Leaving Graduate School

Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Nov 12, 2007

Most graduate students have their moments when they're ready to evacuate. Maybe this happens at 2:30 in the morning when you're banging on your keyboard trying to crank out something intelligible before your morning deadline. Or maybe it's at an academic conference, as you listen to people with PhDs fling verbal grenades at on another over a theoretical issue of infitesimally minor importance. It's just like marriage and other lifelong partnerships. Even in the best of relationships, there are moments when you look at your partner and wonder, "What have I gotten myself into?"

But what if you're not just having momentary pangs of existential relationship angst? What if you're seriously considering leaving your graduate program-- and, in effect, getting a divorce from grad school?

Leaving grad school is a difficult decision for some of the same reasons that leaving a relationship is a difficult decision. You've made an intensive commitment of time, financial resources, and emotions. It's become an integral part of your identity, and it may be hard to imagine your identity outside of the academy. And people love graduate school and their topics of study. It's always heartbreaking to realize that even though you're in love, it just isn't right for you.

If you're thinking about leaving, take the time to weigh your decision carefully. Find someone to help you talk out the decision and give you good advice, like a trusted faculty member, recent alumni, career counselor, or even a psychologist. You can think of this person as your graduate school "relationship counselor." Think carefully about the pros and cons of staying in school, including career possibilities . And take the time to research other career possibilities. Don't stay in grad school just because it seems easier than finding something else.

Best of luck with your decision!