Being a PhD student is not for the faint of heart. The decision to do a postgraduate course implies a challenge in itself. It means a constant struggle to practice a profession that, despite being necessary for the common good, is not fairly valued in a system that inculcates that this is one more excuse to avoid working and avoid responsibilities. Many times, it also implies sacrificing personal life, jeopardizing economic stability, because once they graduate, the future is very uncertain.

Society often views a PhD as unnecessary, a luxury for the privileged few who can afford to avoid "real" work. The value of higher education is often questioned, and the sacrifices made by PhD students are not always recognized.

But the truth is, a PhD is so much more than an excuse to avoid working. It's about pushing the boundaries of knowledge, about making a meaningful contribution to our understanding of the world. It's about the pursuit of truth and the love of learning. But it's also a constant battle against self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the never-ending cycle of research, writing, and revisions.

For many PhD graduates, the job market can be brutal. A PhD doesn't guarantee a well-paying job, and often the opportunities are limited to academia or research positions, sometimes not even those. In some fields, the competition is fierce, and the job market is oversaturated, and the high unemployment rate among PhD graduates is a reflection of that.

But despite all the struggles and sacrifices, the passion for learning and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world, drive many PhD students to persist in their studies. It is a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of purpose. And for those who do make it to the end, the rewards are well worth the struggle.