PhD Mid-life Crisis

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Kizmet, Mar 12, 2017.

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  1. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  2. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    Doing the phd may be the best means of handling the midlife crisis. It is also the culmination of years of the joys of learning. However, it is not the end of learning but the beginning of new higher learning.
     
  3. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

  4. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    I noticed her word choice: my midlife crisis. She used it twice.
    False consensus effect / bias. Presuming such a crisis exists pretty much guarantees you'll have one.
    It's crap.
    She's 40 years realizing there IS a limit to what is possible in life. The pursuit of a PhD puts it off for another 5 years.
     
  5. CLSeibel

    CLSeibel Member

  6. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

  7. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    That's almost lyrical! :shock: A Ph.D. takes major effort and, if I'm to believe those who have gone down that path, Doctoral study is an extremely demanding pursuit which tends to create, not relieve, high stress. It's NOT a colouring book or an afternoon walk in the woods!

    J.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 15, 2017
  8. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    or playing the geetar! :smile:
     
  9. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    Accepted but I disagree. Coloring is no piece of cake unless it is physi-therapy. A walk in the park -what is the probability of being mugged, raped or even death?
     
  10. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member


    Slim, cuz I keep an eye out for them PhDs.
     
  11. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    that's funny. I can't stop laughing
     
  12. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Wow. I had to read that a couple of times, to make sure I interpreted it correctly.

    If colouring is such a chore, how come so many bookstores, dollar stores etc. are enjoying the boom, catering to the recently-conceived craze - coloring books for adults - by the hundreds and thousands? Because the activity is supposed to be relaxing, right? And I said "walk in the woods" - but I'll take your example, the park. The likelihood is VERY low - I'm sure there are a large number of parks (especially on our side of the border) where you can go years without a mugging (if, indeed, it ever happens) and rapes, murders or serious bodily harm incidents have virtually never happened.

    I note however, there has been a murder or two over the years on our local University campus. So...

    I'm still shaking my head over these two suggestions. :question: :question: Back to my colouring... I have a new one, Islamic designs! Jamila! (Beautiful!) Alhamdulillah!

    J.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 16, 2017
  13. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    After all the silliness, the fact remains - undertaking a Ph.D. is NOT therapy for a midlife crisis - or anything else that troubles one. I'm told (and I believe) it takes a lot out of a person, before it puts anything back in. I applaud those who have the mental toughness, in addition to the intellect required.

    I prefer Nietzche's view: "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." He didn't say this specifically about doctoral study, but I think it applies here.

    J.
     
  14. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    I just looked this, but i am not confident of the source. In the US in 2015 you were more likely to be the victim of a crime in the wood/field than in a university.
     
  15. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I think the source was Dick Cheney
     
  16. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    funny! xplained why the numbers are higher in the great state of Wyoming.
     
  17. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Obviously, somebody didn't lock up -- they've let the PhDs out again! :shock:

    That's it! I've said enough times that PhD study is not for stress/anxiety relief. Hard work, not comforting fireside hobby. Now, I really must go back to work on my doctor... I mean, on my colouring.

    J.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 17, 2017
  18. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Well, I would have to agree with Johann. Who in their right mind would want to pursue a doctorate for stress relief? Just sayin :smile: I'll stick to gardening and walks along the river trail.
     
  19. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator


    I know it was a rhetorical question but I've got an answer. It would have to be a person who was fairly rich, not needing to work for a living, etc. had no other pressing responsibilities such as childcare, was intelligent but bored but also needed something that would enhance social prestige What did I miss?
     
  20. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member


    Yup, Bears. ;-)
     

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