Who has a better chance of employment, a new PhD or a new lawyer?

Just for the sake of discussion:

We have all talked about how new PhD's often have a difficult time landing tenure track positions because there are too many PhD's. We have also talked about how we have too many new lawyers for the work that is out there.

So who do you think would have a better chance of finding the employment they studied to attain, a new PhD or a new lawyer? I know that there are many types of PhD's and all kinds of specializations a lawyer can have, so it would vary on a case by case basis. But just for fun and generally speaking, who do you think will fare better?

 

I would say option C: a plumber!

I would say a lawyer because it is easier for them to start their own business then a PhD who might only have the option for consulting.

 

You might be joking, but I think option C could actually be a better idea. Especially if you already have an issue with butt crack showing. :smile:

 

A proud father was showing a fellow worker a picture of his five grown sons. His friend asked what they did for a living. The father said the older two are PhDs and the youngest two are lawyers. The friend asked about the middle son and the father said, "Oh, he's a plumber. Someone had to pay for all the others' educations.":biglaugh:

Sorry for the hijacked thread, back to the question at hand. I agree with Randell, I would think a lawyer would have an easier time due to he or she going solo.

 

My answer: It depends. If I could choose the field of study I'd choose the PhD. Someone with a doctorate in Chemical Engineering, Math/Stats, etc. is quite employable. One factor that is often neglected in this discussion is the willingness to relocate globally. Even the best PhD could be a millstone around your neck if you're refusing to move from a set location.

 

As Kizmet mentioned, the answer really does depend. Math, engineering, physics and computer science PhDs with significant computational mathematics backgrounds don't have to look to hard to find work as a quant/finance engineer where the starting salary is close or above six figures if they are willing to relocate. The same would go for consulting gigs in defense or aerospace. There are many opportunities availabe to hard science STEM PhD holders.

A law school graduate that passed the bar can go into business for themselves but it doesn't mean they are gainfully employed. The glut of law school graduates and availability of jobs in the legal profession are in contrast.

 

A plumber just got paid $94.00 for 27 minutes of work on two toilets which involved replacing two flappers and two water lines (supply lines). Labor was $70.00 and parts were $24.00. He has a steady stream of work, going from call-to-call in his business.

 

Don't forget the $94 includes G&A and overhead whether working for a company or self employed.

 

That concurs with my experience. I have three science PhDs in my extended family all with very good jobs plus I work with many engineering PhDs. I know of none who had difficulty find jobs.

 

This example leaves me feeling flushed.

 

OK, so take a break. Don't let your whole day go down the tubes.

 

I love that!!!!!!!!!

Ditto, I agree with Randell.

Abner :smile:

 

Oh man, this whole discussion is going in the toilet.

 

:Flush::haha:

 

And a brand new PhD can't start his own university?

 

Sure, let's have a race - a plumber starts a plumbing business, a lawyers starts a law practice, and a PhD starts a school. Who will win?

 

How about if a lawyer and a PhD start a plumbing school?

 

Wasn't that Singaporean Ph.D holder as a Taxi driver?

 

They would fight over theory vs. what was in the contract!

 

............:haha: