it really is messed up. in addition, it creates a bunch of weird spots in the job search space. for example, i have come across many jobs that i am more than qualified for, but they ended up being "post-doctoral fellowships". so they are jobs that i can't get because i don't have a ph.d. but even if i could get them, i would take around a 50% pay cut. it doesn't make any sense whatsoever! the only explanation is the post-doc thing being basically a version of slavery for skilled and educated people.