When I graduated from CMU CS master program back in 2021, I have interviewed with some of large tech companies and got some decent job offers as well as OPT/H1B visa sponsorship. But then I decided to keep pursuing a PhD degree in Machine Learning AI. After 4 years now. I can’t even got into the same research group that I got offer years ago. So I have to change my job hunting direction to more broad areas including applied ML department in ads and recommendation. I got much lower salary than my peers in the master program who have already worked 4 years and got promotion to higher level. What do I miss? Sometimes I do feel anxious a lot. But on the other hand, I still think a PhD degree will always benefit my future career path. And my advice is that you should alway look head and don't worry too much about present.