PhD or PR?

[sana123]

Hello everyone, i am kinda middle of a unique situation, I already finished my masters from Saskatchewan (so I am eligible to apply for post-graduation work permit and SINP) but I move to Ontario to start a PhD.
But still i couldn't decide what I need most (of course I love my PhD work, but I need the stability as a PR because im in my 30s).
Right now I can wait for another 2 years and apply for PR under PhD stream but I heard it is more difficult than SINP (because I don't have work experience).
In the other way I Still can apply for post-graduation work permit and move again to Saskatchewan to apply for PR, but then I have to drop from my PhD program.

so guys please help me to decide my best option as now I am really confused.

Note: bTW there is an exam called comprehensive (usually in second year) in PhD so It is risky as we never know what will happen in exams, If i fail that I have to move from canada (If I dont have PR at that time).

 

[lvladman]

It is not an easy decision! It really depends on the situation.
I was kind of in the same position as you are and I picked PhD, but I regret it. because PhD is not as interesting as it looks like in the beginning. May be you complete a perfect research work with a lot of publications or may be you fail your comp exam. These two destinies are not totally in your control. sometimes research ideas don't work, sometimes the advisor is not the one you expected, sometimes the lab and the equipment stop working ......
Also keep this in mind that this PhD stream is not guaranteed to be continued.
My point is, pick PhD if you really love what you gonna do no matter what will happen.
listen to this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaLDRSg6vic

 

[kushari]

Apply for PR in my opinion. Then you can pay as a Canadian instead of an international student. That's what I'm doing before I start looking at masters.

 

[PAULPAYA]

If money isn't an issue for you to pay @ premium tuition as an international student ...
I guess PhD is a way to go otherwise applying PR & find a work to accumulate working experiences in the meantime isn't a bad thing either ...

You can always complete PhD at later time whenever you're ready again ...
Just my 2 cents ...

 

[lvladman]

Guys! Please! PhD students generally pay PR tuition. Most cases!

 

[ggalex]

If you have that much dilemma about starting PhD, then don't do it! Just go for PR. I have a PhD and it really needs a lot of motivation than convenience to finish it in good grace. You have to have unquestionable desire, competence; and must be ready to pay the sacrifice for a good PhD.

 

[sana123]

hello guys I really appreciate all of these comments,
@ggalex yes I am willing to sacrifice (actually I did) up to certain extent but I think its too much risk to take, and there are lot of chances to go wrong. I am in my early 30s and do you guys think it will be a bad idea if I do a job for 3 years and start a PhD again?
@ lvladman, yes im getting separate scholarship just to cover International tuition fees, but still i have to pay (2000/yr) more than those who have PR
@PAULPAYA & kushari , thanx for the advice , but i really dont know its worthwhile to start a PhD when I am in my late 30s ?

@ lvladman, yes it will be one of the hardest decisions I might have to make in my life, Since Im already in a PhD program, and already put some effort and time (around 4 months now), but as u say It is too risky to continue without knowing what will happen next. 8 out of 10 people told me to find a job and apply for PR, I guess that is the smartest decision at this point. Thank you all for your help.

 

[PAULPAYA]

@ PAULPAYA & kushari , thanx for the advice , but i really dont know its worthwhile to start a PhD when I am in my late 30s ?

Just my own opinion, working experience isn't something money can buy because it is accumulative through various works obviously ...
PhD on the other hands can always obtain at later time, plus the times & money you spend on getting PhD sometimes cannot justify your salary in a better way ( however, I guess Doctor practice in medical is exception) ...

Anyhow, you are in a leverage point where you need to see what beneficial to your future ...
If you were late 20's, I would say go for it; no offense, but you're in late 30's and that may or might give you a hard time finding a work once you graduated ...

However again, this is strictly just my opinion ...
Perhaps, you're working already or later on some well-known company or head hunter may want to scout you while you're @ school ...

Are you willing to take a bet ... ?!?!

;D