How do I peacefully leave my graduate program?

[Archaeologist]

This graduate program is not for me.

I'll admit I didn't do my research before I accepted the offer to this program, and now I have learned my lesson the hard way.

I have been attending for what is now a year and two months.

By the end of this semester, I will have finished all of my course work, and all that will be left is my thesis. But I can't do my thesis with my current advisor.

Although I have a graduate assistantship granting me bi-monthly pay, along with tuition waiver, I have to go because I can no longer put my all into this program.

How do I leave without burning bridges and wasting this department's resources?

[Archaeologist]

Am I suppose to schedule an appointment with my advisor and just tell him I want to leave?

The thought of doing this brings me much anxiety....

[The Dudester]

I think I would talk to someone higher up if your problem is with the advisor. Tell the head of the department your story, and see what they can do.

[TransnationalHistory]

You might want to try posting this question on the forums on Chronicle's website. They have a whole section about leaving academia....most people on this forum are trying to get in, so you're less likely to get advice from anyone who's been in your position.

[ZeeMore21]

Sorry to hear about this...but what problems are you having with your program exactly? I am just trying to get a better picture.

[Archaeologist]

Well I withdrew from the grad program and university for reasons concerning the program's quality and advisor's incompetence.

I felt it was not the experience I should be investing my time in when the professor (not my advisor) I was TAing for showed the film Zeitgeist for his anthropology class. That teaching style was just an example of the quality of that program's courses.

But it's not over yet. I still want an advanced degree, but I will have to try harder to get into a better program next time.

I am, in the meantime, employed at a job that does utilize my bachelor's degree.

[Mal83]

Well I withdrew from the grad program and university for reasons concerning the program's quality and advisor's incompetence.

I felt it was not the experience I should be investing my time in when the professor (not my advisor) I was TAing for showed the film Zeitgeist for his anthropology class. That teaching style was just an example of the quality of that program's courses.

But it's not over yet. I still want an advanced degree, but I will have to try harder to get into a better program next time.

I am, in the meantime, employed at a job that does utilize my bachelor's degree.

Well clearly it's for the best, plus the extra work experience should give your resume a boost when applying next time around. Good luck!