The Great Grad Debate
It’s time to sign up for a summer course in my graduate program. Here’s the deal: I’m not sure that I want to continue with the program.
What if it isn’t for me? I like to learn, and love the dynamic of a small, intimate classroom with access to the professor and other students. I also enjoy unrestricted learning. Instead of following a set curriculum, I like to follow questions.
But curriculum can be helpful if a subject is new to me and I haven’t the slightest idea where to begin. I love learning from others. That’s one of the main reasons I read other blogs (and also because I’m generally curious).
To provide a little context, here are the facts: grad school is not a full-time deal for me. I have a full-time job. And I teach fitness classes, too. The program I’m pursuing is a benefit where I work; I get to take grad classes basically for free.
My motivation for starting the program was honestly because it was there. I only had three choices, and chose the path, history, that was closest to my undergrad major, American studies.
I’ve only taken one (of 10) class so far. And I’ve done well with it! It’s not a question of whether I can do it, I know I can, it’s a question of…well, why?
To help answer this question, I have a pro/con list (as any good Gilmore would):
Pros
– the program is essentially free (beyond a small $100/course fee and the cost of books).
– learning is fun for me (okay a bit cheesy, but learning about and exploring different topics fascinates me)
– I’ve discovered new topics of interest after one class. That’s pretty cool!
– Exposure to people with similar interests — the discussions in a classroom environment can be so invigorating
Cons
– time. I still have to maintain a demanding full-time job, plus teach 4-6 fitness classes, keep up with the house, the homestead, etc.
– level of interest — about halfway through my last course, I lost interest (not in the topic, just in the level of time, commitment, and work required).
– what’s next? okay, so I get a master’s degree. Cool. Why?
– everyone is encouraging me to do it saying “you’ll be able to advance your career, be more respected, open more doors,” etc.
– I stretch myself too thin already
– I’m not sure that I want to work in a traditional environment that would require a higher degree. As I’ve said to Shane, you don’t need a degree for life.
On a related note, I’m always continuing education with fitness instruction, because that holds a lot of value for me (and my students). This is a priority for me, because I want to keep my classes fresh and provide the highest quality possible, while keeping my students safe and interested. I’ve completed several training courses already, have plans for one more this summer, and will pursue a group certification this year, too.
Even if I don’t take a grad course this summer, I can continue in the fall, or the spring, so I have time to think about it and complete it. Part of me thinks I should just plow through it for the sake of the degree, but another part of me wonders why I’d do something that doesn’t capture me.
So, should I continue with the graduate program? Or do I pursue my own self-designed curriculum, wherever my bliss takes me? Whatever I decide, I know my thirst for knowledge will still be there, and I’ll continue to question everything around me.
I’m amazed reading this because it is the EXACT conversation I am currently having with someone. He has been out of school for a while, has a full-time job, has a keen intellectual curiosity, but keeps getting told by colleagues that he should go get a masters, because of higher salary, career advancement, etc. However, he doesn’t want to go just to get a degree for a degree’s sake.And he’s not even sure he wants to go get a high-powered degree because then he would have to get a job/salary to go with it, and he doesn’t think he wants that kind of life style! Anyway, I don’t have any advice but just know you are not alone in this debate!
Thanks for sharing! Glad to hear I’m not alone here!!
If you’re not feeling enthusiastic about it and have the ability to skip a semester, I’d say that is a great option. Since you started pursuing the degree out of a love of learning, keep that as your main motivating factor. If it isn’t feeling fun and exciting right now, take advantage of being able to step back. In the fall, you might be ready to jump into another course or you might have discovered a different direction that makes your heart sing.
Singing hearts are a lovely thing!! Thanks for the advice.
The only big decision I regret in my life is going to grad school. If you don’t have a clear goal for it, it’s not worth it. You’d be much better served identifying a course that touches more closely on something you’re interested. Since it’s a job perk, pursue the class, not the degree.
I always pursue class.
Also, this means a lot coming from an academic like yourself! Cheerio.
Hi, first of all I’d just like to say how much I enjoy your blog! I agree with the other comments. I did a MSc and have just finished my PhD but realize I never needed either. It is good to have them ‘under my belt’, but I feel quite sad that I didn’t spend that time pursuing my passions…or at least having fun! I guess the bottom line is if you follow your instincts you won’t go far wrong! Good luck! 🙂
Thanks for reading!!!
I haven’t started my Master’s degree yet, but I will have to do so within the next year to meet requirements for my job. I’ve been uninspired to get started because the degrees available locally are just not what I’m looking for, though I did just find one I want to pursue that starts up in the fall. Do you have any career goals in mind that could be advanced by this degree? If you want to be a fitness instructor full-time, for example, then there’s not much of a career benefit from a history degree. That said, I suggest you take at least one more course before you abandon the program. Perhaps the one you took wasn’t a great fit but another one would be. You could wait for the fall or next spring, but I would say challenge yourself to complete at least one more course within the next year. Then, if it still feels like a bad fit, know you gave it a couple of attempts!
P.S.- I saw you from afar at the dance last night and never managed to get nearby to say “hi.”
Hooray for Alumni Weekend!!!
Thanks for the advice. Still not sure which way I’ll go, but it’s nice to have so many options!
Oh I went through the same thing after I finished undergrad. I took grad classes at the college because they were free and I thought I should take advantage of that. But I was so unhappy! Even though I enjoyed the topics and the discussions, I hated doing homework and having to turn things in on time. As you know I stopped going to classes, even though I also had a lot of pressure to continue (it will improve your career, you’ll be paid more, blah blah, and now I have even more pressure since I’m leaving my job entirely!!). But what I’ve done instead is audit. I love auditing! I don’t have as much pressure to show up if I am too overwhelmed, I can do the reading at my own pace, and choose the level of commitment to writing I am capable of at the time. And I get all the best parts- the introduction to new subjects and the discussions! I try to audit a class every semester if possible. It helps that we have such great professors here who are willing to accept “non traditional” students!
If you feel like discussing pros and cons more I’d love to talk (love the Gilmore reference btw). I’m struggling with a lot of the same things right now and I think J is getting tired of listening to me…