[dcmacdaddy]

All, I need some advice.

I am two classes and a thesis away from getting an M.A. in Medieval Literature . . . for fun.
But I am totally and completely burned out on my studies. I am losing interest in the subject
and that interest is the very reason why I am doing this degree. I have no plans to change
careers or pursue a Ph.D.

So, do I drop out of this semester? drop out of school altogether? or suck it up and push on
through to finish in another year?

The thing is I have a well-paying government job in the IT/multimedia field and the degree
is for personal enrichment only. I want to spend my time enjoying reading about medieval
pilgrimage practices--and to go on a pilgrimage myself--not necessarily study every little
aspect of the practice in an academic setting.

So, do I stay or do I go?

[hickey]

stay, you'll be glad you stuck out with it.

[mindwaves]

Stick with it. No need to finish in 1 year. Take 1 class next semester and 1 the next.

[ghporter]

Stay the course. Believe it or not, having any advanced degree, particularly one that doesn't get you an extrinsic reward (new, high paying job) is a bonus when you look for a new job. It shows that you have a strong drive to learn, and that you can stay the course. It's a good thing. And as hickey says, you'll be glad you stuck with it.

[wdlove]

I agree that it would be smart to stick with your studies. It will all be worth it in the end.

[Goldfinger]

You'd be an absolute fool to stop now if you're only a thesis away.

[SVass]

You must answer your own question! I once studied law in order to learn its history. I still have an old law dictionary and have an electronic copy of "Bacon on Law". My degree earned long before is in engineering and I have had no interest in others recognizing my knowledge of law with a piece of paper.

External, public recognition of accomplishments gives one a warm feeling. It does not replace other virtues necessary for your happiness. Now I cringe when I hear ignorant (or demagogic) politicians mis-cite the history of law. Hobbies are for internal satisfaction, not external plaudits. sam

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

You'd be an absolute fool to stop now if you're only a thesis away.

Two classes and a thesis away. At oen class per semester and a smester for the thesis I would not be done until Summer 2007. But I want my life back now.


While I get good grades (3.76 GPA) I am not a naturally "gifted" students. I read everything two or three times and have to take take extensive notes to refer to later. And I study up to five nights a week just for one class. I have enjoyed most all of my classes I am just tired of being a student and I am losing interest in the subject because it has become so much work. Anyway, that's my story.

[Hash]

Its never good to leave something unfinished, especially research. If you burned out, take a break, forget about that, return after a year, reread the **** you wrote and you will have a fresh perspective and a new vision. And you will finish your school very easily.

[Pendergast]

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

Two classes and a thesis away. At oen class per semester and a smester for the thesis I would not be done until Summer 2007. But I want my life back now.


While I get good grades (3.76 GPA) I am not a naturally "gifted" students. I read everything two or three times and have to take take extensive notes to refer to later. And I study up to five nights a week just for one class. I have enjoyed most all of my classes I am just tired of being a student and I am losing interest in the subject because it has become so much work. Anyway, that's my story.

I understand how this can be a concern. However, I agree with everyone above including Hash.

One thing you need to remember is that even though you feel you are not a "gifted student", the fact that you are working so hard makes you better at a few things "gifted students" are often lacking: you are developping a method and a discipline of work for yourself. That will make quite a difference in whatever project you may work on in the future.

Regarding that method you are developping, you may consult with people about how to better manage your time. Maybe there is a way to improve on it a bit?

Anyway, I wish you success!

[Goldfinger]

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

Two classes and a thesis away. At oen class per semester and a smester for the thesis I would not be done until Summer 2007. But I want my life back now.


While I get good grades (3.76 GPA) I am not a naturally "gifted" students. I read everything two or three times and have to take take extensive notes to refer to later. And I study up to five nights a week just for one class. I have enjoyed most all of my classes I am just tired of being a student and I am losing interest in the subject because it has become so much work. Anyway, that's my story.

You don't have a life with only 1 class per semester ?
And do you need to attend them ? Just buy the damn books, learn it an screw going to class. Most professors just tell what's in the book anyway.

[macroy]

macdaddy -

I'd have to agree with the majority and say "push on". If you are burnt out... take a semester off. Perhapse you simply need a rest. Not sure how high up you are in the govie. But I'd imagine that a masters will go a long way if you do decide to go the SES route (regardless of if the M.A. is not related to your field); not saying its required, but definitely make you more marketable.

As a consultant looking into the Fed world from the outside, I often become a good "ear" to talk to - and the Fed does seem to weigh education heavily from what I've heard.

Besides, you're practically there. Its the hardest stretch... but nonetheless... I think you'll be extremely dissappointed in the long run should you bail. Just my .02.

Having said all that - may I ask what agency?

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by macroy

macdaddy -

I'd have to agree with the majority and say "push on". If you are burnt out... take a semester off. Perhapse you simply need a rest. Not sure how high up you are in the govie. But I'd imagine that a masters will go a long way if you do decide to go the SES route (regardless of if the M.A. is not related to your field); not saying its required, but definitely make you more marketable.

As a consultant looking into the Fed world from the outside, I often become a good "ear" to talk to - and the Fed does seem to weigh education heavily from what I've heard.

Besides, you're practically there. Its the hardest stretch... but nonetheless... I think you'll be extremely dissappointed in the long run should you bail. Just my .02.

Having said all that - may I ask what agency?

Thanks for the vote of confidence but I am WAY below the SES level. Perhaps what I consider "a well-paying government job in the IT/multimedia field" is much lower than what others consider it to be.

I am at the Smithsonian, the National Museum of the American Indian to be precise. Right now I run our exhibits AV/multimedia systems but it is a 10/7/364 operation--The Smithsonian is only closed Christmas Day--that includes some of the secondary life-safety systems for the building. We are part of the IT group as so much of our equipment is based on standard computer hardware platforms like video servers and networking devices. But I am looking into a job at an SI museum in NYC where I would run the whole IT department (which would include the exhibits group).

However, I am experienced in dealing with multi-million $$ projects and no longer blink when I spend $50,000 in a few minutes. But my annual budgets are in the five- or six-figure range whereas the Smithsonian's overall IT budget is in the low 8-figure range.

Long-term I will top out at a GS-14, or probably a GS-15, unless I decide I no longer like getting my hands dirty, only then I would consider an SES position somewhere in government.

[alphasubzero949]

As someone who is completely done with his classes, stuck with a thesis and a lab with no funding, and a PI on sabbatical, stay the course. Believe me, I've been frustrated so many times to the point where I wanted to throw in the towel, but after 4 years and one experiment away from completing the thesis, it's not worth throwing all of that time, effort, and money away.

If your institution and department allows you, TA a class or two. Not only do you get paid, but it gives you something to do in the mean time.

I've watched many colleagues come and go, frustrated over the program and the same issues I've been facing. I'm one of the two "original" lab students still standing.

[macroy]

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

Thanks for the vote of confidence but I am WAY below the SES level. Perhaps what I consider "a well-paying government job in the IT/multimedia field" is much lower than what others consider it to be.

I am at the Smithsonian, the National Museum of the American Indian to be precise. Right now I run our exhibits AV/multimedia systems but it is a 10/7/364 operation--The Smithsonian is only closed Christmas Day--that includes some of the secondary life-safety systems for the building. We are part of the IT group as so much of our equipment is based on standard computer hardware platforms like video servers and networking devices. But I am looking into a job at an SI museum in NYC where I would run the whole IT department (which would include the exhibits group).

However, I am experienced in dealing with multi-million $$ projects and no longer blink when I spend $50,000 in a few minutes. But my annual budgets are in the five- or six-figure range whereas the Smithsonian's overall IT budget is in the low 8-figure range.

Long-term I will top out at a GS-14, or probably a GS-15, unless I decide I no longer like getting my hands dirty, only then I would consider an SES position somewhere in government.

Ah yes... we actually PM'd before regarding Booz. My bad - I'm brain dead sometimes.

[voyageur]

Doing a Master's in a field unrelated to your career, just for fun? That's pretty darn cool. But I can see why motivation could flag. If it's for fun, and the fun starts to go out of it, well, that's tough.

However, if you think you can manage to finish it without any negative effects on your life, other than being tired now and then, then go for it. I suspect you will enjoy writing the thesis more than studying for the classes. Taking a semester off might be a good idea, but then you might never want to go back.

[Hash]

I am wondering if the thesis could be somehow connected to his present job. That would be good.

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by Hash

I am wondering if the thesis could be somehow connected to his present job. That would be good.

Not likely at all. My thesis will be on medieval pilgrimage practices for women with a probable tie-in with female mystics. Or, it might just be all about female mystics.


See the "what is your computer's name thread" for more details. As a reminder, my laptop is called Margery Kempe with its hard-drive called Penitence and my back-up called Salvation.

[Hash]

Change the title of thesis to "Gender and cultural aspects of information communication and transfer" and you've got something closer to your work. Study how ancient pilgrimage practices were used to dissipate information and how it differed among genders, cultures and ages and compare it to modern situation, Internet, travel and gossip marketing. You will be amazed how much in common still we have with those who lived hundred years ago.

It is because human nature does not change with technology. Only the ways to communicate change, but not the contents. Contents, especially for women, are always same - love, clothes, fashion, jewellery, so on.

Just my 2 cents.

[aberdeenwriter]

Pretend you are in the sack with a beautiful woman who you love and who is your best friend and you have gotten your cookies but she hasn't yet and is hoping you will do her to completion.

You WOULD put forth that extra effort to help her finish, wouldn't you?

Well, don't screw yourself over by quitting now!

When I was working as an executive recruiter we only STARTED being interested in a candidate when he or she had an MBA. Below that and they were like HS grads.

The exceptions were those whose life achievements obviously transcended academic degrees.

A personal assistant to Ambassador Vernon Walters as well as another fellow who invented a new accounting protocol for Wang and who also served in the Peace Corps immediately come to mind as guys whose degrees seemed less important than their life experiences.

Get it out of the way and then you won't have that to worry about anymore. If you are going to do it, do it until you finish it.

[smacintush]

Another year is a long time to do something that you no longer enjoy. Especially since this isn't a career oriented degree. Since this is something you did for your own pleasure I think that you should pursue it in a way that pleases you. Going on a pilgrimage is a great example of that and real life experience is for more valuable than words given to you by some pointy-headed academic.

Besides, isn't it the knowledge that is of real value, not some piece of paper that says you know something?

Sometimes we continue with things we don't want to in order to feed our egos. That is always a mistake. If you really feel like quitting do it and don't sweat it. Move on and enjoy your life.

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

All, I need some advice.

I am two classes and a thesis away from getting an M.A. in Medieval Literature . . . for fun.
But I am totally and completely burned out on my studies. I am losing interest in the subject
and that interest is the very reason why I am doing this degree. I have no plans to change
careers or pursue a Ph.D.

So, do I drop out of this semester? drop out of school altogether? or suck it up and push on
through to finish in another year?

The thing is I have a well-paying government job in the IT/multimedia field and the degree
is for personal enrichment only. I want to spend my time enjoying reading about medieval
pilgrimage practices--and to go on a pilgrimage myself--not necessarily study every little
aspect of the practice in an academic setting.

So, do I stay or do I go?

While it's easier to say than do, I have to say stick it out.

If you were working on a bachelor's I'd have told you to take a break, but I think you're in so deep that if you pull out now, you'll never be able to get back into the groove mentally.

Other than that, I guess you have to weigh what pursuing this means to you versus just having a life. You did say this is for your own amusement, so unless having a masters will amuse you more, you can consider walking away with no regrets.

Ask yourself this:

Do I want this masters/will it make me happy?
Is this that important to me?
Will the amount of work/time it takes be worth it in the long run?
Will having freetime to explore other avenues make me happy(er)?

Good luck.

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by smacintush

Another year is a long time to do something that you no longer enjoy. Especially since this isn't a career oriented degree. Since this is something you did for your own pleasure I think that you should pursue it in a way that pleases you. Going on a pilgrimage is a great example of that and real life experience is for more valuable than words given to you by some pointy-headed academic.

Besides, isn't it the knowledge that is of real value, not some piece of paper that says you know something?

Sometimes we continue with things we don't want to in order to feed our egos. That is always a mistake. If you really feel like quitting do it and don't sweat it. Move on and enjoy your life.

smacintush, you present great points and argue well for that course of action.

Let me counter with this...

In my life the things I TRULY regret are not the things I DID do but those things I DIDN'T do.

And only rarely was I able to understand to what degree I'd experience that future regret when in the moment of decision.

We plant the seeds of regret with no thought to how much tending it will require nor how many acres it will inhabit.

[itai195]

I'd suggest staying but slowing down if possible so you can have some more time to devote to interests other than school. I know it can be tough to finish out if you don't enjoy it, but you've gotten this far and there's not so much more left to do.

On a personal note, I'm 2 months away from getting my own graduate degree (MS in Computer Science) -- I can't wait to be done either!

[smacintush]

Originally Posted by aberdeenwriter

smacintush, you present great points and argue well for that course of action.

Let me counter with this...

In my life the things I TRULY regret are not the things I DID do but those things I DIDN'T do.

And only rarely was I able to understand to what degree I'd experience that future regret when in the moment of decision.

Oh I understand and do agree. I think you stated what would be the dilemma for me: We often don't know what we will regret until it's too late.

I would add that usually when I have regretted something that I haven't done, it is because I had invented this idea in my head that my life would somehow have been "better" or "more fulfilled" had I done it, which is also unknowable.

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by smacintush

Oh I understand and do agree. I think you stated what would be the dilemma for me: We often don't know what we will regret until it's too late.

I would add that usually when I have regretted something that I haven't done, it is because I had invented this idea in my head that my life would somehow have been "better" or "more fulfilled" had I done it, which is also unknowable.

And to cover ALL the bases...

None of it really matters except how spiritually enlightened we become. All of this is a hallucination except how much we love.

"...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make...."

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by aberdeenwriter

None of it really matters except how spiritually enlightened we become.

Hehe, unless, of course, you're athiest or agnostic.