Calling all previous current "professional" students

Jul 20, 2003 10:34

Out of intense curiosity...what does a professional student, masters or PhD candidate live on? How does one postpone real world financial reality forever ( Read more... )

Leave a comment

Comments 18

steven July 20 2003, 07:42:02 UTC
Paul and I used to marvel at people we know make less than we do but live far more exorbitantly. We've come to realize that most of them are living beyond their means.

Some people are not uncomfortable being in debt and/or living off credit. I'm not one of them, though, and I get the impression you're not, either.

Reply

marklevoyageur July 20 2003, 16:48:18 UTC
I know you're right. Still it's tough to wonder when do us debt free people get ours?

I couldn't sleep at night with that burden, but I guess they can.

Reply


freqflyer July 20 2003, 08:07:38 UTC
thats why i dont go out on fri/sat nights every weekend. dont think i can afford to do so.

Reply

marklevoyageur July 20 2003, 16:49:58 UTC
you're like I am...saving for the next TRIP!

Reply


jscottharris July 20 2003, 08:22:09 UTC
Some folks do live beyond their means.

Others have sufficient means in one way or another. The boyfriend may have a decent job. A trust or inheritance. Some post-grad degree programs come with a stipend.

Another way: if what you have is paid for things are much easier. (No car payment, no rent/mortgage.)

Reply

marklevoyageur July 20 2003, 16:55:06 UTC
I suppose many are burning through unknown assets, although I once read an entry where some guy was lining up private student loans to pay for the next nine months rent.

Reply

jscottharris July 21 2003, 03:22:16 UTC
That would seem doomed to tears.

Reply


bgsu1998 July 20 2003, 12:20:07 UTC
I asked that same question when I went down to OSU to inquire about their Masters in French program. I was told that I would essentially have to quit my teaching job in order to do the Masters program. And I just looked at her and asked how people go to graduate school and live at the same time. I was like, sure, I would love to quit my job and go back to school, but then there's the matter of my house payment, plus other living expenses, plus the cost of tuition. So, whatever. No graduate school for me.

Reply

marklevoyageur July 20 2003, 16:59:52 UTC
Millions of people "work" their way through graduate school part time. I'm not sure why OSU told you that you would have to stop working. Was this for financial reasons or time reasons, meaning you couldn't attend their program part time nights, weekends, during the summer, etc...

Reply

bgsu1998 July 20 2003, 17:11:56 UTC
Maybe I overgeneralized. What I meant to say was that I would have to quit my teaching job in order to pursue the Masters program because the courses I would need to take are only offered during the day. And I would not be able to fulfill the requirements of the program with night or weekend courses. And this was specifically the French program that I was asking about. It's very possible that I might be able to complete the requirements for a Masters in Education by doing part-time or night or whatever.

Reply


stillblueeyes July 20 2003, 13:32:26 UTC
Average Americans spend about 130-150% of their income. That's how. Credit cards.

Reply

marklevoyageur July 20 2003, 16:51:29 UTC
and the government spends 300% of its revenue, maybe deflation is just around the corner

Reply

Re: stillblueeyes July 20 2003, 17:06:51 UTC
Good point. Deflation might not be a bad thing right now. But at least the stock market has plateau-ed at the bottom a little bit

Reply


Leave a comment

Up