I’ve recently laid off the “money and PhDs” issue because that always brings out the “you-know-who” folks. I would like to re-state it though.
You can do all the “meaningful work” you want. But at the end of the day, gas pumps, landlords, and the electric company are not going to be paid with the “meaningful research” you’re doing.
They are paid with MONEY.
Beyond bills, there are mouths to feed and families to take care of, and wealth to build so the cycle of poverty can be broken.
So yeah, I’ll be doing good work, but what I get paid is high priority.
If one person can build a billion-dollar company, I can make six figures as a highly educated professional, and not feel guilty.
You shouldn’t feel guilty either.