dbowe4415

I'm going to stick to wearing what I'm comfortable in: T-shirts, jeans, and a nice pair of Nikes or Vans.

The tattoo discussion is interesting, because like Strong Flat White stated, some middle-aged to younger English professors do have tattoos and piercings. They kind of fit into the "free-spirit" persona portrayed by many English professionals.

My opinion is this: as long as the tattoos aren't offensive, they should be shown.

Wow, I was really about type something very similar.

It's so unfortunate how going into the humanities now and expecting a tenure-track position is considered a pipe dream. So yes, I believe that the humanities contain a whole lot of disillusioned individuals, myself included.

However:

The only reason I'm still applying to schools for an MA in English is because of the amount of backup plans I have. My rationale is this: if I'm committing to getting a tenure-track teaching job, one that's DEFINITELY not promised, then I should have a plethora of backup plans to fall back on.

Wow, I was really about type something very similar.

It's so unfortunate how going into the humanities now and expecting a tenure-track position is considered a pipe dream. So yes, I believe that the humanities contain a whole lot of disillusioned individuals, myself included.

However:

The only reason I'm still applying to schools for an MA in English is because of the amount of backup plans I have. My rationale is this: if I'm committing to getting a tenure-track teaching job, one that's DEFINITELY not promised, then I should have a plethora of backup plans to fall back on.

I just relocated in August from California to Georgia for my MA. By doing so I moved away from all my family and friends as well as my boyfriend, which was definitely the toughest part. I agree with dbowe4415 -- it's REALLY important to maintain your support system from home. I've found it a tremendous help in my transition.

Like others have said, relocating is without a doubt very difficult. My advice: be kind to yourself and, if you're ever feeling down, remind yourself that things will improve. Sometimes it seems like things won't but you WILL make friends and you WILL adjust. And maybe this is just one of my own particularities, but I would also advise you to not place any "deadlines" on yourself, for example don't expect to have fully settled after 1 month, 2 months, 1 semester, etc. Just let things unfold. In fact, I am just finishing up my first semester and don't think I've fully transitioned, but I feel significantly less out of place than I did 4 months ago!

It seems like you recognize the UChicago is the best fit for you, so assuming you do relocate, don't forget that. I've found the first semester of grad school trying not just because of the high academic standards, the plight of unstructured time, teaching for the first time etc. but also because I moved 2000 miles from home. Often I questioned why I moved so far and what I was even doing in this city. At these moments it's good to remind yourself that you moved there for a GOOD reason. I also encourage you to make your new place a home -- sometimes I tend to see my time in GA as only temporary, which is fine, but it has on occasion stopped me from buying a nice rug for my apartment or making my place feel like "home," things that would make me feel significantly happier.

Sorry for rambling, but this post really resonates with me since I'm wrapping up my first semester and, quite honestly, one of the most difficult times of my life. All in all, expect things to get difficult sometimes but just don't forget the big picture. Best of luck!