Letters to the Editor

• Kudos and futurism

  [Read the article: Of Ph.D.s, gay lovers, slave narratives and the Ivy League]
  [Read more letters about this article: Here]

  LW, nice work!

  I have an MA in English Lit and an MFA in creative writing, so have thought about some of these things myself. I currently teach at a University--I'm lucky enough to have benefits, but am certainly not on the tenure track.

  I do think it's smart to think realistically about options for your future. The job market for both writers and English Lit Ph.D.s is tough, as we know, and just getting a Ph.D. doesn't a gaurantee work in the field.

  I think name recognition of your alma mater matters a lot, but not more than your ability to publish innovative scholarship. Look at job ads on the MLA or AWP websites. Most ask for candidates who've published a book. Networking is also an important skill, much as we'd like to think that pure merit will always carry the day. Look closely at the faculty in your area of interest at the competing schools. Do you like their work? Are they well known? Can you see yourself working fruitfully with these people? Overall ranking, as others have noted, is pretty imprecise.

  If you get out of school depending on a job for your future and none are available, this could be scary (esp. if you have debt, and esp. considering the economic uncertainties this country is currently facing). And of course academic jobs frequently require relocation to obscure places, which might cramp your life and/or relationship. Research now is a good idea.

  And, getting a Ph.D. will likely be more rigorous in terms of time spent and words read (esp critical theory). I don't think this is news to you, of course, as you haven't been trapped in a workshop your whole academic life, but is something to consider.

  So keep your feet on the ground, etc.

  That said, I don't think it's a bad idea to pursue your Ph.D. You may very well get a job offer before you're even out of school. You may choose to work somewhere obscure (a small, teaching, and/or community college) because you love students, learning, and teaching, and because it gives you funding to work on your writing.

  There are plenty of other options if you choose to work outside of academia. Your Ph.D. won't be (monetarily) worth one in Engineering, say, but communication, research, and critical thinking skills will always be in demand.

  It seems like slave narratives have touched you personally, that these stories ring true for you in both conceptual and personal ways (I'm channeling Cary). Maybe this 5-yr exercise in both intellect and empathy will prove important and beneficial to your own writing. This is a good time for more empathy and human understanding.

  I've also seen many couples struggle with the long-distance thing, and others matter of factly work through it sucessfully. I think your partner's wishes will be important, as well your own sense of being grounded and having a life outside of school. And 90th vs. 60th doesn't seem like that huge a difference. Maybe the closer place will be a better overall fit for your life and still provide what you're looking for academically. If not, and if you're serious about this relationship, there will be some tough choices. Whatever the case, Good Luck, and keep writing regularly!

  peace

  Permalink Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:24 PM