Am I crazy?

[Leafytea]

So I got into two top programs in my field.

So far, so good.

At one school, I'd be working with an advisor who I know really well, and whose work I like, but is just starting to engage with the field I'm working in. (He works in a related field, and his next book concerns my field in a different genre.)

At the other school, I'd be working with an advisor who not only knows the field well, but has established connections there. His work is authoritative, but I don't like it as much.

Trouble is, I simply like the first school better. I think I may be emotionally attached to the profs in that department as a whole, and also the people I already know there, having done my Masters in a related department. I have a support network there. I understand the personalities in the department. I like living in that city. I don't know if I'd be giving up better job prospects down the road by not going with the guy with the connections. But I find myself really wanting to say yes to the first school, and be finished with the aggravation of ruminating on a life decision! Please tell me if I'm crazy or not to be voting with my heart! Especially in a profession where just going into it is rolling the dice, pretty much....

[juror#1]

You aren't crazy. There is no point in going to a school simply for connections where you are not going to be happy. Also, and I have heard many many people say this, your interests might change (gasp!) so it wouldn't be a terrible thing to work with an advisor who does a little bit different work. Plus I find it interesting that you like the first professors work, but say you do not like the research the professor does in the field that you want to be in as much. Anyway, go where you are going to be happy, as that will be a good environment to be productive in for your degree.

[Raffy]

The choice of your heart! Definitely.

Because you're going to spend some time there, because you're going to work hard there, it does matter how happy you are and how much you like your work (even just for succeeding in your program). You don't know how it would be at school 2, but at least you're sure that the first school is a good place for you. So go, rather: stay, grab this chance.

Plus, a professor who knows you and appreciate you can be much more helpful, notably for your career, than another who has many connections but doesn't care much of you.

Just my opinion. Hope it helps. Good luck!

[Lantern]

Absolutely go with #1. Reread what you wrote, it seems so obvious! Especially with your comment about going into your field is like rolling a dice. If you already know you don't like the 2nd professor's work, and it most likely won't get you any farther, there's no reason to put up with it.

[so47]

Absolutely go with #1. Reread what you wrote, it seems so obvious! Especially with your comment about going into your field is like rolling a dice. If you already know you don't like the 2nd professor's work, and it most likely won't get you any farther, there's no reason to put up with it.

^^THIS

[Leafytea]

Thanks for your input, everyone. I think I've decided!

[Postbib Yeshuist]

In this case, I'd say go with the first school. You can make the connections yourself. Just be sure to do excellent work, network at conferences, etc and then just enjoy your school. Working with someone you might not agree with could sink you (imagine if he used those contacts against you (in the sense that he never spoke highly of you because he disagreed with your work)).