https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:00:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school/page/2#post-290525 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:57:02 +0000 Lynne 290525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done, Mary. And if Taylor is right, it will be our gain as well as yours :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school/page/2#post-290411 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:36:22 +0000 MsMary 290411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly! *happy sigh* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school/page/2#post-290407 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:33:36 +0000 taylor 290407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just think .....all the more time with your YLF friends!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290403 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:31:56 +0000 MsMary 290403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thanks for the support everyone! I really appreciate it! So far it's Day Two and I am not looking back at all! It was awesome while it was awesome, and it's great to be finished now that it isn't awesome any more, you know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290376 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:46:52 +0000 MNsara 290376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you, MaryK! </p> <p>I love your line ". . .and as I sat in class with a professor I don't respect and don't like, I just thought "Heck no! This isn't enough fun to continue. . ."</p> <p>That very probability, combined with my middle-age refusal to jump through pointless hoops anymore, has kept me from going back to grad school like I thought I would.</p> <p>Enjoy this decision! It sounds like it is the one that will enrich your life </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290277 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:41:26 +0000 yardshark 290277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anyone who is considering grad school in order to improve their career prospects needs to be sure there are even jobs in the field for them to go to! It has to be worth the time and money, and a lot of the time these days, unfortunately it isn't.</p> <p>I left grad school after I realized how few positions in my field would be available as the economy worsened (even fewer were the ones I would actually WANT), and my passion for the subject eroded as I observed the lives of my professors and dealt with some nasty people in the department. </p> <p>I understood that the only people who would end up with the good jobs were those who were utterly single-minded about getting them and were willing to sacrifice everything to do it. I said...well then, let 'em.</p> <p>Sounds like you decided it wasn't worth it MaryK. And sometimes that's the best decision! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290265 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:24:06 +0000 Kari 290265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, I hope this doesn't sound patronizing, but I'm proud of you for making a hard decision that is the right one for you.</p> <p>One of my good friends struggled through a grad school program that she found out was not right for her after more than a year in the program. She had a terribly unsupportive advisory committee for her thesis, and was working full time as well. She eventually finished her thesis and got her masters, and I am VERY proud of her, but I think the four years really took a toll and put her life on hold. And what she does for work now really isn't related to her degree and doesn't require a Masters - although the research/self-discipline skills she gained from her study habits have obviously been a HUGE asset to her work habits.</p> <p>This is exactly why I'm tentative about looking into grad school. I am really scared of going into debt - I have always had money in savings, and grad school would wipe nearly all of that out. I don't have a spouse or significant other who could pay the bills for me, so I'd probably have to move home with my parents (again) or something. I'm scared that I will start a program that I think is okay now, and decide (too late, after committing money and time) that it's really not what I want to do.<br /> So for now I'm just researching various MBA programs and trying to think more about what I want to do (and can do) so that I'm not stuck in a low paying clerical job for the rest of my life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290178 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:46:28 +0000 Isabel 290178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations MaryK !!!!! You have worked so hard, suffered through a divorce and raised children, while losing weight and looking fabulous....it is time to play !!!!!</p> <p>Scarlet ! Yup, I think that I am going to take some money from my children's clothing budget and my husband's lunch budget to increase that of my tech babies !!!! ( What a riot that you are in the same boat ! Seriously, those things "dress" better than me....and it is ALL custom made ! ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290173 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:41:23 +0000 Theresa 290173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MK I think it sounds like you made a well thought out decision.</p> <p>So... go enjoy those shoes!!!!!! (And make sure you share the pics with us fellow shoe lovers LOL) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290168 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:35:53 +0000 Marley 290168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, I don't think it is bad at all! Your reasons for starting the program were sound - your reasons for quitting are sound! You don't need the degree - you'll be much happier in Boot Camp! :-))) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290158 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:24:32 +0000 Lisa 290158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I entered a PhD program directly after my BS. It was a full ride and prestigious school and I HATED it. The timing was off, the time commitment was large (4-7 years then do a post doc for 1-3) and I realized I would be in my 30s before starting a full time job and actually making money and not living like a student anymore. And I saw people in the program who were not happy but had already put in part of the time and felt they HAD to finish it.</p> <p>I quit, started working, and years later went back for an MS. Now I do what I love and most importantly I am happy. Maybe it took a while to sort itself out, but I am so glad I did not stay locked into doing something I didn't really want to do.</p> <p>Do what makes you happy and in the end, you can always go back to school if you choose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290136 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:57:00 +0000 MsMary 290136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely, Becky! It's a date!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290126 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:31:10 +0000 Becky 290126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does that mean you might be available for dinner and/or after-work shopping sometime in March? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290120 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:21:22 +0000 Kate 290120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! It pains me to see grad students who stay in their program and clearly don't want to be in it. It sounds like you made the right choice! Enjoy your refound $ and free time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290085 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:30:08 +0000 April 290085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, MK! Follow your bliss... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290081 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:25:32 +0000 Aida 290081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well since you already did it.... Buy more shoes and send the ones that are too large to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290072 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:06:43 +0000 Scarlet 290072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel - Oh my word, LOL! I am glad someone else out there struggles to balance their own needs with those of their Apple gadgets, the spoiled brats! (I read the Economist too, to get some English news.)</p> <p>MaryK - what do I know, but that sounds smart to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290069 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:03:05 +0000 MsMary 290069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April! We were posting at the same time! Yup -- exactly! When the only reason not to quit is so you can say you didn't quit, then... it's time to quit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290067 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:01:43 +0000 MsMary 290067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You all are so funny and so much fun!! </p> <p>Scarlet and Taylor got it in one, I think. I already have four letters after my name and a great job, and I was doing grad school because (a) I thought it would be helpful for my current job, which it has been, and (b) I thought it would be fun, which it was up until a massive faculty change in my program last summer. I had entertained thoughts of maybe getting a second professional license and practicing the new career after I retired, some 15-plus years hence, but it was never about making more money. It was always going to be a net cost in terms of money and time.</p> <p>So I started spring semester last week, and as I sat in class with a professor I don't respect and don't like, I just thought "Heck no! This isn't enough fun to continue to be a $1,000-plus monthly line item in the budget!" So I dropped my classes, tripled my clothing budget, bought the rest of the furniture I needed for the guest room, and am feeling pretty darned awesome about the whole thing! LOL</p> <p>(And Hubby is pretty delighted, too. Although he supports me in whatever I want to do, he was getting pretty tired of me being gone two nights a week and doing homework on the weekends!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290066 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:00:53 +0000 April 290066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, I know you're just teasing, but let me offer an alternative perspective. I abandoned my Ph.D. program (after all the coursework and some of the clinical training but before comprehensive exams, dissertation, and formal internship) to work full time and provide health insurance for myself and my son. Apart from occasional bouts of disappointment in myself, I know that what I chose was better for us. I have never regretted being more available to my son instead of locking the door to my office every evening so I could study. Every single night I appreciate the downtime I didn't have during 8 years of grad school. </p> <p>Seriously, I agree with Scarlet. Life is short. If your graduate program brings you joy, then it's worth doing. If not... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290040 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:25:35 +0000 Isabel 290040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, I have decided that in solidarity with you, I will stop accessorizing and outfitting my MacBook and iTouch....instead, I will subscribe to the international version of the Economist and I will finish reading Benjamin Franklin's biography, then re-read Madeleine Albright's The Mighty and the Almighty ( a good time for it with all that is going on in Northern Africa/Middle East.) Though I will not get letters after my name, I will be a little smarter and my Apple gadgets will have STOC ( shop their own closets ) - and I will know in my heart that you will have more respect for my budding, steaming intellect.</p> <p>However, I do need some "fun" - so I will download Tom Jones' "sexbomb" ( for $1.29 ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290037 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:22:28 +0000 taylor 290037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with Scarlet.!!!!<br /> ..Aren't you an attorney with a great job...enjoy your life and your money!! You are already ~super smart~(I mean seriously smart !!...Do you need the extra degree to further your career? </p> <p>I get the impression that with the weight loss , Mary is re-discovering herself...and at our age that is FAB!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290030 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:16:54 +0000 Scarlet 290030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not so sure it's bad. I had the impression you already have a degree and a good job and were doing night school to broaden your horizons. Maybe I absorbed this the wrong way, but speaking as a grad school survivor without enough shoes, life is short. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-290014 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:54:30 +0000 Debora 290014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Step away from the shoes, MaryK!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-289979 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:39:41 +0000 Kim 289979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good thing for Grad school that you are SYC til April...LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-289938 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:28:06 +0000 Isabel 289938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well let's see....how may letters do you already have after your name ? That equals how many pairs of shoes, bags, etc. ? What a waste !</p> <p>Be an example to Elly !!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-289937 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:27:13 +0000 Lynne 289937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Who knew YLF could disuade someone from shoe shopping! Is this a first?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-289931 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:19:10 +0000 Elly 289931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh, I am going to be the brutally honest one today! YES! It is BAD, Mary! Say no to the shoes and go pay your tuition--- NOW! I had to pay mine, and therefore you should suffer with me : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-289921 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:08:01 +0000 AJ 289921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not April Fools yet, MaryK! You stay in school missy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-it-bad-to-drop-out-of-grad-school#post-289916 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:03:59 +0000 Becky 289916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Won't the degree up your earning power so you have more to spend on shoes? </p>