I decided to quit my phd program for two reasons: a. $ b. I'm not sure the program is the best fit for me.
I emailed the director last night, telling her I was quitting, but I only mentioned the money issue. I didn't really want to get into reason B because it involves my ongoing frustration that the profs don't seem to recognize that I have a fair bit of experience in my field, that I know what I want to do, and that I should be treated as a fellow scholar and not as a complete moron.
The director emailed me back, telling me to not "burn any bridges" before she can see if she can work anything out for me.
Now I feel stuck, because I don't really want to stay in the program but I don't really want to explain why and I don't want to be perceived as a quitter. I don't know why that last one bothers me. I guess since one of my frustrations with the program is not feeling like my experience is valued, I don't want to be perceived as someone who just can't hack it.
Ugh. Why can't she just let me quit. I haven't replied because I just don't know what to say. Any suggestions?
Woven Histories and Modern Abstractions
3 months ago
9 comments:
I think any email that uses the phrase "just not feasible" is good. Say "it's just not feasible for me right now." Also, maybe it wouldn't hurt to point out your relevant experience? You can't be the only one going back for a PhD and maybe they need to know that, while proficient at meta-theory, they suck at real life. I'm just saying.
yes that is a good phrase. the funny thing about the frustration is that this program is specifically geared for those who are returning to school. they specifically state that you should not apply if you are coming straight from an MA.
If you really, really don't want to go back, what do you care what she thinks? So I would say something like, I've found that I prefer to make cupcakes. But if you don't want to cut ties completely, then do go ahead and explain that you're feeling like the program's a little redundant. Oh wait. That problem wouldn't allow you to go back either. Still, telling them the truth might be good for them.
I think I will go with "I prefer to make cupcakes." It's true. thanks for the excellent advice nik.
Force her hand. What is she going to work out for you? The reality is that the cost is sooooooo beyond what we can afford that its a non starter unless they are willing to give you a free ride or nearly free ride. She probably thinks that giving you a small scholarship would change things. It won't, unfortunately...
I would be straight forward with them and tell them your criticisms. Be respectful, but point at that, in fact, you have a ton of experience in the discipline and probably know more about some areas of higher ed than some of their professors ever will. This program advertises itself as being open to experienced teachers, doesn't it? Have any of them helped direct a nationally renowned community writing center? Have any of them helped construct a kick-ass Language and Society course that also fulfills a diversity requirement? Have any of them thought about the interrelations of creative nonfiction writing, environmental issues, and rhetoric/composition in the way you have? Have any of them seen Step Up 2: The Streets twice? (Okay, forget the last one.) But really, you have nothing to apologize for. I haven't been in on your correspondence with them, of course. But I have the feeling that they're displaying the exact same kind of academic pedantry I came to despise in my own program. I think more PhD programs need to hear these kind of criticisms.
Hope this helps.
I am sure you are frustrated - I am constantly with my PhD program - are you sure that in the end it will not be helpful? I am not saying you should or shouldn't quit and I am sure that you have given it a lot of thought but you may just be experiencing how much PhD programs suck - especially after being in the real world. I had the same problem in my program but it is nearly done and I am so grateful. I think the feasible right now thing is good - they can't argue with that.
My vote is for a combo of "just not feasible" and "I prefer to make cupcakes."
Cupcake-making is preferable to your program, and thus, it is just not feasible for me to continue. Also, your program costs too much.
OR
I have conducted a series of feasibility studies, and my findings indicate that I prefer to make cupcakes, rather than continue in your program, which is rather expensive, also.
OR
My cupcakes win the feasibility derby, finishing well ahead of the next option, which is pates de fruits making. Your program comes in dead last, frankly, which is also, frankly, too expensive.
Let me know if you need some more. I could do this all night.
The director's comment not to "burn your bridges" is in keeping with the program's condescending tone, as if they are second guessing or disregarding your very real financial concerns. To burn a bridge implies you had a choice. You don't. A better reply could have gone "I'm sorry to hear about your unfortunate circumstance. Before you leave officially, let me look in to what I can work out for you."
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