Does anyone else... (rant)

[JackieW]

Have families that do not understand academia at all? Mine is under the impression that I'm going to go to grad school for another year. (I want a PhD in English.) I'm living at home and trying to find a job so I can save up some money before entering graduate school in 2010 and I'm going stir crazy. Any ideas on how to cope if you're going through the same thing?

[celph]

Mine were the same. Until I told them "Listen idiots, grad school lasts 6-7 years". It's a petty problem really, very easy to solve.

[Stories]

People seem to think I'm going to become a MD and treat cancer rather than do cancer research. It comes with the territory.

[Minnesotan]

Start leaving articles lying around the house, where they have to see them. Put one in the toidy, one on the coffee table, one on the computer chair, etc. The Chronicle always has good material about preparing and navigating grad school and early career. Eventually, they'll get bored and pick one up. You might be able to relate better (and stop calling your parents idiots) if you have a common topic of interest.