by Ken » Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:50 am
While I think everyone has that "I want to leave graduate school" moment(s), having it in your first year might not be a good thing.
In terms of free time, I think you get as much free time as you take. If you learn to work quickly and efficiently (you have a ten minute incubation, isn't there something that you can set up in that time?) you can get your work done. If someone is pressuring you to work longer hours, and you're getting your work done, then don't worry about it. I think science provides more free time than, say, medicine, law or business, if you are willing to take it.
Though, it doesn't pay as well initially.
If it helps, I had SERIOUS doubts as to whether I was doing the right thing in grad school. I toughed it out (literally, as I had a PI who was abusive), and about six months out of grad school, I'm finally glad that I did it. Of course, I'm also glad that I NEVER have to do it again.
The question is, do you want to be a scientist? If not, don't waste your time in grad school. If so, you will suffer some, but you can get through it.