(no subject)
Im really sick of grad school. I wouldn't go so far as to say I hate it, because at least the hours are flexible. God, I worked so much harder as an undergrad. And I liked it a lot better too. I would just rather be doing anything other than what Im doing now... well, almost.
It's mainly the pay. I hate not making any money. I hate that my student loans are accruing interest while I wait to graduate, and cant afford to start paying them now. I hate that I have to choose between going to a movie and going out to dinner. I hate that I cant afford to buy a new dress for my friend ethan's wedding because I spent too much money on a suit for my conference this month.
But mostly, I hate that I have a Master's Degree in Physics, and my friends with B.A.'s in Psychology are making three times what I rake in from my lousy RA stipend.
What's worse is that what I want to do (teach Physics at a university level) is rather unattainable (but somewhat possible) unless I do post-doctoral research, which means doing what Im doing now, but taking no classes and not having to worry about defending/writing a thesis, but making only marginally more money, and having to repay my student loans. I think I would actually go insane.
If I had to do things over again, I would have gotten a dual major in physics and psychology and just get a random job out of college, possibly in something like Public Health, and make my place of employment pay for me to complete a master's in some related field.
Im really unhappy where I am. But I think it would be a shame to quit now. I would have nothing to show for the past 2 years of work. At least I have a Masters to show for my first year of grad work. But since then, Ive taken and passed my qualifying exams, published 4 papers, and this fall I will finish my candidacy exam. The next two years consists of formulating a formal thesis topic and doing the research, and writing it up and defending it.
God, Im so spoiled, tons of people dont get into grad school, dont pass their qualifying exam, and here I am bitching about it. Yeah, but those people would be here and be happy. But Im done with science. I dont like it anymore. I want the phd though. I hope I can get thru the next 2 years with my sanity.
It's mainly the pay. I hate not making any money. I hate that my student loans are accruing interest while I wait to graduate, and cant afford to start paying them now. I hate that I have to choose between going to a movie and going out to dinner. I hate that I cant afford to buy a new dress for my friend ethan's wedding because I spent too much money on a suit for my conference this month.
But mostly, I hate that I have a Master's Degree in Physics, and my friends with B.A.'s in Psychology are making three times what I rake in from my lousy RA stipend.
What's worse is that what I want to do (teach Physics at a university level) is rather unattainable (but somewhat possible) unless I do post-doctoral research, which means doing what Im doing now, but taking no classes and not having to worry about defending/writing a thesis, but making only marginally more money, and having to repay my student loans. I think I would actually go insane.
If I had to do things over again, I would have gotten a dual major in physics and psychology and just get a random job out of college, possibly in something like Public Health, and make my place of employment pay for me to complete a master's in some related field.
Im really unhappy where I am. But I think it would be a shame to quit now. I would have nothing to show for the past 2 years of work. At least I have a Masters to show for my first year of grad work. But since then, Ive taken and passed my qualifying exams, published 4 papers, and this fall I will finish my candidacy exam. The next two years consists of formulating a formal thesis topic and doing the research, and writing it up and defending it.
God, Im so spoiled, tons of people dont get into grad school, dont pass their qualifying exam, and here I am bitching about it. Yeah, but those people would be here and be happy. But Im done with science. I dont like it anymore. I want the phd though. I hope I can get thru the next 2 years with my sanity.