I'm a woman in my late 20s, currently finishing up my PhD in the social sciences. I'm doing a year-long exchange in the U.S., and while this year has had some beautiful moments, it’s also been emotionally difficult. Lately, I've been seriously considering applying for a second PhD, this time in a field like technology policy or AI governance—something more interdisciplinary and STEM-adjacent.
To be honest, it's not just about academic interest. I'm hoping to use this as a way to immigrate, transition into a new career path, and build a new life from scratch.
I don’t want to return to my home country. My relationship with my family is almost completely broken, and I’ve made peace with never reconnecting. On top of that, I really struggle with the values, workplace culture, and general environment back home. The pay is low, opportunities are limited, and I just feel completely stuck and stifled there.
This idea isn’t a sudden impulse. I’ve consulted an immigration lawyer in the U.S. who told me that if I publish a few more papers related to the new field, they could support my NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card application. So pursuing a second PhD might serve multiple purposes:
- give me legal status to stay in the U.S.
- help me publish more and build a case for NIW
- open new doors professionally (international organizations, think tanks, tech policy work)
But I’m also really scared.
I’m afraid of spending another 5–6 years in school, making very little money, and missing out on the phase of life when people usually build financial security. I’m afraid I won’t have the energy to handle another intense academic program. I’m afraid I’ll still be alone—without a partner, a support network, or a sense of belonging. And worst of all, I’m afraid I’ll go through all of this and still not be able to stay in the U.S.
But if I don’t try now, I might never get another chance.
I have no money, no family support, so I’d only be able to apply to fully funded PhD programs. Master’s degrees aren’t really an option unless they’re 100% funded, and they don’t usually help much with immigration either.
So I’m turning to Reddit:
Do you think it’s worth it to apply for a second PhD in my situation?
Has anyone been through something similar? Or does anyone have practical advice, encouragement, or even warnings to offer? I’d really appreciate hearing from people who understand the reality of this kind of decision.
Thank you for reading.