I'm in a bit of a crossroads in my life right now. I've been in junior college for a while now, with the intention of transferring to a university and eventually getting a masters in history. It's my intention to become a professor at the junior college level, but I have my doubts. I know what the job market in academia is like, though it isn't quite as bleak where I live. My grandfather is also offering me an opportunity to work for him and learn from him. He's incredibly skilled in a very esoteric trade, and he pays pretty well. My uncle and brother already work for him, and they seem to enjoy it. Thing is, it's a big commitment. 80-100 hour weeks at times, sometimes out working in extreme heat, and it would keep me away from home and away from my girlfriend. All of that I can live with, but I know it would nag at me, the thought that I could've done what I'm really passionate about (i.e. teach history), which it must be said is probably an easier life than trade work.
What on earth should I do? I'm at the point in my life that I should be making some real money, though I'm not hurting for it right this moment. If I can't get the degrees without a mountain of debt, I likely just won't do it, but even if I can manage that, I'd like to know that it won't be impossible to find a job that doesn't involve treading water as an adjunct.
Edit: Wow, I did not expect this many responses. Thank you all so much for your kind words and insight. If nothing else, you've all reassured me that I'll probably be alright either way. I've at least got a fair few options to choose from, and I know many would gladly trade places with me. I'll do my best not to waste it.
Not gonna dox myself, but pursued grad degree in the humanities/social sciences with the intent of working as prof or in a museum (or similar). It didn't work out and Ive been in a below average spot financially for years.
Edit: if you want to teach history, I'd get a teaching certificate and teach high school.
Naturally. I've heard hundreds of stories like yours, and that's why I'm so uncertain about my own path. To make matters more confusing, my own professors, staff and adjunct alike, have done nothing but encourage me. I can't help but be a little pessimistic about that. I mean after all, they made it, of course they'd say that. But they don't seem wholly ignorant of the struggles these days, and they still think I should go for it in spite of them. I'm getting two totally different signals, which only adds to the uncertainty.
It's not like it ruined my life. I enjoyed grad school, and fortunately I had a full scholarship (nearly all my debt is undergraduate). But I'd still advise my past self differently with regards to education and career path.
You've probably heard this: you definitely shouldn't accept admission to a humanities graduate program unless they are paying your tuition (or your work is paying it). This is easier than it sounds.
Noted, would that go for a masters as well or just for doctorate? I've already been warned more times than I can count to avoid humanities PhDs like the plague.
I would say only go if the school will cover your tuition for your Master's.
There's probably times to ignore this advice, but in most cases you don't want to take on more debt to spend two years on advanced degree with an uncertain career path.
If you have the financial need (ie you aren't rich) and you get into a program, there's a very good chance you'll be able to get free tuition at the school in exchange working as a graduate assistant or something similar
You read my mind there. I wouldn't have even made this thread if tuition weren't an issue, or if the odds of getting a good job were higher.
Either way, I'll take all this to heart, because I'm damn sure not rich.