100% approach it with caution. TBH, this is still more generous than I'd have been. Grad-level classes are usually fascinating, but the academic research model is exploitative for graduate students and postdocs. Individual research groups and even whole departments can be very toxic. While I learned a lot, in my field it's common to learn at work and I'd have learned just as much from from several years of work experience too. I'd have been paid far better elsewhere. I'd also have had substantially fewer health problems along the way. There are a couple circumstances where putting up with it is absolutely required for a given career path, but I usually recommend that people reconsider if they can. The opportunity cost is staggering.
100% approach it with caution. TBH, this is still more generous than I'd have been. Grad-level classes are usually fascinating, but the academic research model is exploitative for graduate students and postdocs. Individual research groups and even whole departments can be very toxic. While I learned a lot, in my field it's common to learn at work and I'd have learned just as much from from several years of work experience too. I'd have been paid far better elsewhere. I'd also have had substantially fewer health problems along the way. There are a couple circumstances where putting up with it is absolutely required for a given career path, but I usually recommend that people reconsider if they can. The opportunity cost is staggering.