Should I?

[milefile]

I've been thinking of going back to school. I have my BA so it'd be graduate studies for an MA, probably in Anthropology. And maybe a PhD depending on how it might go.

When I was in undergraduate school my plan was to go on to graduate studies in Anthropology, which was my major. Then I chose Philosophy. I got accepted into two departments, DePaul and Dusquane. Then at the eleventh hour I chose not to go. I've regretted that decision many times since then, especially since the "waste of time years" immediately followed... aimlessly moving all over the country, moving from job to job, etc.

So now I'm living the consequences of my decision and I have to say they are unsatisfactory. I'm not really cut out for the "business" world. But that's another topic.

I think "It'll take too long" and that is discouraging. But then I look back at three years ago, which seems like yesterday, and think if I'd done it then, I'd be done by now.

With the degree I'd teach at the college level.

Meh... pretty dumb thread but I was just wondering what you all think of it?

 

[sn00pie]

Go for it! If you think you're up to it, and you've got enough time... Why the hell not?

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Originally posted by rufrgt_sn00pie2001
Go for it! If you think you're up to it, and you've got enough time... Why the hell not?

There's the issue, isn't it. Milefile's due an addition to the family in a short while, and thus I would have to say that committing to that kind of time investment is probably not the most sensible thing to do at this time.

I think the idea is, in the long run, laudable, and you should definitely go for it, but I would say that you need to assess the impact on your life of the little one first...

 

[Race Idiot]

Well if you aren't enjoying what you are currently doing I also agree with snZeroZeropie. I am only 19 and I haven't got a clue what I want to do at the moment. So I suppose it is good to have goals.

 

[sn00pie]

Or just get a job with Humana, they don't care for credentials anyway. - Apparantly.

 

[Pupik]

Originally posted by GilesGuthrie
There's the issue, isn't it. Milefile's due an addition to the family in a short while, and thus I would have to say that committing to that kind of time investment is probably not the most sensible thing to do at this time.

I think the idea is, in the long run, laudable, and you should definitely go for it, but I would say that you need to assess the impact on your life of the little one first...

Gotta agree with that. If you can slowly take a course here and there while taking care of the little one, then maybe you'll have a chance at keeping money in the bank, going to school, and keeping tabs on the Ms. File and baby-File.

Of course, GT3 will be out of the question unless you've got a deaf and blind boss!

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by GilesGuthrie
There's the issue, isn't it. Milefile's due an addition to the family in a short while, and thus I would have to say that committing to that kind of time investment is probably not the most sensible thing to do at this time.

I think the idea is, in the long run, laudable, and you should definitely go for it, but I would say that you need to assess the impact on your life of the little one first...

It would be over a year and a half before i would actually start. The application deadline is January 1st so I'd have to wait until Autumn 2004.

And the impending son is a big part of the reason I want to. I understand the logistcal challenges, though.

I look at it like this... A boy grows up living with a dad that never did what he was meant to do, who always felt like he somehow cheated himself and had regrets. The boy can tell his dad isn't happy.

Or I look at it like this... A boy grows up in a house that may be a pig-sty because everybody is so busy, and money is tight(er) due to accomodating school. But in a couple-few years dad has a well paying job as a teacher with a flexible schedule, long breaks all throughout the year, summers off, and someday, tenure. Also the son sees his dad fulfilled, happy, and successful, all before he even goes to pre-school.

I feel like it's getting to the now-or-never stage... if it hasn't already passed.

 

[Pupik]

Then go for it, if it's going to bug you. This is one case where you'd definately Speak To The Missus First.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Originally posted by pupik
This is one case where you'd definately Speak To The Missus First.

Absolutely!

Milefile, I take your point about fulfilment. I one of my colleagues did what you're proposing, although he's in a full-time job now. He much prefers what he's doing at the moment, and he takes time to care for his two daughters.

The fact that there's such a long lead time will help, because the little one will be at least on his feet and talking by the time you start school, and he'll be going to nursery not long after.

How long have you been thinking about this?

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by pupik

Of course, GT3 will be out of the question unless you've got a deaf and blind boss!

There are aspects of my lifestyle that will inevitably be curtailed or eliminated with the arrival of Baby File. And that is part of what's got me thinking.

One big thing is that I require very little sleep. Five hours is plenty.

I know other people who've done it with more than one kid. My wife was toying with the idea but just decided it wasn't worth the effort for her. But when it was still a possibility I was bracing myself for a lifestyle change.

We also have very supportive family close by who are moe than happy to help with whatever. And my mom has always been disappointed that i never went before. My inlaws, who are much more "blue-collar" may not understand but they're unconditionally supportive of us.

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by GilesGuthrie


How long have you been thinking about this?

Oh... seven years or so. A lot of it comes from the fact that I see the proverbial writing on the wall. I got cynical back when I was just finishing undergraduate school. I see it as a necessary stage that I have been emerging from for a couple years now. When I notice how I spend my time lately I end up asking how I could put it to better use. And I'm always wondering how to improve things. Domestically things are practically perfect. Professionally they are far from it, and this has a significant impact on fulfillment.

There was a lot to clean up after the infamous "waste of time years," as it were, and now it's pretty much done. That leaves me with a solid foundation to build on that was lacking for a long time.

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by pupik
This is one case where you'd definately Speak To The Missus First.

Goes without saying.

She was thinking of getting a masters but opted out for her own reasons about a year ago. But while she was I was fully ready to go through it with her.

 

[DGB454]

If you don't do it now you may never do it. Don't look for reasons not to. Look for reasons to do it.
If you don't do it where will you be in 10 yrs.?
If you do it where will you be in 10 yrs.?

 

[Pako]

If you can stay focused, keep your family in check, and not overlook the important things in life then you should definately go for it. To give a short summary of my last 11 years....I was all set my senior year to become a technical electronics engineer. This was my calling and my desire. Well before I had the chance to even graduate, I found out I had a little on it's way. As a result, I had to detour my plans of hitting that specialized college which was out of state. As a result, I've hit every technical course available at our community college, as well as getting my associates degree in Business Management (pays the bills). A part of me always wishes things would have turned out differently, but on the flip side, I wouldn't be where I'm at today if things would have happened differently, and that I would not want to change. So as I said, if you can maintain your quality of life today, but still be able to persue your goal, then go for it man..., but just remember that no matter where you go, there you are.

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by Pako
no matter where you go, there you are.

👍

Financial considerations are the most worrisome to me, and I'm sure my wife, too. But I have a year to work on a scholarship or a stipend, and I will.

Confession time...
It might be worth it's own thread, but, as you all know, I have been one of the most voiciferous marijuana defenders on GTP. But I know that I am stopping very soon, like this weekend. No it won't be the last time I ever smoke. And yes, I still believe it has it's place and it's criminalization is absurd. But that "place" is not really in my life anymore. So I'm going to finish up my bag and not replace it.

So what the hell does this have to do with going to graduate school? Well, back when I was originally planning to go, I didn't smoke pot. And istead of smoking and staying up and playing video games I'd stay up just as late, but write or read, or do something to stay busy. I'm a nervous person who requires little sleep. So I essentially have been anesthetizing this energy rather than channelling it into something. Life has been good, but it's about as good as it is going to get, going the same way I have for these recent years.

Having a kid on the way, any time now, really makes one examine their life in a new way. Being a pot smoking, complacent professional who plays video games and eats Doritos doesn't cut it for me anymore. Not that any of those things are inherently bad. They're actually good. But I see it like I see my 21 year old brother spending hundreds of dollars on clothes and living with the parents... nice while it lasted, but something to move on from.

The time spent and energy sapped due to pot has outlived it's usefulness (and it was useful). It leaves a space just begging for something meaningful to fill it. I used to write all the time, read a lot, and be a lot sharper in general. When I never went to grad. school I started smoking pot and sort of wandering. And although I call it a "waste of time" it really wasn't, it just would've if I'd continued it. I got to see the country, meet a lot of people, do a lot of drugs, and have no responsibility; my friends and I fancied ourselves as the neo-beats generation, Kerouac and Burroughs Part II. That's nice for seven years and I got that little fantasy out of my system. I'm ready to hunker down and do some (put all that experience to) work now.

So DGB, you can probably tell when I responded to your post in the Mary Jane vs. Al Capone thread, that you'd hit a nerve.

But I still can't say to get rid of it altogether because I'm only talking about me.

 

[Duke]

Well, milefile, you're actually in the perfect position right at the moment. Can you apply for 2004 right now? If so, do it. Because if you apply now, and get in, things will have started to be back under control by the time you go. In three months, however, things will not be under control, and you'll probably never apply.

When I was in grad school (I did go right after college), there were older folks in my class, and some with families. They survived for the most part. The nice thing now is that the high percentage of electronic education makes it easier to work at home than it was 15 years ago. Also, architecture is harder to study outside of the studio setting than philosophy, I imagine.

The support of family will go a long way to make sure Ms. File doesn't feel trapped by parenthood. I assume you'll be able to work part time (maybe as a TA?) while you're going, so some money will come in (or at least less will go out). I say go for it, on the schedule you're planning.

And good for you for both understanding your own marijuana use and knowing when it is time to move on. Some people never figure either of those things out.

 

[Tercel_driver]

Originally posted by milefile
I've been thinking of going back to school. I have my BA so it'd be graduate studies for an MA, probably in Anthropology. And maybe a PhD depending on how it might go.

Sure, why not. Go for it. Dont look at the time, if it is the time what you are really worrying for. Time goes quick. Besides, pretty much you are half-way done.

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by neon_duke
Well, milefile, you're actually in the perfect position right at the moment. Can you apply for 2004 right now? If so, do it. Because if you apply now, and get in, things will have started to be back under control by the time you go. In three months, however, things will not be under control, and you'll probably never apply.

My plan is to research the profs at Arizona State University (relocation is not an option) and read their work, then write to them on their level, get a foot in the door, as it were, before I apply. Then when they see my application materials a light will go off and I'll get noticed and be known as someone worth consideration. I have eleven months.

Also, architecture is harder to study outside of the studio setting than philosophy, I imagine.

I want to go for Anthropology. I see now that philosophy just gave me the perspective from which to study culture.

 

[Duke]

Hey, milefile, I forgot to ask: in what branch of Philosophy did you major? And what kind of Anthropology would you study?

I see you've decided that a career in academia is for you... which can be good and bad. I'd be interested to hear your views on the current state of higher education.

 

[MazKid]

Mile, I believe there are some online colleges. Everything is done online at home, and they are just like regular colleges.

You might want to check into it.

I think it's a good idea, but since you have a kid comming, you have to decide what's more important and how you will beable to do the school work and take care of stuff at home. If you try to do both you will probably burn out and lack in one area or possibly both.

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by neon_duke
Hey, milefile, I forgot to ask: in what branch of Philosophy did you major? And what kind of Anthropology would you study?

Modern... 19th and 20th century continental philosophy (Nietszche, Heidegger, Derrida, Foucault, Krell). Of course that is wrapped up in it's own history so the Greeks come into it and you pretty much need to have already been familiar with them and the German Idealists, especially.

I see you've decided that a career in academia is for you... which can be good and bad. I'd be interested to hear your views on the current state of higher education.

One of my favorite professors (history) said on the first day of class that it was going to be hard, controversial, and a lot of work, and if we thought we couldn't deal with it to leave now. About a third of the class left and never came back. I almost did, too. I'm so glad I didn't because I thought for the first time in that class and it changed my life.

Now some of those that left could've stayed and sued the school because they failed the class; after all, they are consumers, not only students, right? They paid for an education and the teacher failed them! Pa-leeze.

I fully understand that 90% of everybody sitting in an undergraduate Anthropology class thinks it's a waste of time and just another humanities requirement. I can handle that. I'd really be there for the ones that want to learn, think, and even teach me something.

Heidegger said that the difference between a teacher and his student is that he knows how to learn better.

 

[Duke]

Speaking of German Idealists, what are your views on Kant?

A lot of professors are too rigid in their dogma yet at the same time too relativist in terms of their own work and beliefs. I found it very frustrating at times.

Having been through a lot of Deconstructivist architecture, I have to say I found it very unsatisfying and quite contrived. None of it meant anything in and of itself; it all needed something 'normal' with which it could play and contrast. Also, the Decon types did an incredible volume of pseudointellectual post-rationalization to justify a design that still ultimately came down to "I thought it looked cool." Just be honest about that in the beginning, and take your lumps. Don't bore me with 45 minutes of babble about 'found tensions' and 'implied dynamics' that you made up.

 

[milefile]

His books are too long

But seriously... I'm best acquainted with Critique of Judgement. His analysis of what is Beauty brought the world one (big) step closer to understanding truth phenomenologically, which many so-called philosophers are still not able to do. And he did this by simply acknowledging the deep mystery surounding it. Prior to Kant, the Platonic idea of beauty was taken for granted. Beauty is truth and truth is beautiful. And that's not necessarily incorrect, but it is not truth either. And that's all philosophy is after.

The hole Kant broke in Platonic thought couldn't be healed and through it came "post-modern" thought. His importance in the history of philosophy is nihilistic and inestimable; he left quite a mess for the future to sort out, and that's the best thing any thinker can accomplish. His thoughts destroyed history.

Western thinkers can be counted on one's fingers. Not all philosophers are thinkers. Kant was, though. And throughout history a collection of thinkers thought, and their thoughts are still haunting us through justice, war and peace, love and beauty, and of course, "truth." Furthermore, they do not own the thoughts. The thoughts chose them. I think Kant made this realization possible.

As far as the other critiques, Reason and Pure Reason, I'm much less familiar with.

A big problem with studying philosophy is the volume of material. Choosing what to skip is hard. And going chronologically is futile.

So there's my reader's digest take on Kant.

 

[TATINEE]

I think you should definitely go for it! I had to drop out of college, because it would've been too much for me to catch up on work while I took weeks off after having my youngest daughter. But I'm back in now and I'm thrilled with it. I think you'll be so glad that you chose to go back.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by milefile
Oh... seven years or so.

You need to do it before it's too late and you seriously begin to wonder "What if..."

Go back to school, Eric.

 

[Pupik]

Originally posted by milefile
But seriously... I'm best acquainted with Critique of Judgement. His analysis of what is Beauty brought the world one (big) step closer to understanding truth phenomenologically, which many so-called philosophers are still not able to do. And he did this by simply acknowledging the deep mystery surounding it. Prior to Kant, the Platonic idea of beauty was taken for granted. Beauty is truth and truth is beautiful. And that's not necessarily incorrect, but it is not truth either. And that's all philosophy is after.

You could have put this in my "what is beauty?" thread ages (two months) ago.

Oh well, forgot about that Kant volume I have collecting dust in the other room...I'll pick it up again after I understand Access better.

On topic, go for it, then...you've got the clearance! A lot of people always told me to go for a professorship...but I wasn't dedicated enough in school, paradoxically. Just don't become the man in a tale I once read about...* he was a Greek astronomer that was looking up at the stars so much, he never seemed to notice the water wells he was always falling into.

*[For the fable-impared, that's sort of like trying for all-gold licenses in GT and yet losing to your untalented friends in a simple head-to-head race.]

 

[milefile]

Do any of you know anything about, or have a take on, University of Phoenix?

 

[1X83Z]

A friend of mine went there - not exactly high-level courses, but certainly flexible stuff, and certainly one of the most credible universities for people in your position... I'd give it a look, certainly.

 

[rjensen11]

All I read so far was "Should I?"

Answer:
No

[response] Awww come on!

[2nd answer] For the final time, NO!

 

[SandStorm]

Honestly, why do you feel that asking a bunch of people on a Web site is going to tip the scales one way or another? Go with what you feel! If you think you should go back to school, then go back to school. If not, well, it's your decision.