Hello,
Perhaps this subject has already been addressed. I am curious, how have people's graduate school priorities/choices changed in light of the global economy? Personally, it's making me reconsider the amount of debt I'm willing to accept to continue my education. Also, I imagine that the competition will be fiercer than ever this time around, with all the people hoping to "wait out" the job market by seeking an advanced degree. (This is probably more prevalent in disciplines other than history.) Undoubtedly, the money available for graduate students will be less. Right? And if the economy continues it's slide, what about the state of the academic job market? What are your thoughts as aspiring historians? Discouraged? Undaunted?
Personally, I'd like to say undaunted, but I must admit that when I tell friends who have been struggling for months in the job market, or have been laid off, that I want to study medieval history, I can't help but feel a bit frivolous. I imagine I'll pursue the same course regardless, because it's my personal American dream, but I guess I wonder how other potential graduate students are handling the same pressures? Thoughts?