For what it’s worth, I remember well that I thought a 40k stipend in 2017 was an AMAZING opportunity, and was very excited to pursue a PhD for that reason (granted 25k today is significantly less). My requirements are different now, but at the time that was a great opportunity for me. Don’t knock the low-pay-opportunities too too hard, the most desperate people really want that offer, and it is still be a better stepping stone than a 0k stipend. Of course I’d also like if the offer was better.
lol welcome to mechanical engineering. At the time, I think a good starting pay for a mechanical engineer was ~80k total. Getting half of that while pursuing a PhD seemed like a great deal.
> the most desperate people really want that offer
I don't think it's great the PhD programs disproportionately attract desperate talent willing to work for poverty wages.
I'm not saying the labs need to pay crazy BigTech wages. But the status quo is downright abusive. And nevermind all the perverse incentives around publishing.
Unfortunately in many areas its the only way to have a viable career, even if you aren't planning on going in academia (very few can) a PhD is a definite plus / nearly required in many industries.
