Cost/Benefit Analysis

[psych00]

Just wondering what everyone's opinions and/or experiences are on the benefits outweighing the costs (timewise, financially, emotionally ) in pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology? I guess, as opposed to "settling" for pursuing a master's-level degree, LPC/LCPC, etc (besides the advantage of being able to do assessments, which seems to be the only uniform answer on the benefit side)?

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[Therapist4Chnge]

It was scary when I factored in "lost income" from not working for 5+ years....but I realized that quality of life was more important than more money in the short-term. I should be able to make about what I would have made in the biz world (if I spend at least 50% of my time doing corp. consulting).....so I consider that a win/win. I'll make my own hours, run my own businesses, and live a comfortable life.

-t

 

[jhymn]

I believe doctoral students get more in terms of the philosphical and the abstract, as well as a much more rich and diverse theory-driven education which lends itself to greater meta-analysis of our clients in the practical application of our learned experience.

As far as "lost time and money" goes... we each choose how we're going to spend our "time" so, for me, time spent on becoming a more well rounded clinical psychologist is not what I would call "lost." Also, I don't look at time spent doing other things when one could hypothically be earning more money "lost money" because it's pure theory - there could theoretically be more money earned doing many things "not school" and there are choices that are made during "not school" that could both benefit and cost an individual further opportunities given a certain theoretical life path. These potentials exist no matter what we do and one could drive oneself crazy thinking and rethinking the significance of every decision one chooses to make even in a given day. So, let's say I had a career I was pursuing instead of school, there would be time spent "paying my dues" there as much as time spent paying my dues in school. The costs may vary but the bottom line is the same.