Should I quit graduate school?
818940
Hi I would like to give my opinion to help you. First of all I know the stress you are talking about. I was in my masters degree program and it was a LOT of reading, writing and field work. I have however since graduated and am very happy that I finished. On the other spin of things I have quit student teaching for certification because it was very miserable. I decided to take my degree and use it other than a public school. I realized that if something is that miserable, depressing and you have absolutely no joy in it, then leave it. You can always change your mind and come back years down the road. It's okay to quit if you don't like it and are burned out in the major. If you quit you might want to explore other options or majors. Volunteering in different organizations will allow you to get a "taste" of how jobs and careers really are in the real world.\n\nSounds to me like you should quit, but I am not going to make this decision for you. I know the misery, and extreme stress you go through and it's not worth it to stay in. If your ultimate goal is to teach college level, then I would say stick to it because you need your masters to get your doctorate.\nIf you don't want to teach college, why don't you try teaching at a private school? Or even try leaving for this semester and coming back next fall. Take a break, or change careers. If you aren't happy now, then you won't be happy in the real world.
983321
get another Job, than quit.
371913
Is it bad policy to answer a question with a question?  What feels right to you?  If you are feeling burned out from high school, then I would say take the break.  Try to find a job somewhere perhaps where you can be as involved in your field as possible (if possible!).  \n\nOtherwise, go straight to college, do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars.  Statistics strongly suggest that delaying your plans to college decreases (exponentially) the chances that you will go to college.  Ever.  There will be a million reasons why you'll delay "just another year", until the time is right.  \n\nAfter applying to colleges, I was convinced I wouldn't attend anywhere for at least a year.  I thought I would be better served in taking the time to "mature" and relax.  At the last second (well, about two weeks prior to the start of the college year) I made a sudden change and attended the college I was most interested in.  \n\nIt was, without a single doubt, the best decision I could have ever made.  I have a four-year degree in Psychology, and work now as a Human Resources Director for a company - a position I never would've had without the degree.  In looking back, I wonder if I had waited that year, as you are thinking about, would I have ever actually gone to college?  I guess in my heart I knew the answer before I asked the question . . . what is YOUR heart saying?\n\nHey good luck with this decision and with your career!
806491
Here is what I would do:\n\nSit down with your boss/manager and have an explicit conversation about why they don't feel comfortable with you.  Let them know you have a strong interest in keeping your job and would be willing to work hard towards keeping it.   You want to know how you can prove yourself in the two months that are left.   \n\nIf they say the decision is already made, I'd press the question of why they don't feel comfortable.  You should mention that it will be helpful for you to know so you can avoid this type of situation in future jobs.  You may also want to suggest that while this opportunity may have not been the right fit, there maybe another job at the capitol that could be.   I would emphasize the value of your experience, education and relevant capabilities and how a fresh start may be what you need.   I would ask explicitly if they would help you pursue other opportunities.  \n\nIf they focus on your screw ups, accept responsibility for your part prior to providing an excuse.   It is important that your  manager understand that you take responsibility seriously.   People screw up.  Some take responsibility. Some make excuses.  Continue to be professional regardless of their decision.   While they may not provide you a reference, you don't want to burn bridges.  I would explicitly mention that regardless of their decision, you would like to work on rebuilding your professional relationship with your manager in the time you have left.\n\nOk, let's say it doesn't work out.  Is this the end of your career?  No, I doubt it.  I have had plenty of friends who have been laid off/fired for a number of reasons.  It is a scary, insecure time but remember that you won't land your next job without confidence.  It is important that you remember and reinforce the type of value you can bring an employer.   You may think that you do not have any connections but you went to school for 6 years.   Use your alumni network to seek jobs and informational interviews at companies/entities of your interest.
876770
I just graduated, and I can tell you this:\n\nClass may look hard when you first see it, but it'll be easier than you think. If you're getting your BA, you'll be shocked that if you can write, you'll be fine. \n\nMy advice? Don't look at the course load to determine whether or not you should become a pharmacist or doctor or lawyer or teacher. You haven't gotten to the level that you need to be in order to take that class. There's a reason they don't allow freshmen to take senior classes.\n\nChem and Bio will be fine at the gen ed level. As you get into the more complex classes, you'll have more homework but you'll understnad more.\n\nMy advice? Don't quit now. My husband didn't graduate school, and I'm already doubling his salary. It's TOUGH to make it in the real world without a degree. \n\nStick with it--you're going to be happier in the end. I know you're burnt out, but you need to finish it. Who is paying for your college? If you quit now, you won't get the same scholarships, loans or parental help.
285691
If you really, really, really ... want to quit school, graduate from high school first.
965720
all graduate students are underpaid and exploited. youre not alone! grad students are cheap labor, and schools take advantage of that. if your school has some kind of counseling program, i would make an appointment and talk to them, if only to vent. they may be able to help you cope with what youre feeling. you are not a failure, youre an academic! and one day it will pay off!
489183
Finish uni, you might regret it in the future if you quit now. If you don't finish, you might be asked at a job interview what you did for those 2 years and it wouldn't look good if you said you just gave up your degree. A year goes by faster than you think.
715859
Quit.  You shouldn't have to deal with that.  Find a better job with similar pay, or go back to school!  Every state has programs that will help you support yourself while in college.  You should take advantage!
349505
Karen,\nAs a university instructor, the advice I give students in your position is to TAKE A SEMESTER OFF!!  There's no timeline in life where formal education is concerned and in\norder to get the best life has to offer you have to remember that: a) most learning takes place outside of the\nclassroom and b) learning is a lifelong endeavor.\nTake some time to really think about what you want to do.\nIf you continue along this vein, you're really just spinning your wheels, wasting your time and money, and will\nend up with a career that's not suited to you at all.\nStep away from college for awhile.  Flip burgers, travel,\njoin Americorps....anything that gives you some time to\nfind your real joy and goals in life.
1005256
Looks like your Masters is in a different subject, that the PhD that  you are doing. One reason that can ask you to do a Masters is to cover any deficits, specially if your earlier masters is in a different area.\n\nGetting an additional masters is not a bad thing - if it does not extend your PhD. 2 masters means, in case you dont want to complete your PhD, then you have a wider field to look for a job.\n\nAs for doing a PhD itself, thats your personal choice. If you are looking for jobs, and need the money right away, perhaps a PhD is not all that essential. However, if you want to be in the research area, or want to specialize in a specific area, or are interested in teaching, then PhD is a must. I agree, 33 yrs to come out of school is a bit too late, but hey, if thats what you want, you should go for it. \n\nIn any case, 'pride' should not come in the way, at this time. Pride is momentary, but a career decision is certainly not.\n\nBut I do suggest you talk to the dean of your school clearly. I am not sure, why they have this bait and switch attitude - why are they asking you to take the masters exam. Maybe they have a 'valid' reason, but I suggest you should find that out.
852756
Take a sabbatical from uni before they kick you out themselves. Much better if you take a temporary leave of absence of your own volition. Then go get your head together and come back to uni when you're up to it.
1017943
Education, no matter how long, is not a waste. I am sure you learned something that you did not know from this school. Consider finishing the career or see if you can use your college credits elsewhere. It's all up to you the way your future turns out. Good Luck!
324795
I think you should leave.
221764
Well, if you just quit, you won't be making any money.  So...\n\nConsider your future...\nIs there room for advancement, and are you likely to advance?  With that advancement is there more money, or just a better title?  Is the company going anywhere, or are they going to bottom out and leave you without a job?\n\nDo you have marketable skills?  Can you apply somewhere else for a better paying job that will meet your needs for location, family situation, and enhanced self-image?  You would do well to explore the job market in areas that meet your qualifications and criteria.  Put out some feelers.  Fill out some applications.  Go for some interviews.  You may find yourself feeling quite comfortable giving notice and moving on to a more appropriate position somewhere else.\n\nJust be sure you have something lined up (a "for sure" deal) before you leave the job you have now.  Having two nickels to rub together is somewhat better than being penniless.
559786
Stick with it. But make sure that you get a place of yours & yours alone. (I hate myself for trying to live with roommates again.) You've come this far, and it will only be harder to go back to school. It's an accomplishment to be accepted to grad school and it's an accomplishment to make it through a year in an awful living situation. You know full well that "what" you major in doesn't neccessarily determine the work that you'll do. Try to change your study habits (even the type of notebook you take notes in can help change your attitude a little.) Finishing grad school will provide many more prosperous opportunities. Chances are you'll want the education just as much as you did before once the stress clears.
115745
even if you can you better think long and hard about that! i moved out when i was very young and by doing that you make decisions that you may regret later. my advice is stay where u r and go to school unless you r being abused if so seek help