Hello all,
I've just finished an MA in Comp Lit, which I did immediately after finishing my BA in English. I am planning to apply for PhDs for Fall 2016, so that will be two years off between the MA and PhD (really just about 1 between finishing the MA and applying for the PhD) I know that (especially based on some of the other threads on this board) that time off is often considered a good thing; I am worried about what I will be doing with my time.
I did my MA in the UK (I am a US citizen) and am keen on staying over here for a bit to work before returning home. If I do of course manage to acquire one of those impossible visas, I will very likely be doing job that has nothing to do with my degree (most likely something administrative or in consultancy/grant/bid writing). There are no guarantees that if I were to go home I would be working within an academic field though I would have the freedom to try to get some kind of work within a university (no work restrictions!). I am planning to try to publish no matter what, and continue to submit to/attend conferences. I am just afraid that doing 'non academic' work for 2 years is going to reflect poorly on me.
I guess my question is really, am I setting myself up for disaster if it appears I 'abandoned' academia to work for a few years? Is it going to make me incredibly less competitive. I know Literature is a particularly difficult 'field' to work in, regardless, but if I am not involved with teaching, books, or academics at all I am afraid I am going to look less dedicated.
I know I need to time to apply because I would never get everything together by this December, but would it be best for me to pick up some odd jobs here and there that might tie in more with my future plans, rather than an unrelated, salaried position?
sorry this is so convoluted, but I really appreciate any advice! I feel like I need to make the major decisions Right. This. Second, though I know I still do have some time.
thank you all so much!