Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Google Engineer Quits for PhD
Joslyn Orgill was a data engineer at Google, earning a lot of money and having a stable job.
She had a house with her husband and had studied at a good university.
But she felt that her work wasn't making a big difference, and she wanted to do something more meaningful.
So, she decided to leave her job and start a PhD program in computer science.
It's a big change, but she thinks it will be worth it in the long run.
Joslyn Orgill quit her high-paying job at Google to pursue a PhD in computer science.
She felt disconnected from her work and wanted a more meaningful career.
Orgill had a stable life in Austin with her husband and a six-figure salary.
She completed an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree in information systems from Brigham Young University.
Her decision to leave Google was driven by a desire for long-term fulfillment.
- Who
- Joslyn Orgill, a former Google data engineer
- What
- Quit her job to pursue a PhD in computer science
- When
- In August
- Where
- Austin, Texas
- Why
- To find a more meaningful career and feel more connected to her work
- Name
- Joslyn Orgill
- Previous Job
- Data Engineer at Google
- New Pursuit
- PhD in Computer Science
- University
- Brigham Young University (BYU)
- Degree
- Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s in Information Systems
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Reason for Leaving
- Seeking more meaningful career