start-fresh Posted March 27, 2010 Posted March 27, 2010 Well, I'm not sure what section to put this in. I have been out of college almost a year now and am having a hard time making friends. I took a job back in my small hometown area I guess you could say. There's only about 8000 people or something in the town. It feels like there are either people a little older than me with families, or high school aged kids. There's also a lot of people that never left working jobs for high school grads (fast food, non management retail, etc) that I just can't connect with. I would like to go to grad school because I loved college and the atmosphere of the college town. I actually enjoyed sitting in class and learning, doing homework, etc. From the reading I've been doing, it seems like everybody says grad school is not the same as undergrad, as you're expected to 'produce' the knowledge per se instead of being spoon fed the stuff. I also haven't entirely convinced myself that I would be able to apply the added knowledge gained in grad school to my career. I'm in engineering, btw. So, am I living in the past trying to recreate my college years, or is this a legitimate career move? I've considered academia as well, but lately I haven't felt as strongly about that path.
zetkin Posted March 27, 2010 Posted March 27, 2010 (edited) Well, my opinion is - yes, you are trying to live in the past. I have similar story and I'm starting my master's in autumn. And I do feel like you - that was my dream, to get a scholarship and continue studying. But now, I'm not sure. I feel like this is just the way to escape my boring and not very lucky life here. But anyway - I'm gonna try since I've already been admitted. So think - if you're not gonna gain anything from grad school but what would you lose? You don't seem to like your life now why not change it? Edited March 27, 2010 by zetkin
Author start-fresh Posted March 27, 2010 Author Posted March 27, 2010 Well, my opinion is - yes, you are trying to live in the past. I have similar story and I'm starting my master's in autumn. And I do feel like you - that was my dream, to get a scholarship and continue studying. But now, I'm not sure. I feel like this is just the way to escape my boring and not very lucky life here. But anyway - I'm gonna try since I've already been admitted. So think - if you're not gonna gain anything from grad school but what would you lose? You don't seem to like your life now why not change it? Yeah, we do sound pretty similar. My life is so boring right now and I'm seeing it as an escape of sorts. I'm banking on a scholarship as well, but I have something significant to lose... 1 1/2 to 2 years of earnings at my engineering job. Often I wonder if it would just be better to look for a different job somewhere...
Rearden Metal Posted March 27, 2010 Posted March 27, 2010 This one's a slam dunk. You've outgrown your small town. Whether it's more studying, or onto work, you need to move closer to a city. I know cuz I'm in the same boat, son!
zetkin Posted March 28, 2010 Posted March 28, 2010 (edited) Well, as to me, going back to school is like extending childhood. Think, if you don't feel like a child any more (and it seems the case here), then may be you should go for a new job. You are thinking about continuing your studies because this is the only way you know now that can improve your life. BUT: going back to something you used to like doesn't automatically imply you're gonna like it as much now. That I know for sure. For me it's the same - I wanted to go back to my "joyful days of youth" But now I am not sure any more if it's possible, I mean if I will be able now to enjoy the life I used to have - I'm different now, I'm older. But I'm not in a very good position right now so I wouldn't regret my missed earnings. I really don't feel like I have anything to lose. I don't like my job much (I'm chemist) - it's boring most of the times because I feel like in ten month I've been working there I learned everything I could about it and now I'm just doing monotonous work every day. So I'm thinking more and more about pursuing a scientific job. That's why I wanna study. But in your case - do you like what you do? And is your education enough for your work and career prospects? Edited March 28, 2010 by zetkin
Author start-fresh Posted March 29, 2010 Author Posted March 29, 2010 Well, as to me, going back to school is like extending childhood. Think, if you don't feel like a child any more (and it seems the case here), then may be you should go for a new job. You are thinking about continuing your studies because this is the only way you know now that can improve your life. BUT: going back to something you used to like doesn't automatically imply you're gonna like it as much now. That I know for sure. For me it's the same - I wanted to go back to my "joyful days of youth" But now I am not sure any more if it's possible, I mean if I will be able now to enjoy the life I used to have - I'm different now, I'm older. But I'm not in a very good position right now so I wouldn't regret my missed earnings. I really don't feel like I have anything to lose. I don't like my job much (I'm chemist) - it's boring most of the times because I feel like in ten month I've been working there I learned everything I could about it and now I'm just doing monotonous work every day. So I'm thinking more and more about pursuing a scientific job. That's why I wanna study. But in your case - do you like what you do? And is your education enough for your work and career prospects? Um, I don't absolutely hate what I do, but I would prefer something else. And, I know what you're saying about it not being the same. Even going back to visit my college doesn't feel the same as it did when I was a student there. I have one uncle, a college professor, that says study until you know what you want. Others say work until you know what you want. Working is definitely the better option financially.
zetkin Posted March 29, 2010 Posted March 29, 2010 Working is definitely the better option financially. So you seem to have an answer?
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