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Um you've given up...and that's OK.

mrsconn23mrsconn23 member
First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its First Comment
in Wedding Woes

Dear Prudence,
I’m a humanities Ph.D. who had to move abroad to find work, and I’m starting another year in a country confronting a complicated, terrorism-related political situation. Increasingly, I’m exploring opportunities in other industries, and I wondered if you had any thoughts about how you know when to give up on a vocation.

—When to Change Careers

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Re: Um you've given up...and that's OK.

  • charlotte989875charlotte989875 member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    Interesting as H and I just had a discussion about getting out of academia. I'm trying a little consulting on the side to see how that feels. 

    If she's ready to leave then that's great, but this is a career that once you get out its so so much harder to get back in.  
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  • bleve0821bleve0821 member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    I feel like this is a "do what feels right" moment. It may be hard to go back to whatever she's doing now, but if she doesn't explore her options, she may always wonder if she should have. 

    I was in the same boat about a year ago. I did what felt right and so far, I have no regrets. 


    "And when they use our atoms to make new lives, they won’t just be able to take one, they’ll have to take two, one of you and one of me..."
    --Philip Pullman

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  • MesmrEweMesmrEwe member
    First Answer First Comment 5 Love Its Name Dropper

    The LW is a "caught up in the romance of the idea, but never stopped to ask 'Do I actually want to BE a...' for that Ph.D."...  The LW has already left that vocation and looking for an excuse...

    Life is too short to work in a career/vocation that is going to kill you (health goes in the toilet, stress level is excessively high, weight gain, poor self-care, etc.).. 

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