a half years later, I've found the major really isn't the right fit for me. A couple days ago I decided to drop the major and change to Applied Mathematics and Statistics. I feel like I relate a lot to what you've shared. I'm not certain what my next steps are but I'm confident this change is the best move and for the first time in a while I'm excited to see what the future of my undergraduate experience is going to look like. Thanks for sharing your story, God bless.

    • @dac8939
      @dac8939 6 місяців тому

      Great major. Friend did that and now a very high paid quant trader for hedge fund. Became millionaire from it before 25

    • @ING_Francis
      @ING_Francis 6 місяців тому

      can i have your mail?

  • @samuelahiadjipe3894
    @samuelahiadjipe3894 6 місяців тому

    This is the best "academic" video i ever watched. I learned a lot. Thanks!👍

  • @ManishKumar-ic1ug
    @ManishKumar-ic1ug 6 місяців тому +1

    Another really nice advice from this worderful man . Thankyou Samuel !!
    Congrats!

  • @truelly7958
    @truelly7958 6 місяців тому +1

    I respect your decision Samuel, and i wish you good luck on your next journey. I hope that your company will be successful :)

  • @jamesmoriarty7128
    @jamesmoriarty7128 6 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your experience it was a great help for me to reconsider what I want to do in life anyways I wish you the best for your startup.

  • @marcelonovo4649
    @marcelonovo4649 6 місяців тому +1

    You did this video for entire day. I noticed with day light behind you. That's hard work.

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +1

      Hahahaha yes, starting in the early afternoon and it took me quite some time :)

    • @marcelonovo4649
      @marcelonovo4649 6 місяців тому

      I hope your video gets millions of views. You deserve it 👏 💓

  • @user-cl6uu2yk4x
    @user-cl6uu2yk4x 6 місяців тому +6

    I am a junior in college in Taiwan.This video really gave me a clear perspective on my career.Thank you❤

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +2

      Am glad the video helped. Btw, Erin (my girlfriend that appeared in the fist seconds of the video) is also from Taiwan 😊

  • @FrancescoCapuano-ll1md
    @FrancescoCapuano-ll1md 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for all the help

  • @moisestrejo100
    @moisestrejo100 6 місяців тому

    Best of luck on your new journey!

  • @doug3792
    @doug3792 6 місяців тому

    This video helped me a lot, Samuel! I'm thinking about applying for a PhD next year at MIT, but really this question you said conveys a little of what I think too. Sometimes I wonder if this is really what I want.

  • @kevinmarceliano7992
    @kevinmarceliano7992 6 місяців тому +2

    You are changing lives, bro. I admire you. Never give up on your dreams :)

  • @sahib_kamran
    @sahib_kamran 6 місяців тому +1

    "Discipline works both ways" - learned something new today. Found your channel via MIT videos, but will follow it for more adventures. Enjoying your quality content! All eyez you :)

  • @vedantvashi9051
    @vedantvashi9051 6 місяців тому +1

    Very inspirational, but I was jumping in my seat as you casually went over being at top in olympiads, and working at DE Shaw

  • @shubhamdas3586
    @shubhamdas3586 6 місяців тому +1

    this is your most motivating video i have seen

  • @trungtt4941
    @trungtt4941 Місяць тому

    Hope that you build a big company in the future!

  • @f1l3m0n
    @f1l3m0n 6 місяців тому

    Hey bro, thanks for this video. I've been pursuing my master's degree for a year now and didn't feel good about the topic. I have recently changed the field and now I am feeling much better, although I have had some second thoughts because I already invested so much time and effort. Take care!

  • @annaczgli2983
    @annaczgli2983 6 місяців тому +6

    Well, a PhD isn't everything. Forget it; Do what you like. Good luck.

  • @giannitwins
    @giannitwins 6 місяців тому +1

    Inspiring brother, keep goin and don’t let up ⭐️

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +1

      Thank you fellow brofessors! 💪💪💪

  • @frankbosch9480
    @frankbosch9480 6 місяців тому +1

    Danke für dieses tolle ehrliche Video .Dann viel Erfolg mit deinem startup😊

  • @davidtang2549
    @davidtang2549 5 місяців тому +4

    Man you're definitely the most similar person to me I've every seen. I'm really not disciplined unless I really have passion about something. I was really interested in Physics and Astronomy since 6 or 7 years old. I learned a lot from documentaries and books in my primary school. Somehow I even found and joined the distributed computation from SETI in Berkeley at the age of 10 (last month I've just met the co-founder of SETI and it really is an amazing experience to meet someone you knew 10 years ago). But I'm only a random kid in China. And 99% of Chinese kids would have to follow the track of high schools and take the exam to the top universities in China. I suffered whole 5 years of depression in my high schools. I've tried my best to find a way out. I joined a program to do research with professors in yr 10 and even have my own publication. But there's something going on in the system and connections in the program... Somehow I won the debate of my paper but I wasn't offered the chance to visit and compete abroad. I totally lost faith and tried to persuade my parents to let me go study abroad, cuz I was so depressed. It succeeded. But then the pandemic comes. I can only go to a high tier but not top university. I tried to be passionate about my physics study, but the atmosphere there was just killing me. No one talks during and after class, most professors are just reading the slides. And the students there keeps being extremely competitive. Finally I got a chance to study in Berkeley in a physics program. My passion finally come to life. But over the years I still lack of constant motivation. No one back to China understand me. Your videos have been so informative for my PhD application and helpful for my career planning! And most importantly, I feel a strong sense of resonance. So thank you so much! Keep going and don't forget to share your experience and hints to us if you have time! Sincerely wish you all the best!

  • @UndercoverImports
    @UndercoverImports 6 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for this video Samuel! I've recently started a PhD.
    I was rushed into my decision really, I was unhappy and unsure what dieection I wanted to go in. I already work pretty much a full time job (that i'm unhappy in) and running an eCommerce business so why I thought doing a PhD on top of my commitments already was a really stressful decision and now i just feel constantly overwhelmed and struggle to where to put my focus and energy.
    I think I was trying to tell/prove to myself that I wanted to become a Dr and an expert in my field but I think your video has made it clearer to me that no, I don't want to become a researcher, and no, I don't want to become a professor and work in academia!
    I think I need to focus on my ultimate passion and that is my business and focus growing that, you've helped me see that a PhD would only stall me and potentially regret losing out years of my life doing something that I don't enjoy doing that probably would not make a difference in the grand scheme of things in my business.
    Thank you for sharing your journey, it's enforced what I think i was already feeling!!!

    • @FlutterPythoncombo
      @FlutterPythoncombo 6 місяців тому

      Hey! I read your comment and found it quite interesting. I'm planning to apply for a Ph.D. program in Genetics, but the problem is that I'm not from the US and will have to relocate there. It's been a few weeks, and I'm still struggling to find the right direction, considering my age as I'm already 34. I've been active in the startup scene for the last 7 years, but now I'm thinking about starting a biotech venture in the future, and that's why I want to pursue a Ph.D. in Genetics. However, I'm not sure if this is the right decision for me.

  • @RC-eg5do
    @RC-eg5do 6 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for this very nice and clear video. I always kinda wonder if I should pursue a PhD even if I'm working as a data analyst. This video helps me getting closer to the conclusion that I shouldn't as I definitely don't want to do research.
    Thanks again for this video amd bestvof luck for Marveri !

  • @shayanzahedi5735
    @shayanzahedi5735 4 місяці тому

    Hey man, I love you, thank you!

  • @user-ch6nf8gs1h
    @user-ch6nf8gs1h 6 місяців тому

    I first knew you by your A Day in the Life of an MIT PhD Student vlog. Back then, I was an undergrad dreaming about getting into a PhD program and doing fancy research. Now, I am in my first year of my Ph.D. and thinking about quitting. I feel an unspoken connection with you.

  • @Pl15604
    @Pl15604 6 місяців тому +1

    It takes a whole amount of courage to acknowledge so many vulnerabilities. All the respect. Would marry the guy!

  • @aminekidane2443
    @aminekidane2443 6 місяців тому

    Have been following you for months....thank you...and its the job requirements and overhead you mentioned in your career page and other requirements section that pushes us to consider PhD :) (:

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому

      I don’t think any of my listed jobs require a degree. Even the research one :)

  • @srikanthnarasimalu2777
    @srikanthnarasimalu2777 6 місяців тому

    Hi Samuel, Thanks for your sharing. Through your words and sharing, I was able to experience the PhD life @ MIT! One suggestion to you is that you can take an one year break so that you can fall back to your PhD career path if you found it new reasons to your future plans? Also a foot in the campus, helps you access to various resources and network that you can access for your startup! My best wishes to your Successful Startup career! 👍👌

  • @LeanderSchulze
    @LeanderSchulze 6 місяців тому +1

    Love your Videos. Keep it up!

  • @xuanyuchen9010
    @xuanyuchen9010 4 місяці тому +1

    What? I feel so surpurised and shocked that you decided to quit PhD. It is your experience pursuing PhD in MIT and your videos that inspire me to engaged myself in studying PhD, too. Now, I am in the 2nd year of PhD in Economics. But I hope you all the best with your business and wish you a bright future!

  • @Josip12157
    @Josip12157 6 місяців тому +1

    You went to same primary school in Zagreb as I did, same generation. Glad to see you are doing well!

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +1

      Appreciate it and great hearing from you :)

  • @yusufiskandar9161
    @yusufiskandar9161 6 місяців тому

    Thank you, im now pursuing master’s degree, and i hope to pursue My PHD later will be my best decision ever

  • @dominikz5776
    @dominikz5776 5 місяців тому +1

    You did all right, samo jako buraz moj😉

  • @YakkonD
    @YakkonD 6 місяців тому

    Interesting perspective!

  • @Ved3sten
    @Ved3sten 6 місяців тому +1

    I feel literally everything you’re feeling. My whole life was about academics, reading the textbook, obsessing over prestige, and chasing after buzz words. But I realized super late now into my masters that buzz words can only get you so far.

    • @Heyu7her3
      @Heyu7her3 5 місяців тому

      Buzz words will get you through a master's & your PhD coursework, but not past that halfway mark. That's why many leave their doctoral program with a master's.

  • @superjgon
    @superjgon 6 місяців тому +21

    "I realized that my true inner goal was just to prove to myself and everyone around me that I could get into MIT."
    Though I'm only an MIT undergrad (sophomore) and have a way less interesting background story on how I got here, I've overall been facing the same internal struggle of motivation and direction that you've described in this video. Some parts really felt like I was listening directly to my own daily thoughts, such as the line quoted above which I've for sure said similar ideas to many people.
    I think I worked decently hard to get here, and was very strategic with what I spent and sacrificed all my time on in high school, but now that I no longer have those things to work for I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. I feel I am about average in intelligence and high school achievement compared to other undergrads, but every day I question if I really belong here because I do not want to be doing any work for classes or clubs or internships or anything else that I see so many working for, and I'm definitely wasting my time and opportunity here.
    I guess it is somewhat comforting (but maybe also concerning) to see someone slightly farther along the academia path going through similar struggles. I hope I will find what I can prioritize and feel passionate about again soon like it seems you have.

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +2

      I think many people at MIT (and similar places) go through such thoughts. It’s just something few people will admit to. Best of luck to you! 😊

    • @Heyu7her3
      @Heyu7her3 5 місяців тому +2

      Everyone who gets into an elite institution feels that at different levels, but you don't want it to be your ONLY reason. It won't get you through challenges that'll eventually come up, & you'll become resentful.
      I advise you to use this time for self-discovery. Talk about your dilemma to one of the student affairs counselors. Maybe they can help you determine if you are just in the wrong course for your interests... or if transferring elsewhere would be best. You should also take advantage of the offerings as ways to socialize & have fun while you're still there. Find 1-2 student groups to join. Take a really interesting class that isn't related to your course. There's a blacksmithing class!

  • @alexgregory5583
    @alexgregory5583 6 місяців тому +4

    I seriously considered a PhD after my masters as it seemed like the next logical step. Instead, I worked with an old supervisor as a researcher for a little under a year. It was the best decision I've ever made because I have ZERO regrets about not then starting a PhD after that year. I really recommend doing this, if you can, if you are unsure.

  • @yarik1778
    @yarik1778 6 місяців тому +1

    Good luck with your startup!

  • @cbxxxbc
    @cbxxxbc 6 місяців тому +2

    Great advice ... We too often fall prey to the sunken cost fallacy

  • @bayannirivera
    @bayannirivera 6 місяців тому +12

    Thank you so much for sharing, this video is actually really helpful to me as an MIT undergrad freshman debating whether or not to get a PhD later on. For me, it depends what career I choose. My childhood dream was always to be an astrophysicist, and in high school I was focused in all things astronomy, even starting a tiktok channel where I teach millions about cool astronomy topics. But I now am realizing that to be an astrophysicist, I need a PhD, and I'm not really digging research or teaching jobs. I love talking about astronomy and sharing my knowledge, but the idea of focusing on one niche topic for perhaps the rest of my life does not sit well with me. I think aerospace engineering would be the better choice for me, as I just joined the rocket team here at MIT and I'm really liking it so far. I wish you luck on your journey! Also, I'm pretty sure I've seen you at the Zesiger gym, looking huge man :)

    • @ege8240
      @ege8240 6 місяців тому +3

      bro you are studying at MIT. you can become a successful shit eater and still be the best at it.
      you got this
      👍

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for such a nice comment! I was the same way and wished I pursued more practical applications of my passions earlier on. Spot me next time at the gym 💪💪

  • @ToneeSings
    @ToneeSings 6 місяців тому

    Thanks Sam, I watched your videos because it helped me when I was questioning my intelligence since I was pursuing medicine. But after long consideration and introspection, I realized I had a passion for performing and making music and I am going to pursue that. I don't know much about what the future holds but I have been more passionate and disciplined and am a lot happier. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your journey. Excited to see where your journey and mine heads! Alles gute

  • @milakohen630
    @milakohen630 5 місяців тому

    Samuel , wtf???? I hope you go back and finish. You can change the subject, even though I was very hyped for you to do quantum in AI . I believe you will succeed!!!!

  • @junsungpark8681
    @junsungpark8681 5 місяців тому

    honored to see a guy who went to mit for his phd.

  • @mohammedalshalabi3122
    @mohammedalshalabi3122 6 місяців тому +1

    Big news……I’m pretty keen on knowing all about it since I’m in one now……wish you all the best 👍

  • @JackPullen-Paradox
    @JackPullen-Paradox 4 місяці тому

    I always connected the PhD with deep knowledge and understanding of a field of study, even the ability to create new deep knowledge in the subject. Very few career successes could compete with that.

  • @zzzzzzllllllll
    @zzzzzzllllllll 6 місяців тому +1

    Also a PHD student considering mastering out. I indeed feel the same that I won't be disciplined enough to push myself or to convince myself to do something that I am not excited about.

  • @sitrakaforler8696
    @sitrakaforler8696 6 місяців тому +2

    CHAOS !! haha dam you have GERMAN accent then.
    Your decision makes sense. Courage Samuel ! It makes sense when we follow your videos when you speak more and more of your start up (and a company is like a child, the first years requires EVERYTHING! Time, money, focus etc so yeah it makes sense!
    Finally "Having freedom in PhD research but feeling overwhelmed without much guidance. ANd feeling inadequate and struggling due to lack of discipline and remote learning during the pandemic... is really crazy how we have things in common hahah"

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому

      Hahhaha I pronounced it in the Croatian way 😂

  • @sherrymoonie6991
    @sherrymoonie6991 2 місяці тому

    I feel you! I found myself looking at math books without any formulas to memorize but only texts and texts and texts, and the exams are closed books! I'm struggling to quit now...

  • @rubafatima1254
    @rubafatima1254 6 місяців тому +1

    Sir Best of luck for your startup

  • @jem3990
    @jem3990 6 місяців тому

    Best luck for your start-up, happy to see you so passionated about it!
    Would you say that the knowledge you gained through the PhD at MIT was necessary for founding your AI Start-Up?

  • @hegerwalter
    @hegerwalter 6 місяців тому

    I can relate dude!!

  • @petrupascu6356
    @petrupascu6356 6 місяців тому +4

    Thanks for sharing, Samuel, and best of luck with the startup! Personally, right now I‘m looking for PhD opportunities (applied math/ physics) more bc I love teaching and I like the idea of teaching at university more than working in the industry. I don’t mind doing research, but I feel like teaching is my main motivation. Not sure if it’s the right one though. Also, I see getting into a PhD at a good university as my next challenge, whereas securing a job in the industry wouldn’t be that difficult to do. Just my thoughts at the moment..

    • @Heyu7her3
      @Heyu7her3 5 місяців тому

      College-level teaching & research are the main job prospects for PhD earners

  • @janithchethan6213
    @janithchethan6213 6 місяців тому +2

    ❤No matter, even if you give up the PhD, I prefer to continue bringing videos about MIT, Harvard and brilliant students.🎉😊

  • @ottuba7621
    @ottuba7621 6 місяців тому

    All the best, Samuel, super excited to see what you're going to do from here on out! Would you not also say that being able to get the master's from MIT in passing reduced the sunk cost? You did end up getting one credential, at least! (in addition to the network and all (: )
    And I just began my PhD at Stanford and can definitely identify with some of these thoughts :) While I got into it all for the research (and still am in it for that reason), this is a really good prompt for reflection. The chasing of the "I want to get into X program" really can push all else into the background, for better or worse!

    • @SamuelBoschMIT
      @SamuelBoschMIT  6 місяців тому +3

      Yeah, the master's degree was definitely great. So I AM now an MIT graduate, get all the benefits from it and the alumni network + I didn't have to pay for my master's degree

  • @matthiasabc
    @matthiasabc 6 місяців тому +1

    Great video

  • @nataliapietrulewicz2700
    @nataliapietrulewicz2700 6 місяців тому

    I’m impressed with your English! How did you learn it so well?

  • @notequalto5179
    @notequalto5179 6 місяців тому

    I'm doing a masters in Psychology and trying to figure out if I want to do a PhD. I'm doing really well in the classwork, including the heavy stats, despite only having a minor in Psychology. My current research lab is boring me a bit. The questions they ask aren't really questions I am interested in, but I'm worried about getting a thesis advisor.

  • @varunahlawat9013
    @varunahlawat9013 6 місяців тому

    I watched your videos, and in one of them, you vouched the USA for STEM.
    I commented in that video that I'll come to the US for my bachelor's. Today I'm commenting again, I'm here in downtown Atlanta.
    I respect your decision. I met two of the smartest people that I ever knew here at GSU. I didn't get into any good univ with a scholarship and GSU was the cheapest.
    I am not sure about a Master's or PhD, but I wanna make rockets so bad! I want to mine asteroids and make factories floating in orbits so that just finished goods land using parachutes in the oceans and then transported via ships!

  • @geasderlinasdwsxcdeasd
    @geasderlinasdwsxcdeasd 6 місяців тому

    you are good. exactly like what you said. don't set phd as default.

  • @larryslobster7881
    @larryslobster7881 6 місяців тому

    12 hour non stop meeting is CRAZY

  • @SuperMaDBrothers
    @SuperMaDBrothers 6 місяців тому +1

    As someone who did a MA in physics, I feel that most people don't really understand any of the literature. The literature isn't a way to share ideas, it's a way to document ideas and prove that someone did something.