I’m sorry if this has been asked many times before, but I have less than a month to apply and really don’t know what I should do. The university websites where I’m applying don’t seem completely transparent about the expectations or programs.

I really want to be doing research, but I’ve heard horror stories about doctoral programs and academic careers. So many people have warned me not to go this route, but they don’t ever share details about their own experiences, and I can’t see myself ever being happy doing anything else. I would rather die than be stuck at a corporate office job. Are there any reasons I shouldn’t go for a PhD over a Masters degree?