gcsumfa
Jul 17, 2010, 6:19 PM
Post #1940 of 2090
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I want to pursue another graduate degree because, well, for one, I love being a student. Although I love reading, writing, and learning, I don't have a huge desire to be a scholar. I'm not that competitive, and I dislike academic posturing and ego. I do feel as if there are gaps in my lit knowledge, so I'd love to strengthen that. The college where I did my MFA was weak on lit courses.
Another reason I want to pursue a PhD in CW is for the community and mentoring. I thrive in that environment.
To be honest, I don't have lofty goals for teaching jobs. I'd be happy at a small liberal arts college or at a cc, depending on location. I love teaching students who are non-traditional.
I always talk myself out of a PhD, that it's not practical for my goals. My former profs, of course, say I should do it for various reasons: time to write, better jobs, etc.
Other misc info: I'm in my late 30s, married, no kids.
Any advice? Should someone like me go for a PhD?
Thanks!
It sounds like you're struggling with this decision, which is good, because it's such a big decision. If you accept an offer, not only will you be committing the next 4-5 years of your life to a grad program, but you will be committing to a career in academia.
I guess I'm of the belief that one shouldn't get a PhD in the humanities unless he or she is committed to the profession. The job market is so tight. The people who make it are the ones who can't imagine doing anything else with their lives, which means one must also "commit" to putting up with lots of academic BS. Positions at small liberal arts colleges, too, can actually require more non-writing related stuff and academic politics, because the professor has more responsibilities in a smaller department. You have to be more academically versatile for these kinds of jobs than in the big research U jobs (e.g, 2/2 or 3/3 load in one's area, often with grad students).
Good luck with your decision!
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