QuarantineQuail

That's a good idea. I have a couple publications, and could turn my MA thesis into a book with a bit more research and writing. Also considered perhaps getting another MA or two in related fields, since online MA offerings are much more robust.

Hi all, been a while. I thought I'd post here instead of starting my own thread. I have a bit of a unique situation on my hands. I have a full-time job teaching history at a CC where I am also department head. Love my job and never want to leave--but--I do not have my PhD and I would still like to earn it at some point. At this point I'd like to earn the PhD for personal fulfillment reasons only, as there's not a lot of career advancement opportunities it can grant me given my current position. But the online PhD in history doesn't really exist as far as I'm aware. Is there any route you all can think of that would allow me to pursue my doctorate while continuing teach at my CC? Or should I just count my lucky stars and set the dream of a PhD aside?

Just my opinion--I know it's hard, but I would just wait until after the 15th. They'll know whether they can offer you anything then.

It ended up working out fantastically well for me. I struck the 1 in a million jackpot and got a full-time position at a CC with my MA (from a state school). It's not tenure-track but it is fully benefited and there is the possibility of moving to TT in the future. I'm fully aware my experience is just about the furthest thing from a typical outcome, and I feel very fortunate to be in the position I'm in. For what it's worth my cohort members had mostly positive outcomes. The people I went to school with became high school teachers (many schools pay you more if you have an MA), others went on to do museum work & archival work, others became academic advisors & journalists, a few were successfully able to continue on to PhD programs. So, from the anecdotal evidence, I think the history MA was helpful in placing people into jobs or preparing them for PhD work. I was in your position when I started my MA, I had to give up a stable job to do so. If I was making the decision again in this economic & national climate, I'm not sure I would do it. On the other hand, the budget crisis in academia might get worse, and that funded offer you have in hand might not be funded in a few years if you decide to wait. Ultimately the decision is up to you. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

Aww that's frustrating. I hope you can get in off the waitlist!

Second this. While I had many supportive professors there were a few who seemed hellbent on making students feel like they were complete idiots. My historiography professor in particular seemed intent to tear down my cohort. To the point where many of us considered quitting--and one actually did. I later had another professor tell me (after I went to office hours asked for clarification on something I wasn't getting) that "well, not everyone is meant to be a grad student." Fortunately my advisor and committee were a bunch of standup fellows, so once I finished my course work I was able to go into hiding and hunker down on my thesis. That said my mental health was at the lowest its ever been during grad school. Academia is a brutal and unforgiving place.

It was good to talk to you too! Please don't be shy to PM in the future if you want to talk about academics. Crossing my fingers for you.

No worries. I've been through this enough to not be sad about it anymore. Will keep working and try again next year. It was an email to check the portal. Did you receive a decision?

I just got my CU decision. It was a no, FYI.

Though I'd like to hear today, I suspect decisions we'll come out at the end of the day tomorrow. Monday at the latest.

Echoing this, congrats! I remember being on this board when you were (I think) a first-year at Brown. Glad to see it come full circle!

Hey there, I imagine that you must be very disappointed right now. My suggestions are 1. Take some deep breathes. 2. Disconnect from social media/your phone/the internet for a while. 3. Do something that is fun for you. 4. Reach out to someone you have a good relationship with to talk about your feelings. If you like, I've shared my story below, I don't know if will be helpful or relatable, but I want you to know that it will be okay, and it gets better. I was in your position six years ago. I stalked this board every day, waiting with breathless anticipation. I applied to I think 9 schools, maybe 10. I knew pure numerical odds were low but I believed that I had a good shot. One by one the rejections came in. I was crushed. I knew rationally not to take it personally but I still did. I felt I had everything; the GPA, the honors, the GRE, the LORs, even a national history award, how could I not get in anywhere? What was wrong with me? Instead of going to grad school I got a minimum wage retail job and started to work. When you work retail nobody gives a rip how educated you are. It was humbling. I applied for a second round. Missed again. 0-2. I then got a teaching job and started doing that. Like retail customers, kids don't care one whit about your past accomplishments. Again, it was humbling. It was hard. I did more growing up in one of year teaching than any other year of my life so far. I applied to a third round. This time, I got into an MA program with full funding, and so I went. Ultimately, I am thankful I didn't get in the first time. When I think about why I wanted to go to grad school then, yes it was because I was passionate about the field, but it was also about my fear and ego. I believed I was exceptionally smart, and smart people got PhDs, so that's what I needed to do. I was also afraid of starting a "real job" and living in the "real world." And graduate school ways another way to delay that for half a decade or more. When I went back to school, even though it had only been 2 1/2 years since finishing undergrad, I felt like I had much more perspective on why I was there to do what I was doing. Having spent just a little time in the "real world" was helpful. And yes, grad school was in its own way humbling, and I grew up some more. Round four doesn't look to be going so good for me. I have only one school left to hear from, and I'm not optimistic, but this is just how things are. I'm not taking it personally anymore. Who knows, maybe the PhD will never happen? Being professionally trained as a historian is a good thing but you don't have to have a PhD to do good history, though it is harder. There's a gentleman where I live, he worked a whole career at DNR and when he retired, he went to community college and took a few history classes because he was interested in Native history. He started doing his own historical research and eventually published a book on Native American history. He doesn't even hold a BA in history, yet his work has been utilized and cited by academics in the field. I'm so proud of him. He'll never have a PhD, yet in his golden years he is out there making meaningful contributions to the historical profession.

Best of luck!

Haven't heard from CU. I thought they were pretty firm that March was when decisions would be announced?

For what its worth I know a lot of people who started their PhDs later in life! I have a good friend who is 50 and working on their PhD right now.