I was a Classics major, clear to all-but-dissertation PhD, so I understand the love of words and critical thinking. In 1978 I came to the conclusion that academic life was unlikely to be happy for me, so I changed radically. I have never had the slightest regret, but I have followed friends in the ed biz, and developments over the years. Two things occur to me immediately. 1. the astounding implosion of most humanities departments in universities across the country, partly because of kids making cost/benefit calculations about humanities degrees vs STEM ones, and also partly because the quality of the programs in English, for example, has dropped. (They seem designed to destroy a love of reading and beauty.) You and your daughter should read and discuss this recent article in the New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/03/06/the-end-of-the-english-major 2.nd the nature of the academic job market. Since I was in university, the use of adjuncts, associates, lecturers, and other non-tenure track contract workers has exploded, and their working conditions (single-year appointments, no security, often no benefits) are really appalling. I don't have a handy article to point to, but do a little searching, and you will be sickened. So, what to do? Most people end up in occupations they never dreamed of at age 17, so expect to change your mind. Given the cost of higher ed in this country, don't hesitate to change course sooner, than later. Avoid heavy debt at all costs. Paying twice or thrice at a ivy league school will not pay off. Be lucky! (Always good advice.)
Comments:
I was a Classics major, clear to all-but-dissertation PhD, so I understand the love of words and critical thinking. In 1978 I came to the conclusion that academic life was unlikely to be happy for me, so I changed radically. I have never had the slightest regret, but I have followed friends in the ed biz, and developments over the years. Two things occur to me immediately. 1. the astounding implosion of most humanities departments in universities across the country, partly because of kids making cost/benefit calculations about humanities degrees vs STEM ones, and also partly because the quality of the programs in English, for example, has dropped. (They seem designed to destroy a love of reading and beauty.) You and your daughter should read and discuss this recent article in the New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/03/06/the-end-of-the-english-major 2.nd the nature of the academic job market. Since I was in university, the use of adjuncts, associates, lecturers, and other non-tenure track contract workers has exploded, and their working conditions (single-year appointments, no security, often no benefits) are really appalling. I don't have a handy article to point to, but do a little searching, and you will be sickened. So, what to do? Most people end up in occupations they never dreamed of at age 17, so expect to change your mind. Given the cost of higher ed in this country, don't hesitate to change course sooner, than later. Avoid heavy debt at all costs. Paying twice or thrice at a ivy league school will not pay off. Be lucky! (Always good advice.)
Post: College Conundrum
Link to comment from March 13, 2023