Was just awarded an EdS and now I'm at a crossroads.

My EdS from Liberty University was just conferred a couple of weeks ago and it's a great feeling to hold a degree higher than the masters degree that I've held for 13 years. I now hold the highest degree of anyone in the school where I work. Not that I care about those sorts of things...(cough). :smirk:

However, now I'm at a crossroads and I covet your input. Finishing the EdS puts me at the point of no return in the doctoral program in which I'm enrolled. Everything I do from this point on will be a waste if I don't finish the EdD.

Here's what's going through my mind:

Pros:
-I know I'm capable of earning the EdD.
-I enjoy the study and the subject matter.
-I'm interested in my general dissertation topic.
-I've just finished an article that my professor, who has published many articles, says should be accepted by a journal, so I'm confident that I can research and write well enough.

Cons:
-It will cost me another $20K
-Considering the current education and economic climate, the chances of using it to teach or advance in the education field are uncertain.
-I will have to give up much in the way of other activities to complete the work.
-I'm not young.

I want to do it much in the same way that someone would want to climb Mount Everest; because it's there and I want to conquer it. But is it worth it to me? I know only I can ultimately answer that question.

 

Congratulations, Doktorand! :banana::banana::banana::banana:

 

Like Nike - Just Do It!

Seriously, if there is no payback that you think will be gained, enjoy life instead.

 

What is all this nonsense of being old, get off your butt you young whippersnapper and do it! Congratulations btw :banana:

 

You perfectly described the two factors that are at war in my head. Personal achievement vs. enjoying life. Not sure which is more important to me.

 

Couldn't personal achievement be a part of enjoying life?

 

Don't do it...it will help make my PhD more valuable...:haha:

 

Oh gee, thanks! You just made it even more confusing!

 

Oh, now I'm gonna do it for sure!

 

Seriously? So, worst-case is having regrets. At the end of your time, would you rather regret EARNING the degree, or regret DROPPING OUT? Clearly there are reasons not to go forward, but the ones you listed wouldn't be deal-breakers for me. Tell me your wife is leaving you if you spend one more flippin Saturday writing, tell me that you've gone into bankruptcy borrowing to pay for your degrees, tell me the school is going to lose its accreditation....these would be solid reasons to pause. Your reasons are kinda typical of any degree at any age of life in any career.

 

Plus, we must remember that "getting a doctorate these days is very sparkley. Almost glittery, even."

 

Very good thoughts, thank you.

 

YEAH - what she said!

 

SD,

Obviously I can't answer your question, but congrats on the EdS, and best of luck in whatsoever you decide.

Shawn

 

Keep going, but take it easy!

Since there's not big payoff there's no big deadline! Take a class or two and when it starts to be a drag take it easy for awhile. Since you're entering the program with a specialist degree you should have plenty of time to finish before the program deadline is up. Maybe you can take a break and enjoy the specialist degree for a while until you get the itch to go back.

 

I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! :arms:

 

Every time I see Maniac Craniac's sig line quoting Rich, it makes me laugh!