Actually, I want a PhD because

a) I want to end up doing both pure and applied research.
b) I want to take my findings and build something practical from it that will affect my target population.
c) i want to come back and slap the gahmen in their face for being so negligent about my target population.

and ultimately, i want my target population to gain from that, and carry these benefits throughout their lives.

but mostly, i dont mind research.

I think this thread is dead but... 1. I'm halfway through my Masters, but definitely planning to get my PhD before I hit 29 - 30.

Why am I set on getting my PhD...?

1. Clinical psychologists pay better than Master-level counselors (although mysteriously these counselors get paid well hourly in M'sia).
2. Licensure in other states in the US is usually not a problem.
3. I intend to teach anyway some day.
4. Interdisciplinary studies in some grad schools are fascinating compared to streamlined programs (so frustrating!)
5. I wanted to make sure I surpassed my dad's level (he got his MBA).

I think one of the major problems of going into a PhD program is being left to sort stuff out on your own when you've been so accustomed to direction. Another would be to feel stupid because we're so used to having the "right" answers.

And then just to stay humbled, PhD could also mean people will take you as "educated beyond intelligence", and just because you have a PhD doesn't mean you're smart necessarily (look at the lady who had a PhD and encouraged women to be hoes in the bedroom).

I actually really like writing, so it doesn't bother me to write a thesis. It's facking scary as shit, but I still like research... which, I'm in the "soft science" of psychology so no large focus on labwork for me wahoo!