Master's degree, ur doing it wrong [Archive]

Mullenax

04-27-2009, 05:07 PM

I wish I had some advice but my BFA hasn't exactly helped me either, but I wouldn't go back and change anything since I had no other interests in school. I am in the process of becoming a certified fitness professional ie personal trainer. My plan is to build up a client base and work with them three days a week so that I have more time in the studio. This is a long term goal btw. Good luck though, fine artists are in such an odd spot as far as trying to live while producing work . by the by whats your work about?

My thesis was about information delivery systems (warnings and alerts) and propaganda for contemporary things done in a retro style- replacing red scare stuff with identity theft, warning sirens with text messaging systems- and working it in so that the environment is confused with different time-specific symbols. Thanks for askin'.:smile:
I'll update the photos in my profile, the final show just came down and it feels like postpartum depression.

meanmrbill

04-27-2009, 05:10 PM

I have a BFA, graduated in 2007. Hopefully I'll be getting the teaching certification to teach k-12. I often wonder if I should have gotten a more practical degree but the experience of actually getting the BFA was something that I would never trade for anything (meeting wonderful professors and art students, museum tour of Italy, studied overseas for a semester, etc.). The college degree alone will open more doors than if you didn't have it so don't be discouraged. Plus, you're an artist and that's satisfying in itself!! Good luck!

JerseyRich

04-27-2009, 05:13 PM

Anybody else have a worthless degree?

BFA in Photography.

Thomas Merton

04-27-2009, 05:21 PM

A BFA might be the toughest undergrad degree. Well done

My degree in Psychology hasnt exactly made me wealthy, my Masters in Education got me my job

britneypablo

04-27-2009, 05:24 PM

<font color="deeppink"> History degree with a license to teach 6-12....

yea and now......i throw babies all day....how did that happen

JerseyRich

04-27-2009, 05:27 PM

History degree with a license to teach 6-12....

yea and now......i throw babies all day....how did that happen

Stop it. This thread is for people with no future!

Get outta here.

smiler grogan

04-27-2009, 05:29 PM

my wifes BFA landed her into the artistic world of the NYPD, you never know where life will take you.

biozombie

04-27-2009, 05:53 PM

My Divinity Doctorate was totally worth every penny, I'm a doctor and a man of God, whoever the hell that is.

Mullenax

04-27-2009, 06:52 PM

I can't believe nobody on this board has a philosophy or mythology degree, not even Rube.

But it's really nice to hear everybody landed on their feet.

JerseyRich

04-27-2009, 06:53 PM

I can't believe nobody on this board has a philosophy or mythology degree, not even Rube.

But it's really nice to hear everybody landed on their feet.

I'm on my back. Kicking.

Mullenax

04-27-2009, 06:54 PM

I'm on my back. Kicking.

Studio or documentary photo?

kdubya

04-27-2009, 06:55 PM

BA in Anthropology, does that count?

Mullenax

04-27-2009, 06:56 PM

BA in Anthropology, does that count?

Depends. Are you using it?

Gvac

04-27-2009, 06:57 PM

College is for fags!

JerseyRich

04-27-2009, 06:59 PM

College is for fags!

You're obviously talking about Art School.

The End

04-27-2009, 07:02 PM

College is for fags!

College is where people go to try and impress others. People who have souls need not go to college to thrive in life

Mullenax

04-27-2009, 07:06 PM

College is where people go to try and impress others. People who have souls need not go to college to thrive in life

Or, you can go to get away from a teeny WV town under a bridge to Ohio that a Mothman may or may not have been scouting.

BronxJohnny

04-27-2009, 07:12 PM

BS in Media Studies and am currently heading towards joining one of the many fine branches of armed service of these fine United States.

meanmrbill

04-27-2009, 07:18 PM

College is where people go to try and impress others. People who have souls need not go to college to thrive in life
Or, one can go because, although not the only way, it is still one way to thrive in life. Get some life experience before claiming to know who does and doesn't have a soul, you idiot.

bigtim666

04-27-2009, 07:33 PM

ba in political science, lost my shitty job as a security guard. no prospects the future is bleak

The End

04-27-2009, 07:35 PM

Or, one can go because, although not the only way, it is still one way to thrive in life. Get some life experience before claiming to know who does and doesn't have a soul, you idiot.

oh i'm an idiot for not needing to impress people or yearn for people's respect. If you choose to go to college to enrich your mind I have no issue. Sadly most people go because they feel they have to. You fucking idiot

beachbum

04-27-2009, 07:37 PM

It could be worse.You could be this guy.

http://http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/4/26/465089.html (http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/4/26/465089.html)

Mullenax

04-27-2009, 07:50 PM

ba in political science, lost my shitty job as a security guard. no prospects the future is bleak

My future sister-in-law wants to go to school for that. She's gonna be valedictorian, but her family is saying it's not a good program. Is the trick to be pre-law so you can do policy? Or is it just competitive and too much "politics" to work it out?

meanmrbill

04-27-2009, 08:01 PM

oh i'm an idiot for not needing to impress people or yearn for people's respect. If you choose to go to college to enrich your mind I have no issue. Sadly most people go because they feel they have to. You fucking idiot

Uh, fuckface, I didn't go to college to impress anyone. Unfortunately it is very very difficult to become a teacher without a degree. Also, now you're writing that you have no issue if someone goes to enrich his/her mind??? Who or what gives you any power to judge on the reasons why someone goes to college??

Who do you know that yearns for people's respect or needs to impress?? The guy that fucked your last girlfriend?? The girl that turned you down and made you cry yourself to sleep?? Seems like someone pissed you off to make you the way you are.

Just sit there like every other sad-sack that knocks people who are just trying to better themselves. The world needs people like you.

The End

04-27-2009, 08:06 PM

Uh, fuckface, I didn't go to college to impress anyone. Unfortunately it is very very difficult to become a teacher without a degree. Also, now you're writing that you have no issue if someone goes to enrich his/her mind??? Who or what gives you any power to judge on the reasons why someone goes to college??

Who do you know that yearns for people's respect or needs to impress?? The guy that fucked your last girlfriend?? The girl that turned you down and made you cry yourself to sleep?? Seems like someone pissed you off to make you the way you are.

Just sit there like every other sad-sack that knocks people who are just trying to better themselves. The world needs people like you.

I actually graduated colleg fuck stain. Miami of Ohio, I have just seen too many people go to school for the wrong reasons. Seems like I have hit a nerve. Maybe you are one who goes for the wrong reasons. Always the ones who attack foolishly are the ones with demons to hide

jauble

04-27-2009, 08:08 PM

I hear the Indiana state fair needs someone to paint faces (you might get to meet juggy). My mother is an art teacher in a Hamilton county school and has been for years, she started up in Ft Wayne. She has helped a lot of newbies get started. If you want some help (no guarantees of course) shoot me a PM and I'll give you some contact stuff.

bigtim666

04-27-2009, 08:19 PM

My future sister-in-law wants to go to school for that. She's gonna be valedictorian, but her family is saying it's not a good program. Is the trick to be pre-law so you can do policy? Or is it just competitive and too much "politics" to work it out?

you really need to know somebody and get in at any NGO or think tank. It helps to live near NY or D.C. I am trying for a position as a researcher but not having too much luck.

conman823

04-27-2009, 10:30 PM

I never went to college. When I was 18 I had a little bit of common scene enough to know if i went then I would just be going for the sake of going. most people I know who did that ended up at a dead end job ( that they could have gotten without college) and a huge loan to pay off.

I know exactly what I would do today if I went to college, sad part is I'm stuck at my job (although it pays better then most people my age who HAVE college) because I have to pay the bills.

My chick went back, with my emotional and financial support, for Nursing. Which is what she found she wanted to do at the age of 25. Its tough to do it when your older, but when your too young I don't think you can see that far ahead to realize mostly college steals your money and leaves you jobless.

I will not let my kids go to college just because its the next phase of life. I want them to know WHAT they want to do, otherwise its just a waste of time and $$.

A.J.

04-28-2009, 03:00 AM

ba in political science, lost my shitty job as a security guard. no prospects the future is bleak

Have you tried something Homeland Security-related up that way?

Bob Impact

04-28-2009, 03:02 AM

My future sister-in-law wants to go to school for that. She's gonna be valedictorian, but her family is saying it's not a good program. Is the trick to be pre-law so you can do policy? Or is it just competitive and too much "politics" to work it out?

I've got a BA in Political Science and a BBA in Management Information Systems, when I got my current job (I work for a massive international company) they were more interested in my PS degree. They see hundreds of BBAs walk in the door a day, but having some idea of Politics and Global scopes is very valuable.

~Katja~

04-28-2009, 03:10 AM

I can't believe nobody on this board has a philosophy or mythology degree, not even Rube.

But it's really nice to hear everybody landed on their feet.

I think Misti has that.. I could be wrong though...

My degree is from Germany and means absolutely nothing here... I have worked my way around from office manager to pharmaceutical to now IT... I am flexible and so far it has gotten me jobs... but now that I am about to be laid off I wonder if the work experience will help.. cause basically almost every field I've only been in 2-3 years each.

boosterp

04-28-2009, 04:20 AM

I'm working on it... apparently it makes me less hirable because I'd start too high up on the pay scale relative to my experience.

Anybody else have a worthless degree?

Around here they mostly hire teachers with a graduate degree. I come from a family full of teachers and teach in the 3 districts around me, all had to have a masters. I am going back for mine because unfortunately I have been locked into the same field for some time and have grown tired of clinical science.

I think Misti has that.. I could be wrong though...

My degree is from Germany and means absolutely nothing here... I have worked my way around from office manager to pharmaceutical to now IT... I am flexible and so far it has gotten me jobs... but now that I am about to be laid off I wonder if the work experience will help.. cause basically almost every field I've only been in 2-3 years each.

I think you are right about Misti.

EddieMoscone

04-28-2009, 05:24 AM

I'm starting work on an MA is September. My master plan is to get out of the hotel business 10-15 years down the road to teach full time. I already have an adjunct position so I have my foot in the door.

Sheila

04-28-2009, 05:26 AM

i have a bachelors, no masters, raising kids right now, living on one income, hoping to go back to work when the kids are in school.. but it's going to be tough with so many people more experienced, and with a masters. good luck to everyone

Fezticle98

04-28-2009, 05:37 AM

I read this thread as "Munster's Degree..."

Now that would be the shit. Just study whatever you will be motivated to work hard at. You might pick something more lucrative and fail, or hate the work you would do.

I have a M.A. in International Affairs, but don't (unfortunately) work in the field. No regrets.

Thebazile78

04-28-2009, 06:47 AM

My future sister-in-law wants to go to school for that. She's gonna be valedictorian, but her family is saying it's not a good program. Is the trick to be pre-law so you can do policy? Or is it just competitive and too much "politics" to work it out?

Does she really want to be a lawyer?

Do NOT go for Poli-Sci. PoliSci majors applying to law school are a dime a dozen, so it's tougher to get into law school with a PoliSci degree.

Go for any other major that will require you to WRITE, think critically, think analytically and WRITE.

Underrepresented majors on law school applications include English, Philosophy, Religion, History, Art History (yes, really), non-BFA Theatre, non-BFA Music and Psychology. Of this list, I'd say English, Psych, Philosophy, Religion, History & Art History are better than Theatre or Music if you don't have a strong major.

If she's mathematically inclined, a major or minor in mathematics or computer science wouldn't hurt as long as there's a balance with a program with a strong WRITING component. You may not believe it, but most lawyers can't write for shit. (I work as an Editor/Proofer/Page Makeup Tech in legal publishing. You'd be surprised at the numbers of usage errors I encounter on a daily basis.)

And, no matter what she decides, encourage her to take at least one Logic course. It'll help on the LSAT and it won't hurt in the long run. I took a Logic course and it helped me nail scripting syntax, among other things, in my current position.

Thebazile78

04-28-2009, 06:57 AM

Around here they mostly hire teachers with a graduate degree. I come from a family full of teachers and teach in the 3 districts around me, all had to have a masters. I am going back for mine because unfortunately I have been locked into the same field for some time and have grown tired of clinical science.....

Aren't the teacher certification laws changing in Texas because of an outside contractor certifying a woman who graduated from a non-accredited program?

boosterp

04-28-2009, 07:31 AM

Aren't the teacher certification laws changing in Texas because of an outside contractor certifying a woman who graduated from a non-accredited program?

I'll have to ask my sister. I know that it is already tough to get your certification and even tougher to get into a good district here.

Where I live (near ship channel and along the coast) the refineries and other industrial complexes pay the bulk of the taxes and we can keep the poorer people out with new growth. We are able to hire great teachers and build more schools, our Junior College is also fairly high ranked too. In my area we have 3 of the top 5 public school districts in Texas. Then again, head toward Galveston (30 min away from me) and you have 3 of the worst school districts.

Kublakhan61

04-28-2009, 07:32 AM

I can't believe nobody on this board has a philosophy or mythology degree, not even Rube.

But it's really nice to hear everybody landed on their feet.

Double Major - Literature and Philosophy.
Working on my masters now and taking a more practical approach: Going for an MPA.

MacVittie

04-28-2009, 07:39 AM

BS in Media Studies and am currently heading towards joining one of the many fine branches of armed service of these fine United States.

say it aint so Johnny

ToiletCrusher

04-28-2009, 08:02 AM

BS in Psych. M.S.Ed (almost done) then on to PhD (couple years until done).

Effectively, I will make my ability to get a job really difficult because my choices will be so few or, I will not be taken seriously for any position that is closer to entry level as I will be considered over-qualified.

Dave's Cackle

04-28-2009, 09:05 AM

College is where people go to try and impress others. People who have souls need not go to college to thrive in life

Keep drivin' that truck to grind out the rent money, fella :laugh::laugh::laugh:

Mullenax

04-28-2009, 09:52 AM

Effectively, I will make my ability to get a job really difficult because my choices will be so few or, I will not be taken seriously for any position that is closer to entry level as I will be considered over-qualified.

This seems to be what I'm up against... but I'm also still waiting on my recipricol teaching liscense from Wv to Indiana.

Once I get it I will totally hit up Jauble, who found me a sweet face-painting gig to tide me over. He's got the contacts.

Thebazile78

04-28-2009, 09:55 AM

I'll have to ask my sister. I know that it is already tough to get your certification and even tougher to get into a good district here.

Where I live (near ship channel and along the coast) the refineries and other industrial complexes pay the bulk of the taxes and we can keep the poorer people out with new growth. We are able to hire great teachers and build more schools, our Junior College is also fairly high ranked too. In my area we have 3 of the top 5 public school districts in Texas. Then again, head toward Galveston (30 min away from me) and you have 3 of the worst school districts.

Definitely check with your sister.

I think that I read about the case recently on TheApple, which is an online community for teachers. (I tried to find the article at my usual sources but was unsuccessful.)

I think that any state has very affluent areas in very close proximity to not-as-affluent areas ... where we live, we have several VERY good school districts sprinkled with several VERY poor districts. Property taxes are reflective of the district's resources, so the lower-taxed districts have a tendency to have worse schools. (This stinks, by the way.)

Mullenax

04-28-2009, 09:56 AM

Does she really want to be a lawyer?
Do NOT go for Poli-Sci. PoliSci majors applying to law school are a dime a dozen, so it's tougher to get into law school with a PoliSci degree.
.
I'm not sure what she wants to be. She like politics, but I don't think she wants to be directly involved with them, and she might minor in journalism (which her family is also advising her against). She is both book smart and charismatic, I wonder if she really considered law.

Thebazile78

04-28-2009, 10:10 AM

I'm not sure what she wants to be. She like politics, but I don't think she wants to be directly involved with them, and she might minor in journalism (which her family is also advising her against). She is both book smart and charismatic, I wonder if she really considered law.

Has she considered:
... Communications with a PoliSci minor?
... English with a PoliSci minor?
... a double-major in History/PoliSci?
... Public Planning & Policy?
... Labor Studies?

In addition, she doesn't necessarily have to major in PoliSci (which I've heard is a cop-out major ... from a good friend who ended up being a triple-major in college History/PoliSci/Hebraic Studies and is now a Family Law lawyer in northern NJ) but she could get involved with her school's political action committees, join student clubs like the Young Republicans or Young Democrats or even participate in volunteer activities. Plus, if she's interested in journalism, you can get a lot of good experience as a student reporter for the university newspaper without having to major in journalism. Lots of student-run papers are learn-on-the-fly situations, and that might be a good challenge for your s-i-l's skills.

What's her college's policy on declaring a major? At Rutgers, my alma mater, you didn't have to declare your major until the spring of your (credit-wise) Sophomore year, unless you were a BFA, Engineering or Pharmacy candidate.

Getting into law school is getting to be more and more selective nowadays because so many people don't think it through. If she's interested and/or serious, there's a great book out on the market called Lawyer Life (http://www.amazon.com/LawyerLife-Balancing-Life-Career-Law/dp/1590312481) by Judge Carl Horn, III. (I think it's published by WestLaw.) The author himself was one of my authors years ago and he sent me a copy because he thought I would make a good lawyer myself. (OK, it's $30 and a paperback. I'm guessing it's a textbook at some law schools.)

ToiletCrusher

04-28-2009, 10:26 AM

This seems to be what I'm up against... but I'm also still waiting on my recipricol teaching liscense from Wv to Indiana.

Once I get it I will totally hit up Jauble, who found me a sweet face-painting gig to tide me over. He's got the contacts.

It is an oddly competitive field. Schools want both the best qualified and most competent teachers but also want to pay as little as possible. It's just not a fantastic field to be in right now.

When all the baby boomers finally retire, you will see a hiring frenzy but with the current state of the economy, who in their right mind would give up a tenured position with great benefits if they have 20+ years in?

Thebazile78

04-28-2009, 10:30 AM

It is an oddly competitive field. Schools want both the best qualified and most competent teachers but also want to pay as little as possible. It's just not a fantastic field to be in right now.

When all the baby boomers finally retire, you will see a hiring frenzy but with the current state of the economy, who in their right mind would give up a tenured position with great benefits if they have 20+ years in?

I'll have to ask my aunt.

She turned in her resignation papers two months ago and isn't looking back.

ToiletCrusher

04-28-2009, 10:34 AM

I'll have to ask my aunt.

She turned in her resignation papers two months ago and isn't looking back.

Best of luck to her.

But the rest of people in a similar position?

Thebazile78

04-28-2009, 10:39 AM

Best of luck to her.

But the rest of people in a similar position?

That's probably why it'll be a little while before we get those highly-anticipated (and highly-drooled over) mass retirements.

Unless the district has an unofficial "mandatory retirement" policy, yeah, probably someone who's worn out will stay on as long as he or she can just to have income coming in.

Alternately, depending on the district, they may retire from full-time and sign on to be a substitute. One of my former high school teachers did that after she retired.

ToiletCrusher

04-28-2009, 10:42 AM

That's probably why it'll be a little while before we get those highly-anticipated (and highly-drooled over) mass retirements.

Unless the district has an unofficial "mandatory retirement" policy, yeah, probably someone who's worn out will stay on as long as he or she can just to have income coming in.

Alternately, depending on the district, they may retire from full-time and sign on to be a substitute. One of my former high school teachers did that after she retired.

A few districts here employ such tactics. I actually find it rather refreshing. At no point do I find it appropriate for a man or woman after 25 years of teaching continuing to teach.

What was once considered best practice when they began their careers, doesn't make it best practice nor as effective (tried and true) now.

Professional development and continuing education is far better now than it was 20 years ago. But, I think that is the same for every field.

kdubya

04-28-2009, 10:45 AM

Depends. Are you using it?

yup it is right here on the wall in my office

boosterp

04-28-2009, 11:13 AM

Definitely check with your sister.

I think that I read about the case recently on TheApple, which is an online community for teachers. (I tried to find the article at my usual sources but was unsuccessful.)

I think that any state has very affluent areas in very close proximity to not-as-affluent areas ... where we live, we have several VERY good school districts sprinkled with several VERY poor districts. Property taxes are reflective of the district's resources, so the lower-taxed districts have a tendency to have worse schools. (This stinks, by the way.)

This area is made up of the many people who work in the refineries and industrial areas around here, most are a strong middle to upper middle class leaving a big gap between this town for example and a similar sized town (Texas City) just 15 miles south east of here which has a large lower class.

15 years or so ago Texas tried the "Robin Hood"' approach which was not popular with districts such as mine. This was essentially swept under the rug and there is some convoluted crazy system to try to boost the poorer districts of which I do not fully understand how it works.

conman823

04-28-2009, 12:40 PM

Keep drivin' that truck to grind out the rent money, fella :laugh::laugh::laugh:

I don't have a college degree and I hardly drive a truck. In fact I make a lot more then most college grads. Its good to see that experience in real life still holds up vs hearing about life in a classroom.

This thread is kinda funny. It seem the majority of people have degree and either don't work in their field of choice or are underemployed/ unemployed. It also seems that people are reluctant to admit they may have wasted thier time.

Also why does everyone wanna be a teacher? Again it seems like the only thing to fall back on with some of these degrees. Is it the thought of having the summer off? Or is it college grads are afraid to get thier hands dirty with what they consider "lesser work"?

ToiletCrusher

04-28-2009, 12:59 PM

I don't have a college degree and I hardly drive a truck. In fact I make a lot more then most college grads. Its good to see that experience in real life still holds up vs hearing about life in a classroom.

This thread is kinda funny. It seem the majority of people have degree and either don't work in their field of choice or are underemployed/ unemployed. It also seems that people are reluctant to admit they may have wasted thier time.

Also why does everyone wanna be a teacher? Again it seems like the only thing to fall back on with some of these degrees. Is it the thought of having the summer off? Or is it college grads are afraid to get thier hands dirty with what they consider "lesser work"?

1.) I never said that I have wasted my time.

2.) I do not consider myself underemployed. I simply pointed out that when I look for full time employment, I might have to look harder because I have vested as much time into my education. Specifically, I expect to not only work within a school district in an administration, but I also plan to (as I always have) work at a university in research for my specific field.

3.) I want to be a teacher because as I currently work in the field (with now 5 years experience) I have seen both great teachers and bad teachers. I see more bad teachers than I see good. Given my level of experience, I think that I can easily be better than those teachers and provide my students with better opportunities to succeed than the majority of the current batch of teachers. Also, I know that in order to get an administration position, I must be a teacher to build my credibility professionally.

4.) Summers off is a bonus for those who only have their eyes set on being a teacher. I haven't had a summer off in over a decade and don't intend to anytime during my career after graduate school.

5.) "Lesser work" and "not getting their hands dirty" simply sounds to me like someone who has never experienced college and graduate school level work. Trade places with me for one month without your knowledge of what I do and let's see who fares better.

I am done.

TripleSkeet

04-28-2009, 01:03 PM

I don't have a college degree and I hardly drive a truck. In fact I make a lot more then most college grads. Its good to see that experience in real life still holds up vs hearing about life in a classroom.

I gotta agree. Dont get me wrong, college is great if you know what you want as a career when your 18. But for me anyway, who had no idea what he wanted to do, college just seemed like a waste of time and a way to rack up debt before I even had a job.

I always looked at college as a kind of racket. You make kids go because of scare tactics that without a degree they will "dig ditches" or some other bullshit. Then once they are there the credit card companies swoop in full force knowing that most of the studentd dont or cant work, and supply with them with credit cards that most of them arent responsible enough to have. By the time they graduate between credit cards and student loans they are so deep in debt they dont have the luxury of looking for what might be the best job in their field, so they take whatever office job comes along in order to make ends meet. Some students eventually get out to do what they want or enjoy but it seems most are just miserable and cant wait to retire.

Never made sense to me. Oh and for the record I know plenty of people without degrees that do well and some that are ridiculously wealthy.

Double Major - Literature and Philosophy.
Working on my masters now and taking a more practical approach: Going for an MPA.

A great man once said "Im a philosophy major, that means I can think deep thoughts about being unemployed." Name him.

danner1515

04-28-2009, 02:34 PM

I got my English degree three years ago, and I'm closing in on my second year as a hospice billing clerk. I would complain, but in this economy I'm just happy to have a job. Every once in a while I kick around the idea of going back to school for a second degree, but I doubt I will.

Mullenax

04-28-2009, 02:57 PM

Also why does everyone wanna be a teacher? Again it seems like the only thing to fall back on with some of these degrees. Is it the thought of having the summer off? Or is it college grads are afraid to get thier hands dirty with what they consider "lesser work"?

My first degrees were Art Education and painting, but my student teaching ended on a sour note (hospitalization) so I thought, hey if I got my master's, I could teach college...

I like teaching students at all levels, but like most teachers with a specialization, it's tough to do one (just art) or the other (just teaching) and I haven't figured out how to do both yet (for profit).

Thomas Merton

04-28-2009, 03:50 PM

When all the baby boomers finally retire, you will see a hiring frenzy but with the current state of the economy, who in their right mind would give up a tenured position with great benefits if they have 20+ years in?

You just described my situation perfectly.

JackieJokeMan

04-28-2009, 04:41 PM

A great man once said "Im a philosophy major, that means I can think deep thoughts about being unemployed." Name him.

Jeffrey Dahmer

Kublakhan61

04-28-2009, 04:57 PM

A great man once said "Im a philosophy major, that means I can think deep thoughts about being unemployed." Name him.

Yikes! I had to look that up - very surprising answer... Bruce Lee?? Really?

TripleSkeet

04-28-2009, 05:30 PM

Yikes! I had to look that up - very surprising answer... Bruce Lee?? Really?

Yup. He really had an interesting life. The guy was brilliant.

conman823

04-28-2009, 07:01 PM

1.) I never said that I have wasted my time.

2.) I do not consider myself underemployed. I simply pointed out that when I look for full time employment, I might have to look harder because I have vested as much time into my education. Specifically, I expect to not only work within a school district in an administration, but I also plan to (as I always have) work at a university in research for my specific field.

3.) I want to be a teacher because as I currently work in the field (with now 5 years experience) I have seen both great teachers and bad teachers. I see more bad teachers than I see good. Given my level of experience, I think that I can easily be better than those teachers and provide my students with better opportunities to succeed than the majority of the current batch of teachers. Also, I know that in order to get an administration position, I must be a teacher to build my credibility professionally.

4.) Summers off is a bonus for those who only have their eyes set on being a teacher. I haven't had a summer off in over a decade and don't intend to anytime during my career after graduate school.

5.) "Lesser work" and "not getting their hands dirty" simply sounds to me like someone who has never experienced college and graduate school level work. Trade places with me for one month without your knowledge of what I do and let's see who fares better.

I am done.

See and again, its always funny to see who takes it personnally. I guess I hit a nerve. I never mentioned you by name it was just a post based on what I read in the thread.

BUT, If your end-goal is to become a teacher and thats what you went to college for then whats the problem? Go ahead with your teaching career. As far as bad teachers go I have seen a lot of them. Also as I said in another post my Girl is going for her Nursing Degree and eventually wants to get a Masters as well. Its her chosen career so its hardly a waste of time. She has had a host of bad professors, most of them are protected by "tenure" in a "union". So good luck pushing out a "bad" teacher with 16 yrs in.

If in point #5 your refering to teaching. I would except that challenge as long as I have a nice teachers edition to teach from. I would be just as good as most of the teachers I've had in my life. Also my career and position has given me experience in public speaking roles, executive meetings, and I manage subordinates who are in a major national transportation union. Those real life experiences would help me greatly. Oh and I've also Trained 10 classes of new personnel in various positions. Your challege is excepted anytime.

conman823

04-28-2009, 07:04 PM

My first degrees were Art Education and painting, but my student teaching ended on a sour note (hospitalization) so I thought, hey if I got my master's, I could teach college...

I like teaching students at all levels, but like most teachers with a specialization, it's tough to do one (just art) or the other (just teaching) and I haven't figured out how to do both yet (for profit).

Continue to persue your dream if thats what you want. I had a great Art History Teacher she doubled as the photography teacher and took on a few Literature classes. She had a doctorate but taught advanced high school level classes exclusively. She also commanded a respect that few of the other teachers had.

ToiletCrusher

04-28-2009, 07:25 PM

See and again, its always funny to see who takes it personnally. I guess I hit a nerve. I never mentioned you by name it was just a post based on what I read in the thread.

If in point #5 your refering to teaching. I would except that challenge as long as I have a nice teachers edition to teach from. I would be just as good as most of the teachers I've had in my life. Also my career and position has given me experience in public speaking roles, executive meetings, and I manage subordinates who are in a major national transportation union. Those real life experiences would help me greatly. Oh and I've also Trained 10 classes of new personnel in various positions. Your challege is excepted anytime.

To start, you didn't hit a nerve with me. I was simply presenting my side and anyone who is there with me based off of your "experience" without college.

I am willing to bet that you have had tons of experience in your field without going to college.

But to say that you would be as good as any teacher that you have had simply speaks to your character.

What does it mean to be at a "deriver" and how do you move a child to become a "problem solver" in terms of arithmetic?

How about helping a child advance from recognition of letter to fluency of reading words?

jauble

04-28-2009, 08:02 PM

grlNIN

04-28-2009, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by toiletcrusher View Post

When all the baby boomers finally retire, you will see a hiring frenzy but with the current state of the economy, who in their right mind would give up a tenured position with great benefits if they have 20+ years in?

Two Dr.s that teach one of my current classes have repeatedly stated that they have to stay on and teach after planning to retire (they have been teaching at this school in the same class together since '71) because of how fucked over their pensions have now gotten.

meanmrbill

04-28-2009, 08:27 PM

I actually graduated colleg fuck stain. Miami of Ohio, I have just seen too many people go to school for the wrong reasons. Seems like I have hit a nerve. Maybe you are one who goes for the wrong reasons. Always the ones who attack foolishly are the ones with demons to hide

You graduated colleg?? Haha, dummy. Maybe I'm the one who goes for the wrong reasons?? I went and graduated, dummy. Demons to hide? A bit dramatic, don't you think, dummy?

BronxJohnny

04-28-2009, 08:43 PM

say it aint so Johnny

My man there are no kind of jobs out here in NY, my best buds are coming back from Colorado next week im going upstate to do some landscaping gigs with them. Once that week and a half is over, i'll have time to sit down and glance over my family responsibilites and decide what Im going to do. I have an appointment on Friday with a gentleman from the Marines and if I like what I hear, well fuck it I found me a career. I'm 25 yrs old with no real prospects. I will not be telling my family anything until I sign or decide not to because I'm a hundred percent sure they don't want me going to the interview let alone giving war a thought. I'm tired of waking up in the morning and not getting call backs and dealing with other personal BS right now, which to be quiet honest has just about beaten me down to the point of I real hate being drug free but the adult thing to do is cope clean so i have to be an adult and not run from reality. The mundane experience of going to an empty inbox or even worse the dreaded "your overqualified for this position" notices are just on the COME ON ALREADY ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS type shit right now. I can smile sure who the fuck can't but I can't fake being happy either so I have to extend my routes on my life road and see how and where i end the fuck up. I went to college and recieved a B.S. in media studies, don't regret it but now I have to do something different-maybe- to earn a living and im pretty sure I won't have regrets whatever I choose. Find something to pay the bills and on your free time do shit you love just find balance, and to those rare few who are doing something they love and making money, may the sun shine on your pretty face long enough for a truck to hit u just kidding seriously though great living good buddies and may you all find some kind of happy median in your lives.

conman823

04-28-2009, 08:57 PM

But to say that you would be as good as any teacher that you have had simply speaks to your character.

Nope, I said "most" not any. Had a lot of greats one too who could teach off the top of thier heads. They were the minority though. Most just taught out of a teacher edition. Also "Teacher Websites" where they actually GIVE you verbatim the lesson plans for that subject.

PLEASE BY ALL MEANS BE A GREAT TEACHER AND ACTUALLY HELP KIDS OUT THERE!

God knows they need it these days more then ever!!

ToiletCrusher

04-28-2009, 10:09 PM

Nope, I said "most" not any. Had a lot of greats one too who could teach off the top of thier heads. They were the minority though. Most just taught out of a teacher edition. Also "Teacher Websites" where they actually GIVE you verbatim the lesson plans for that subject.

PLEASE BY ALL MEANS BE A GREAT TEACHER AND ACTUALLY HELP KIDS OUT THERE!

God knows they need it these days more then ever!!

As I plan to be. Though for not my entire career, I plan to be a great teacher but I also plan to prepare others to become great teachers.

Thebazile78

04-29-2009, 06:06 AM

I don't have a college degree and I hardly drive a truck. In fact I make a lot more then most college grads. Its good to see that experience in real life still holds up vs hearing about life in a classroom.

There are plenty of gigs out there where one doesn't need a degree of any sort.

They're not all truck driving or flipping burgers, either, which is a great thing. It takes all kinds of people to make the world run.

College isn't everyone's cup of tea; it's great that you realized that before you attended. Sometimes that takes a lot more courage than taking the SAT's and filling out applications.

College also isn't just about the classroom. Many of us, in order to reduce the amount of debt we carry upon graduation or to pay for our clothing/room & board/books, etc., work very close to full-time schedules at either student jobs or off-campus (career-related) positions.

As a student, I worked a work-study job at the campus library as a Freshman and then as a call-center rep/web-site maintenance aide/campus tour guide/e-mail q&a rep/undergraduate admissions rep from the fall of my Sophomore year through the summer following my Senior year.

The analytical and writing skills I developed in my English courses directly related to my work at the campus information services, which was kind of like a central clearinghouse for all school-related information, for both prospective students & their families and the larger community - town, county and state.

As a Junior, I completely rewrote the campus historic tour, developed new template responses for our most frequently asked e-mail inquiries and started writing scripts for our low-band informational radio service.

By the time I was a Senior, I had developed a lot of professional potential, which segued nicely into the position I have held for the past 8 years ... although my skill set has surpassed the current responsibilities of my postion in the past 3 or 4 years.

This thread is kinda funny. It seem the majority of people have degree and either don't work in their field of choice or are underemployed/ unemployed. It also seems that people are reluctant to admit they may have wasted thier time.

Anyone's reluctant to think that they "wasted" any time, considering how short our life spans are in the grand scheme of things. Thinking that you wasted even a second is hurtful.

In my opinion, I didn't "waste" my time in college. I learned a great deal, both in the classroom and out of it ... more than I had in high school, because I lived on campus and didn't have constant static from parents and siblings keeping me locked down or questioning myself.

In addition, I put in my time and gained job skills that many employers love to hear about nowadays - innovative thinking, critical thinking, customer focus, etc.

Also why does everyone wanna be a teacher? Again it seems like the only thing to fall back on with some of these degrees. Is it the thought of having the summer off? Or is it college grads are afraid to get thier hands dirty with what they consider "lesser work"?

Teaching is one of the fields in which someone can get a full forgiveness of their student loan debt. That's a pretty sweet deal, even if you end up having to wear Kevlar to work to meet the program needs. (This is clearly spelled out in one's promissory notes for Federal Student Loans, like the Stafford or Ford loans that I am paying off.)

It's also an attractive field because so many people perceive it as "easy" ... when, in reality, it's probably more challenging than a lot of other entry-level jobs.

I've been considering teaching for the past 2 years. It's not the summers off that attract me; it's the daily challenge. You can't face a room full of kids without some sort of preparation. Trust me; I did it once as a sub for a 5th grade class at a Catholic school in Passaic and they practically ate me alive. (Of course, this was 9 years ago and I was fresh out of college with no teacher training or theory courses; I thought of it as "baby-sitting" and I was SO wrong.)

States are anticipating teacher "shortages" ... just like there's currently a nursing "shortage" (and more power to whoever's g.f. is doing that nursing program; it's among the toughest jobs she'll ever do, but if she loves it, she'll be successful) and the President has committed to Education as a "Big Goal" for the nation, so there's hope that there will be more money, tax incentives and other pluses to lure our brightest students to Teacher Education/Teacher Certification programs before the corporate world can.

Education is also perceived as a "stable" field. There will be schools for a good long time, with children who need to be taught. Teachers can't teach forever, so there should "always" be an opening somewhere.

Mullenax

04-29-2009, 08:01 PM

I finally found some jobs (2) I'm qualified for to apply for. Even if I don't get these, it's reassuring to know there are prospects for the time being.

Thebazile78

04-30-2009, 04:54 AM

I finally found some jobs (2) I'm qualified for to apply for. Even if I don't get these, it's reassuring to know there are prospects for the time being.

You know what my dad always said when I weeded through jobs that I thought I couldn't do?

"Let the hiring manager figure it out."

I still don't do that, mostly because I don't like feeling like I've wasted my time.

Don't discount jobs based on the shitty descriptions on Monster or CareerBuilder or HotJobs or wherever else you're looking. I hate them all for various reasons. I especially loathe the ones with spelling, grammar, usage and punctuation errors. (Some of which, in my more perverse moments, I have been tempted to apply for ... if only to have the opportunity to use my cover letter as a means to point out their carelessness.)

If you're looking for academic positions at the college level, subscribe to the Chronicle of Higher Education ... many open positions are posted there rather than at job sites.

And, worst case scenario, you can always try hooking up with a temp agency. It'll bring money in even if you're doing mind-numbing work like data entry.

Either way GOOD LUCK! And keep us posted on your progress!

Mullenax

04-30-2009, 07:06 AM

...
If you're looking for academic positions at the college level, subscribe to the Chronicle of Higher Education ... many open positions are posted there rather than at job sites.

And, worst case scenario, you can always try hooking up with a temp agency. It'll bring money in even if you're doing mind-numbing work like data entry.

Either way GOOD LUCK! And keep us posted on your progress!

Thank you! Good advice.
I am all over chronicle.com, College Arts Association, and higheredjobs.com
(and craigslist for "costumed mascot work" and "test scoring")
and I feel better about everything.
:smile:

ADF

04-30-2009, 07:06 AM

I'm in my second year of teaching in the Bronx. I can tell you that the job market in the city is very small, especially if you're in a liberal arts field such as ELA, art, social studies, music, etc. If you want to expand your options, consider special education. If you have any math background, you will also have more opportunities. Teach for America and Teaching Fellows are good programs, but a lot of people in those programs are finding it hard to get jobs where in the past that was not the case.

Gvac

04-30-2009, 07:41 AM

I attended college on 3 separate occasions and left for the same reason each time: I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to major in.

I find it laughable that you're supposed to have an idea as to what you'd like to do for the rest of your life when you're 18-21 years of age.

Although I never graduated, I've been able to make a decent living for myself in sales. I'll never be a millionaire, but I'll always live comfortably.

P.S. - I'm in my 40's now and if you asked me to pick a subject to major in I STILL couldn't do it. My interests are far too diverse.

JerseyRich

04-30-2009, 07:43 AM

ADF

04-30-2009, 07:43 AM

Unless you're going into a special program, it's a good idea to go undeclared.

The End

04-30-2009, 07:45 AM

You graduated colleg?? Haha, dummy. Maybe I'm the one who goes for the wrong reasons?? I went and graduated, dummy. Demons to hide? A bit dramatic, don't you think, dummy?

You really know how to fight back with venomous words. You sir are a douche who is arguing over a statement I made. Get a life and enjoy your degree. Now I await another MEAN response by MEANmrbill

TjM

04-30-2009, 07:52 AM

I wish I did complete college. I ended up falling into the field I'm in now and at this point I'm 30 and married with a wife who's biological clock in in defcon5. I can't afford to find a new field. Don't get me wrong I'm very happy being with my life but I do wish I took college more seriously

Thebazile78

04-30-2009, 08:43 AM

Thank you! Good advice.
I am all over chronicle.com, College Arts Association, and higheredjobs.com
(and craigslist for "costumed mascot work" and "test scoring")
and I feel better about everything.
:smile:

You're welcome. It's a rough market out there, so looking can be depressing.

For "test scoring" I would check with ETS directly to improve your chances of finding a legit gig. (ETS = Educational Testing Service ... they administer a lot of standardized testing in the country, like the SAT's among other things ... )

Are you near any theme parks? Being in NJ means I have Great Adventure in-state ... and Sesame Place in PA ... and I know they usually hire in the mid-winter for their costumed characters, but it's worth a shot looking there. (I have no sense of geography outside of a few areas in NJ and a couple of spots in VA.)

I wish I did complete college. I ended up falling into the field I'm in now and at this point I'm 30 and married with a wife who's biological clock in in defcon5. I can't afford to find a new field. Don't get me wrong I'm very happy being with my life but I do wish I took college more seriously

One thing my maternal grandmother, with whom I do not often agree, always says is nobody can ever take anything you've learned away from you.

This is incredibly true.

I also believe that it's never too late to finish a degree if that's what you want. When I was a Sophomore in college, I watched a 90-year-old grandmother receive her BA from Douglass College at their Commencement exercises.

If a 90-year-old grandmother could do that, I'm sure you could, too.

Lastly, there's not much stopping you from taking non-credit "adult education" courses to get a leg up in your field, too. They tend to be offered through either your county college or town council and sometimes lead to certificate programs in office skills and business management. Check them out; it won't hurt you to look!