youngurbannerd answered your question “When is it time to give up?”
Not sure if you really care for my opinion, but every time I see PhD on my dash I perk up a little :) I'm not sure if this is an option, but if you can find an adjunct professor located where you are now, you can do your research w them???
Yes, the PhD adds to the credibility! I am working with professors here and doing research right now because there’s no law that says that you have to have a PhD to do research. I’ve taken all the research methods classes, I’m using the right techniques, I’m getting published, but I just can’t get anyone to say, “Yes, we will oversee your dissertation, grill you on it, and certify that you have the skills of a PhD.”
It’s super frustrating because they all say they want diverse students, but what they really want are diverse students who fit in their little boxes. When they see my research and my demographics, they are “Oh, please come to our university.” When I say, “Love to but it has to be in the summer,” they go, “Never mind.”
On the bright side, it’s giving me some great ideas on how we can help diverse students!