Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Misti Galvan's avatar

I really enjoyed last week's post on ambition and this one! They are definitely related. I'm in a slight dilemma with graduate school myself. A few years back I battled cancer and have been dealing with recovering from that devastation/hijacking of one's life since. After completeng treatment, I resigned from my job teaching in a dance department at a university. Long story short - I couldn't find other permanent work that fit with my life and skillset. I kept throwing darts, on of which was applying to a PhD program in Adult Education. I got a fabulous scholarship that paid all but my fees and would allow for me to be a grad assistant and earn a paycheck teaching/researching. I had no other open doors so I proceeded even though I had never aspired for this at all. In fact, I had a good deal of awkard feelings about it, coming from a family that never went to college. Anyway, I completed my first year and hated most of it; not the learning, not the people (they were/are stellar!), but the full time student aspect of it and the style of writing it requires. Bleh! I don't want to write like that. I just started a full time position at the university in an advising department. This will pay my tution and the fees and allow me to go part-time. So I am proceeding (for now) but still don't know if it is worth it. Originally, the door opened and I walked through because it was the only viable open door. You ask about wanting - I never wanted it to begin with but it would likely open doors for me that my arts background hasn't. I'm middle aged, female, and have gaps in my resume. I aspire to more than this current position that I am doing but do I need to continue with the PhD? Is it time to walk away? TBD - I will use your questions to assist me. :)

Expand full comment
Caitlin Faas's avatar

Thank you for sharing your experience. These questions are very helpful. I’ve appreciated your work for many years and I’m someone who has all the degrees! 🙏

Expand full comment
12 more comments...

No posts