Wow, it's kind of crazy to think that you're going back to school! I guess the reason that seems weird is because I'm used to people obtaining education in a fairly linear matter - either dropping out of college and never going back, finishing a BA and entering the workforce and never going back, or going straight from undergrad to post-grad. I do think the way you're doing it is better, though, because I think it's much better to have some actual life experiences before pursing an advanced or second degree. No offense to Ben intended there, especially since his program was a little different and he wasn't middle-aged at graduation. I just think it's kind of pathetic when people finally finish school and are nearly 30 and have never held a job other than perhaps an internship and have never had to support themselves when they enter the professional workforce.
Jym just said, "You're talking about your dad!" which is true. Also about my friend from ROTC who is 25 and still lives at home and will be 28 when she finally gets her first job EVER as an Army lawyer. SCARY.
What are you going back to school for, anyway? When I first scanned your post it sounded like you were going to school for cello, but I'm guessing that's not the case. Cello is not a super-marketable skill these days.
Also, congratulations on losing weight! You should post pictures!
Hm, I think working for just a couple of years and then going back to school is a second place common thing to do, if that makes sense. It's not the most direct path, theoretically because it's the result of a slightly weaker sense of direction, maybe (totally not the way to become the best doctor in town). So it's not one of those prefab life paths people learn about, but it's still touted as fairly common and smart in many cases since it gives people that work/life experience (and then some direction). Most people I know actually have done it, but it feels like some have done it out of obligation. Like one guy was always going to go to medical school, but he still worked for 2 years. It's like the right alternative thing to do.
That's just how it's seemed to me, mostly based on these incredibly high achieving asian kids. Of course, it always depends on the person. It's hard to say what really motivates some people, especially if they don't really tell you anything about their motivations :).
So anyway, if anything, a couple years is the next normal and then there's the other way where people let many years go by and then decide they want to do grad school. I was actually feeling like I was abnormal because I didn't originally have the plan of "work and then go to grad school" cause it was more like "I really don't want to do anything, school would certainly be last on the list... but I really want to spend money, so I'm going to work, and then I found school that I actually want. Hm, I think the overall theme of me is lazy and slacker in general, except when motivated. Where the motivation comes from, not sure yet. I am so spoiled.
I actually found a doctorate program I really want, but I'm not ready to talk about that much yet. The masters is my first step. The area, generally, is information science. My short history is in information design/architecture, usability but I think I'm going to focus more on information usage/users and policy. But... I'm still in the early stages of looking at schools and programs.
So... I lost the extra extras on my body, but I'm still fat! So no pictures! Actually, it was more like extra extra extras. And I lost the outermost layer. Blaargh. My contribution to the world and my friends, from now on, is "don't get fat."
Jym just said, "You're talking about your dad!" which is true. Also about my friend from ROTC who is 25 and still lives at home and will be 28 when she finally gets her first job EVER as an Army lawyer. SCARY.
What are you going back to school for, anyway? When I first scanned your post it sounded like you were going to school for cello, but I'm guessing that's not the case. Cello is not a super-marketable skill these days.
Also, congratulations on losing weight! You should post pictures!
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That's just how it's seemed to me, mostly based on these incredibly high achieving asian kids. Of course, it always depends on the person. It's hard to say what really motivates some people, especially if they don't really tell you anything about their motivations :).
So anyway, if anything, a couple years is the next normal and then there's the other way where people let many years go by and then decide they want to do grad school. I was actually feeling like I was abnormal because I didn't originally have the plan of "work and then go to grad school" cause it was more like "I really don't want to do anything, school would certainly be last on the list... but I really want to spend money, so I'm going to work, and then I found school that I actually want. Hm, I think the overall theme of me is lazy and slacker in general, except when motivated. Where the motivation comes from, not sure yet. I am so spoiled.
I actually found a doctorate program I really want, but I'm not ready to talk about that much yet. The masters is my first step. The area, generally, is information science. My short history is in information design/architecture, usability but I think I'm going to focus more on information usage/users and policy. But... I'm still in the early stages of looking at schools and programs.
So... I lost the extra extras on my body, but I'm still fat! So no pictures! Actually, it was more like extra extra extras. And I lost the outermost layer. Blaargh. My contribution to the world and my friends, from now on, is "don't get fat."
Reply
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