Advice: Should I go back to college?

LegacyUser

Hi,

I guess I just want a snapshot of views on my personal situation. I recently lost my job, and have been on a major downer ever since. It's only been a couple of weeks, but I'm still kind of in shock I guess.
Anyway, I've no desire to go on social welfare, and I'm looking for viable alternatives.
Basically, I was happiest while at university. I did my degree, and subsequently did a masters. I really enjoyed the academic lifestyle, and took great enjoyment in undertaking research.
Essentially, I'm asking should I go back and do a PHD?
I was far happier in university than I ever have been in the world of work, but worry about the financial implications and possibility of failure in doing a phd. However, going back to college has to be better than unemployment and poor work prospects in my idustry?

I think this is a go with my heart or go with my brain situation...

LegacyUser

Hi OP. A few weeks ago I was in a somewhat similar position. I was out of work for ages with no prospect of getting a job so had looked into going back to uni. I had applied for and got a place on a course I had always planned on doing at some stage. I then got offered a job in a line of work that was related to what I want to do but not in the field I feel most happy in.I himmed and hawed over what I should do, the stress really got to me. My heart was saying uni, but the head saying work. In the end, I asked where will I be happier, in work earning money with relative security or taking a risk and doing an expensive postgrad. I folloewd my heart and went back to college.

If you don't do what makes you happy, you'll live a life full of regret. And you only have one life. My 2c anyway.

nyarlothothep

unregistered wrote: »

Hi,

I guess I just want a snapshot of views on my personal situation. I recently lost my job, and have been on a major downer ever since. It's only been a couple of weeks, but I'm still kind of in shock I guess.
Anyway, I've no desire to go on social welfare, and I'm looking for viable alternatives.
Basically, I was happiest while at university. I did my degree, and subsequently did a masters. I really enjoyed the academic lifestyle, and took great enjoyment in undertaking research.
Essentially, I'm asking should I go back and do a PHD?
I was far happier in university than I ever have been in the world of work, but worry about the financial implications and possibility of failure in doing a phd. However, going back to college has to be better than unemployment and poor work prospects in my idustry?

I think this is a go with my heart or go with my brain situation...

I'd go back and do the phd. Worrying whether you'll complete it or not is perfectly natural, a lot of successful phd grads would have had the same worry. In addition your employment prospects would be enhanced, you've lost your job, its difficult to get another one, you could (a) wait for a job to turn up although you say prospects are bad, so you could end up with a greater risk of doing nothing in the interim period which could last very long or (b) you could go back to an environment you enjoyed most, enhance your education and job prospects, develop new skills and write a thesis in addition to papers which you can be proud of, by the time you've finished the market may have improved and you'll have more expertise.

kjl

bit late for the academic year 09/10 isn't it?

You dont need a phd to work that one out

Wibbs

kjl only helpful posts please.

Firetrap

Yes I think you should go back. As well as being suited to college, you're in the position of having nothing to lose really. You don't have to worry about jacking in your job or having to pay a mortgage or support a family. Jobs are hard to come by at the moment so perhaps hiding out in college for a couple of years might not be a bad idea at all. Hopefully things will have picked up by the time you come out

skooterblue

unregistered wrote: »

Hi,

I recently lost my job, and have been on a major downer ever since.
Anyway, I've no desire to go on social welfare,
I'm looking for viable alternatives.
I was happiest while at university. I did my degree, and subsequently did a masters.
I really enjoyed the academic lifestyle, and took great enjoyment in undertaking research.

I think this is a go with my heart or go with my brain situation...

I think you have answered the question yourself. You are going to find it tough being unemployed in the current market. Idle hand tempt the devil. you are going to be on the same money back to school as going on the dole. Take your time. Spend the rest of the year choosing a phd or go straight back to college you have nothing to lose. You cant save time only spend it wisely. This recession will end but when you are in an interview afterwards and you get asked "So what did you do during the recession?".

Which answer sounds better? "I grabbed the opportunity to rush back to college and upskill/ retrain and now I have a Phd" or "Well there werent may oppertunities so I waited for something to happen"

You might be a bit late for this year but you can start canvassing for next year. Good luck and I hope you get a great course

LegacyUser

Hey all,

Thanks a million for all the positive responses. I've always wanted to do a phd, but felt it was something I'd do during a cosy career break or something. I guess I can just fast track my plans and fulfill my goal earlier than expected. I've no children or mortage plans, so it's a bit of a no-brainer really.
Thanks again for the very much appreciated responses!

LegacyUser

kjl wrote: »

bit late for the academic year 09/10 isn't it?

You dont need a phd to work that one out

You can register to start a phd course in January 2010, and I can start researching for one tomorrow.

j4vier

phds have no set dates to start on anyway.. they start when there s funding, in science at least..
id do a phd, as a matter of fact i left my job to do it, the money is nearly 2 times the dole and you ll actually enjoy it..its the best option in this climate i think

nyarlothothep

Well done and good luck.