I went back to do my PhD after more than 20 years in industry. Being an independent researcher gave me the freedom to pursue a topic that I saw a need for in industry. Of course, I'm biased by my experiences, but I do think we would make more practical contributions to industry if all PhD candidates had to gain industry experience before enrolling in their research program.
When I got here I realized the members of the lab are almost all petite white women. A common reason why they’re doing their PhD in this lab? The PI saw something in them and thought they were special.
To top it off, most of them are doing projects predetermined by the PI for their dissertation.
Goes without saying, I intend to work with another professor but still very disheartening to see.
Passion helps, but people's passion does change over time.
There's a huge amount to deciding your topic (and your PhD advisor) that needs to be decided on the ground.
After 6 years in industry, I have a much more solid foundation and idea of what I want to focus on for the rest of my career. But at this point, getting a PhD is not remotely a possibility for numerous reasons.
It’s an interesting conundrum and I see a lot of PhDs who advise against getting one. But I will always have a small pang of jealousy towards those that have one.