Tink1717 2 #1 May 23, 2005 I have crossed to point of no return. I was scheduled to go to a re-certification training class today. Instead I informed my supervisor that since my current certification is good until 2008 and I will be retiring in 2007, that I would not be going to class. This is not really news to him, my plans for exiting are no secret. But now that the rubicon has been crossed, there is no turning back. So now, I have to make another life decision: do I go to grad school and get a PhD, or do the drop zone bum thing. I am torn between the two. On one hand, I really like the academic environment, want to do the work and feel that i could make something of it. On the other hand, I know that the glass ceiling in academia begins at age 50. If I start grad school full time when i retire, I will be 49 when I finish. the thought of needing to pay off ~$40k in school debt and not finding work is not what I set out to do. So, if I don't go to school, I will be living on ~$35k/year with benefits for life. Not bad for a DZ bum eh? What would you do?Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nvanduyn 0 #2 May 23, 2005 I would go get the PhD, skydiving while doing it, then after do the DZ bum thing. :p I would get the PhD just so I could force people to call me DR. Say go for what you really want to do and have the money for. ------ -Nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #3 May 23, 2005 Had a buddy in the same boat. He decided to find a part time job he really loves, takes the occasional class to stay in academia and enjoys his hobbies/family. He lives on the retirement and the part time pays for the rest. He loves it. Monkeyboy50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #4 May 23, 2005 That same scenario has crossed my mind as well. Find a part-time job with a flexible schedule that I could taylor to my class schedule and just piece it together. Pro's and cons with both ends.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
