To clarify, is this within hours of the deadline for you to submit your application? If so, don't worry. My recommenders have been... significantly later than that, the application still goes through.
Good to see someone else with an interest in the non-Western end of things!
Hiya! This is from a while ago (I'm popping back into TGC after a bit of a break) but just in case you haven't nailed down a list of places you're applying to yet, I'd just like to encourage you not to let your background deter you from applying to a couple of top-PhD programmes as well. I was similarly a latecomer to analytic philosophy as an undergraduate, and I was waitlisted at NYU and MIT last year. And your situation sounds better than mine in any case: you've done grad-level courses, you have a pertinent publication, you have at least two philosophy recommendations, and a much higher GPA! So it's probably worth at least having a chat with your recommenders about whether applying to some top programmes might be a good idea.
I'm just doing an MA right now, but it certainly helps me to just affirm--every day--that there is no guarantee of employment post education, and being OK with that. I've simply given up on the idea that I am 100% in control of the results of my education and job search. That's life. And frankly, I think that outlook is healthier than the alternative. First, it's more in line with reality; and second, it takes a lot of the pressure off in a way. It's a gamble we have to take in pursuing a job in higher ed. And so,
Besides the TT job, your other worries are bunk. Philosophers, for all their faults, are smart (as a general trend). You were talented enough to gain admission to a doctoral program in philosophy, you are more than capable of providing for your family and all those other things. I was in the corporate world for a minute, and the need for people who can think is dire. Most successful higher-ups are very aware of this, and you can easily become qualified for work that pays well and gives you security. You will be talented enough to work your way up, and you have the work ethic to do so. There is much greater demand for intelligent people than what is confined to academic philosophy.
So what's the worst case scenario? You've lost 6-8 years in opportunity cost. That's a lot. But you're now Dr. Duns Eith. Most people your age are likely still in middling corporate positions. They've likely spent the majority of their free time at work, and probably indifferent about what they do. So they've made a little more money than you would have. So what? Time isn't what makes all the difference. I can't promise you'll love what you do after philosophy, but there's no guarantee you'll love whatever you'd do in philosophy. And plus, you'll almost certainly make more money. The TT phil professors at my top 3 MA program make about $60k. What I'm trying to say basically is, academic philosophy isn't everything. Even if the absolute worst case scenario comes true for you, life goes on. And it can be great, and in many ways, better.
So how is this a good decision? You get to do what you love for 6-8 years, with more free time than the average working American, and have at least some funding to do so. Maybe a few doors are closed, but more are certainly open. Seems like a great decision to me, but to each their own.
Sounds like you are an above-average applicant.
I think you're over-worried about your prospects as an applicant. (though perhaps under-worried about your prospects in a career in philosophy, simply indicated by the fact that you are applying to grad school. haha)
I am obliged to mention, though: never accept an unfunded offer for an MA, even if the program says it is possible to get funding in the 2nd year. Just gotta get that out.
philosopuppy got a reaction from Kantattheairport in 2019 Graduate Entrants