“I stayed with a difficult PhD advisor for six years.”

Item: I stayed with a difficult PhD advisor for six years.
Rating: 2
Author: u/Slow_Maximum7295

What Actually Happened

I spent six years with an exploitative PhD advisor. After I finally defended, she mocked the positive feedback I received from my committee, which hurt me deeply.

What I wish I knew

"I wish I had known how much a toxic advisor relationship can sour the entire PhD experience."

Advice to Someone Facing This Now

If I could tell you one thing

"Thoroughly vet your potential PhD advisor's personality and relationship with their students, not just their academic reputation."

Regret Index

8/10

Clear regret.
The downsides outweighed what was gained.

SettledMixedSevere

Advice for Someone Facing This

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Discussion

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career Category

2,708

career decisions logged. Avg regret 5.7/10 across the category.

Same Outcome Band

42%

of career decisions land in the severe band the same as this one.