Badassery xx
Sure don't give a damn!
yes you would be foolish op. it seems like a good opportunity. And you want to let people and distance hold you back?
I hope you are planning your move and taking advantage of this opportunity.I'm already in the process of negotiating with other schools. However, this program is in the technically most advantageous location, and filled with recreational activities that best suit my personality. Plus it would be easy for me to date other young people who are well paid. And after graduating I would basically earn triple to quadruple my current salary.
My hesitancy solely comes from a place of fear.
This is great advice, volunteering, and creating an online network, even before you go.They slam you with work, and you struggle to keep your head above water. EVERYONE struggles. It's normal. But most people start off focusing on trying to get through the readings, etc., and fail to make connections right away. So you don't yet know your colleagues, and you feel overwhelmed, and everyone tries to put a good face on it, which leaves *absolutely everyone* feeling that they are the only ones who are struggling to stay above water.
It can be a lot, and if someone struggles with self-esteem, anxiety, or depression, that can add to the emotional burden a person is carrying- Please understand, I ABSOLUTELY encourage people with mental health issues (I'm one of them) to go to school! It's just that I find giving people a heads up that this is normal actually helps people to prepare and handle the experience.
I strongly recommend making some time to get to know your new colleagues, maybe even start a weekly drinks group to get together and commiserate. It will help to know that others are also feeling slammed. I also recommend finding a volunteer opportunity in the community doing something that is not academic. Something where you have to show up for one or two hours a week, and talk to people who aren't in school. Something that contributes to the community. It really helps to detox, as otherwise there is a tendency to get academic tunnel vision. There is also this weird thing where academia can create this sort of white tower effect. Volunteering helps to keep a person grounded. Finding and keeping a physical exercise routine also helps a lot, as you will spend a lot of time reading and writing. You will need a way to blow off steam that is not alcohol (a depressant, major reason people experience depression when they start school- suddenly they are drinking alone every night while studying and not exercising enough).
Basically, begin by creating some outlets and support for yourself. You can do this, it is only for a couple of years. Good preparation at the outset makes all the difference though! Best of luck, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
I'm already in the process of negotiating with other schools. However, this program is in the technically most advantageous location, and filled with recreational activities that best suit my personality. Plus it would be easy for me to date other young people who are well paid. And after graduating I would basically earn triple to quadruple my current salary.
My hesitancy solely comes from a place of fear.
take the scholarship and tell everybody goodbye loveI was recently awarded a full-tuition scholarship to attend a top ranked Master's program in the discipline I am transitioning over to. The gag is that I will have to move 2000+ miles away from my friends, family, and all of my support networks. Additionally, cost of living would be high and I'd be relocating to an extremely white city that is also a major hub for the industry I'm trying to break into.
Would I be foolish to turn down this opportunity?