I wanted to go into academia to do research and teach, so I went for a Ph.D. and got it in 4 years in computer engineering without much burnout or issue. I was always cheerful and enjoyed my journey. I did have a great advisor and while I was at a top-100 university, it was outside the USA and maybe that makes a difference.
You should really only go into a Ph.D. because you really want to, which sounds tautological but basically you need to want to go into academia or get the kind of industry R&D job that requires one (several of my graduating colleagues). If you're on the fence about doing Ph.D. - don't. There's a very real opportunity cost.
You should really only go into a Ph.D. because you really want to, which sounds tautological but basically you need to want to go into academia or get the kind of industry R&D job that requires one (several of my graduating colleagues). If you're on the fence about doing Ph.D. - don't. There's a very real opportunity cost.