Same story...hated my job, couldn't find anything that was better, and had fond memories of my undergraduate years. Here's what I've learned in the past year (and don't take this to mean that you shouldn't go for the additional degree):

(for the record, this applies to a research degree, and may not be applicable to all fields...I'll try to keep it general)

Pros:
- it's an extra degree (might make you more appealing to an employer)
- guaranteed responsibility - you can take your work as far as you want to

Cons:
- huge pay cut
- project funding could be poor (at least in research work, you'll have to try to patch together half-dead equipment in less than ideal conditions to make things qork)
- entirely different than undergrad (you will feel older, and the fun that you used to have sitting at the back of the class making jokes isn't fun anymore)

considering everything, it's not a bad idea to do it, just keep track of your goals and work towards them everyday. Don't expect your previous glory days to return, and be prepared to be extremely frugal for the next 1-2 years. Also, make sure that you have a good supervisor before doing anything else. They can make or break your entire experience.

Would I do it again? Not sure...I've learned some good skills here, and also learned that I can't stand research!

E-mail me if you have any more questions or want more input...

Cheers, and good luck!

Mark

posted by 129.97.4...

• Any Post-Baccalaureate graduates +, roman, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 12:58:20
  • Re: Any Post-Baccalaureate graduates +, nana k, Fri, 26 Nov 2004 10:05:11
  • Math + Econ = opportunity and fun, John E. Anderson, Sun, 12 Oct 2003 10:39:11
  • MBA, Heckler, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 19:42:18
  • I'm in school right now, WASSAAB, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 10:05:53
    • Re: I'm in school right now, Camm , Sat, 11 Oct 2003 17:12:36
  • From yet another UMASS Grad, EAL, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 09:43:05
    • I lived in SW, Emerson & James is all female now ;), roman, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 09:50:20
  • Re: Any Post-Baccalaureate graduates +, BHarvey, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 07:26:50
  • hmmm, nt moore, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 07:14:33
  • Would you consider being an Acturary ? This is..., TKC, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 06:46:22
    • Re: Would you consider being an Acturary ? This is..., Spiros Trianta, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 17:12:27
      • Obviously you don't know what an actuary does, you...., TKC, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 20:30:41
        • Re: Obviously you don't know what an actuary does, you...., Spiros Trianta, Sat, 11 Oct 2003 18:59:07
          • There are many pieces to an actuarial department...., TKC, Sat, 11 Oct 2003 20:20:34
    • Just make sure you like Excel *a lot* (-), Vlad, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 07:12:27
  • Do it sooner, rather than later............., paul de k, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 05:32:30
  • Don't know what your political bent is but ..., JJ, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 04:49:09
  • From another UMass econ. grad'......, zeke, Fri, 10 Oct 2003 03:32:09
  • You've got the right attitude to really benefit..., Nervousaaber, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 21:38:51
  • Dude, let me give you a little different perspective, Texron, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 19:53:24
    • After reading your postings for years, I'd hardly say, RS , Fri, 10 Oct 2003 06:30:48
    • Re: Dude, let me give you a little different perspective, BrianD, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 20:18:14
  • School is good +, ChrisB, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 18:21:10
  • Re: Any Post-Baccalaureate graduates +, Erik W, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 17:13:58
  • OT: This is why I love this BB!, FrozenSaab, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 17:06:33
  • Re: Any Post-Baccalaureate graduates +, steveC, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 16:14:21
  • Similar route, Jon in Chicago, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 15:17:56
    • School is nirvana, Spiros Trianta, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 20:20:52
    • Teaching Assistantship, jc, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 17:31:27
  • I hear ya, but grass isn't always greener (long), BrianD, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 14:46:54
  • Think about this ->, michael p, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 14:28:06
  • Re: Any Post-Baccalaureate graduates +, MisplacedYankee , Thu, 9 Oct 2003 13:17:26
    • RE: more cynical and analytical, Damn..., Chris., Thu, 9 Oct 2003 14:01:31
  • You are me a year and a half ago!, FrozenSaab, Thu, 9 Oct 2003 13:08:49 <-- Viewing This Message

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