Is getting a PhD worth it these days?A Degree of Futility is the story of three friends, Lily, Simon and Greg, as they finish their history PhDs at the turn of the millennium and enter the toughest job market ever. There are ups - independence, travel, and Oxford postdocs - and downs - no job security, even less money, and putting lives on hold. Will sacrificing relationships, family, established careers, and even sex in their quest for academic careers prove to be worth it ten years later?