Quote:
Originally Posted by mccoyred
What are some pros and cons of either option that folks have experienced? I need to decide by the end of the year.
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I worked a full time job while I was writing my dissertation. It was definitely a challenge to say the least but at least my employer (the university where I got my degree) was picking up the tab. What motivated me to finish was the fact that I only had 2 years left on my candidacy before it expired and I would have to repeat the qualifying exams again. Also, my fiance moved to California and I wasn't trying to stay in cold Ohio by myself
I wrote the bulk of my dissertation in 3 months (I did my degree in history of education so my dissertation was quite lengthy) working 2-3 hours per night after work. It was no fun but the idea of teaching jr. high school again made me nauseous
Prior to getting candidacy, I took a full-time class load and worked on-campus as a graduate assistant which paid my tuition and a stipend. The problem with that option was that the stipend was next to nothing and I ended up taking on additional hours so I can pay bills. So essentially I worked 30 hours a week and took a full load (3 classes per quarter). To me, managing this sort of workload was fine because classes are usually more structured. It's when you get to the dissertation, thesis or final project and you aren't actually attending classes that poses the challenge. Alot of people have a hard time motivating themselves without a deadline to push them. I know I bs'ed my two years after candidacy. I wasn't until I got a reminder letter about my candidacy clock that lit a fire under my @ss.
If you can swing the full time school option without taking a significant hit to your quality of life, I'd said go for it. I have had plenty of friends that had their school districts (they were seeking PhD's in Educational Administration) pay for their degrees and only give them 3 years of paid leave. Two people in my cohort finished their Ph.D. in those given time frames. Myself and others in my cohort didn't have that option and full-time work and school is a juggling act but if you want something bad enough, you'll make your top priority.
Good luck,
PhDiva