Career: PhD in Physics or Job @ big electronic company?

[Lightages]

Dave answered the question very early. Do what makes you happy. If making heaps of money is what will make you happy then become a lawyer or an investor. If money would be a nice side benefit of doing something that makes you happy, then do something that makes you happy. Life is too short to not be happy. There are also studies that show that show that generally the more wealthy you are the more of an ass you are to other people. So to be more happy and a better person, do what makes you happy as long as you have enough money to live.

[IntegratedValve]

Dear OP, money and qualifications clash. Employee and money don't fit together. Employee and enjoying your work just don't match.

[jancumps]

Dear OP, money and qualifications clash. Employee and money don't fit together. Employee and enjoying your work just don't match.

??

[IntegratedValve]

Dear OP, money and qualifications clash. Employee and money don't fit together. Employee and enjoying your work just don't match.

??

Shocking  ?

[jancumps]

No. Just don't understand the point made.

[MacAttak]

Not shocking, just jaded and wrong.

Those things are not mutually exclusive.

[KJDS]

I know some engineers that are still doing hands on work, 35 hours a week earning £100k a year with a B.Sc. I know PhDs sat at the next desk to someone with an HND (high grade technician qualification) and with similar experience, however the PhD earns less as he is neither as good or as hardworking. The qualifications really don't make much difference a few years out from university.

To quote Aleister Crowley, "Do what thou wilt." Unless you want to spend three years living on a crap grant whilst playing with physics, go and get a real job.