DISCLAIMER: This is NOT targeted at any particular person. I’m speaking about the overarching culture of higher academia. If you feel personally attacked, that’s your subconscious showing your bias (which you should probably work on).
In early undergrad, the thought of pursuing any graduate degree seemed like it would yield a positive response. However, as I approached graduation, reality showed this to be a gross misconception. It all began when, upon hearing I was going on to a Master’s program, a professor responded in disappointing disbelief, “Are you really..?” And, at graduation, the commencement coordinator told me she “knows” I will obtain a Ph.D.
I suppose I should see it as flattery, as they believe I can manage the rigor of a PhD program; but, it truly is not. I continue to feel bombarded with subtle messages that I chose the “lesser-than” path. You sense it in the way (some) Ph.Ds talk about your schooling – there’s this connotation of them being underwhelmed that I cannot fully express. It’s the tone of voice; the lack of enthusiasm. Again, it’s subtle.
But here’s the thing: I don’t want a Ph.D. I spoke with coworkers and peers and concluded that I can pursue all of my career ambitions with an MSW. I don’t want the stress that proceeds the degree either – especially the pressures of publishing. I have gone back-and-forth trying to figure-out if I should continue education after this, and finally decided it’s truly not worth the stress, time, and money. I was so emotionally distraught when realizing this will probably be my terminal degree, because of the ridiculous pressures that I should keep going – because a Master’s “isn’t good enough.”
Why in the world should someone feel any less than proud for working on a GRADUATE degree?! According to the US Census website, as of 2018, “about 13.1 percent [of Americans] have a Master’s, Professional Degree, or Doctorate.”
I am proud to soon be part of that minority. I am going to be a licensed professional. I don’t understand the snobbish attitude in academia, but we need to nip-it in the ass and start genuinely congratulating and supporting ALL students who decide to pursue an education beyond undergrad.
Thanks for listening to my rant. I could go on, but you got the gist!
Stressed and Caffeinated 