I started my journey of PhD for discovering drugs for elephantiasis or filariasis. For this, I worked for 6 years. I went into forests, various research institutes, and universities, doing my experiments. I wasted my money on chemicals.
At last, I succeeded in discovering molecules for filariasis which killed the parasites in seconds. But what to do? I completed my research work but published two papers only to publish two more SCOPUS indexed papers where I need lakhs of rupees.
I lost my job and have no money to eat food. How can I complete my work? I left my PhD. My university should bear the responsibility which violated UGC rules. Why? As per norms, only two papers had to be published but private universities force us to publish 3- 4 papers. It’s very difficult to publish SCOPUS indexed papers. They tried maximum to kill my research work from starting as they didn’t even allow to their lab to do my work as I am a part-time PhD holder.
There are regional feelings cast in the way, money issues. Boss will harass. He will not give much time to help you. You end up paying lakhs of rupees in fees. You feel frustration, pain, with nobody to guide or help you; nobody just to tell you how to write a paper.
Apart from this, if you complete work also, there is no use because paper publishing takes a lot of time, nearly 2- 3 years. So, read my article. Because everybody has to face these problems. If you can’t face them, don’t do a PhD. In rare cases, you get a good guide. I got a good guide too, but all other problems killed me; so before choosing a PhD, consult some people and do research. If your working conditions are suitable, only then do it.