Is doing an MA for the sake of it sad?

[Miss-Shelf]

^that sounds sound.

I've learned lots about my practise and how I feel about my practise (even though it wasn't my first love) and become more passionate about (some of) my work - i've been strengthened in my convictions

 

[Aldebaran]

Diplomes are just sheets of paper. They have no substantial meaning if you are not entirely and consuming passionate about your subjects still "after" you got them.
So if you want to spend time on getting such a sheet of paper, think about it what you want to do with the knowledge they represent "after" you passed your last exams.
If you have no idea, do not waste a second of your time.
If you have "some" idea, wait until it becomes cristal clear.
If you have a defined, realistic future use in your mind, just jump on it. Go for it and it shall be far less difficult than you think it ever could have been.

salaam.

 

[MightyAphrodite]

Your opinions please!

There is a part of me that feels that you should not have your nose stuck so much in a book when you are say of a certain age?

its not sad hollis....id do another in a heartbeat if my attention span wasnt like that of a gnat at the minute largely due to coming off a long 'affection' ;-) to pills...but when im over the hump who knows...its never wrong to want to keep learning now is it?...

im sure itd be better for me to focus on getting another MA in the future than focusing on getting a fuckin pony or a boat or other nonsense ive *never went 'ooooo i want' over


ps. why cant i stop reading your tagline as 'yesterdays gay'





*i have

 

[purves grundy]

I'm just about to start one, at the ripe old age of 35. Hope I've still got what it takes... how would you know beforehand?

 

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

Doing something for the sake of it makes the whole thing sound like a chore...and that there's something else you'd rather be doing...and that you're not going to put your heart into it.

Does it? I just took it to mean 'because you want to' as opposed to 'because it will advance your career.'

 

[equationgirl]

Do it - you know you want to.

 

[Sean]

Not sad at all. What's sad about wanting to learn more?

 

[Firky]

Yes and no.

I will do one one day, I did a BA for the sake of it

 

[Prince Rhyus]

Does it? I just took it to mean 'because you want to' as opposed to 'because it will advance your career.'

Hmm...I'm coming at "for the sake of it" meaning "because there's nothing better for me to do.

"Because I want to" to me doesn't sound like doing something for the sake of it. Wanting to do something indicates a source of passion and pride in the intention. Doing something for the sake of it doesn't - but hey, it's just playing with words.

Qualifications don't need to be done for careers. I did my PGDip for the love of the subject even though I felt that no employer would even look at it. (None of my subsequent ones have!)

 

[Cheesypoof]

starting mine in september, and will continue working full time too. I am doing it because i have a need to learn more and just want to stop partying so much and i need that focus. my company is paying for it.

 

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

. I am doing it because i have a need to learn more and just want to stop partying so much and i need that focus.

Actually a big part of the reason for doing it for me was that it gave me that structure and something to work towards.

 

[nino_savatte]

I'm on the verge of doing a PhD. I don't think there is anything wrong with studying for the sake of it. I'm a big advocate of lifelong learning. If you have the means or the opportunity, then take it.

 

[BEARBOT]

what subject area are you considering hollis?
is the subject something that interests you deeply but is unrelated to yr "career path"?
is that what you mean by doing it "for the sake of it"..that is undertaking a course of study that wont up your "earnings potential" or lead to a whole new career?
ive met a few people with this attitude toward post grad study,that is if they are paying for it they want it to "get them somewhere".. sorry if im projecting this onto you...
if you are PASSIONATE about the subject area..yeah go for it

BUT it sounds like you have doubts..possibly try evening classes first at birbeck to explore if this is for you..its a big commitment time/money wise if you already work FT

is it sad? how do you define sad? i think it is sad to study something that bores you to tears in order to land a well paid job..i think it is mucho cool to study something that you love purely to stretch yourself...as long as it doesnt cause serious debt of course

 

[seeformiles]

Your opinions please!

There is a part of me that feels that you should not have your nose stuck so much in a book when you are say of a certain age?

Not a waste of time at all. In the current employment market, the expansion of HE has meant that a first degree is becoming a bit like A-levels used to be and it takes an MA (or similar) to stand out in the way a first degree used to do. Good luck!