I am devastated, but I have to leave my PhD program. My family and I are simply too poor to continue on an embarrassing stipend with no benefits. The space on credit cards has run out, so the method we’ve been using to survive so far has run its course. 1/5

Without going into too much detail, one of us basically has to be home all the time & we could never afford child care, so there was only room for one full time job between the two of us. On top of that, our food stamp balance has shrunk for some reason we were never told. 2/5

We don’t have anything else lined up, and the lead I had doesnt seem to be materializing. Ill be teaching out this semester, and unless my stipend dramatically increases AND I have benefits for myself and my family (this will never happen), I wont be returning in the spring. 3/5

Regardless of whether it’s true or not, I feel like a failure to have made it this far and have to quit. There are ways to complete the degree without being as involved, but this seems unlikely with our one full-time role available and my ability to be a present parent. 4/5

This is such a stupid and heartbreaking situation especially after so much time, debt, work I’ve done and others have done to allow me the space, energy, and help to make it this far. It feels like I’m going to regret this and feel this way forever. A bunch of fucking mopes. 5/5

I’m going to mute this thread. I’m overwhelmed by the support, solidarity, and advice I’ve received on here. It’s getting too much to respond to and I’m starting to get too many trolls. My sincerest thank you for the reminder of why I came to the academy in the first place.