Started my PHD and parents think I’m making a mistake

[Anonymous]

I already have my masters in education with a focus on gender and I decided I want to advance my interest
and I’m highly interested in diving into women’s rights and
focusing more in depth on issues affecting women.

My parents think I’m wasting my time since it’s not a “science”
as they say physics is. My
Program does research and I’m confident things will work themselves out as long as I put my work into.

Has anyone proven their parents wrong? I wish they could be more supportive.
We’ve always had a close and supportive relationship. I wish they would trusted my judgment in this.

[Anonymous]

No offense intended but is English your native language?

[Anonymous]

Who is supporting you? Please don’t tell me your parents are.

[Anonymous]

Your parents are unfortunately 100% right. Please don’t ruin your life this way

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP...but I'm with your parents on this. In this area, you don't need a PhD to dive into research/policy. And you may end up with a HUGE amount of debt just to pay a university to do the research on your own that you could get paid by a special interest, think tank, or lobby group to do!

Then once you get your PhD you miiiight land a university assistant prof. gig in some women's studies dept. but they make ZERO money. I'm not kidding, OP. Do your homework on this. And yet you could end up looking "too overeducated" to be a useful hire elsewhere.

Be smart about this. Get a job in your field first. Then consider what you want/need the PhD for and go back later if you decide it's worth the investment.

[Anonymous]

As long as you pay your own way, don’t worry about what your parents think.

[Anonymous]

You shouldn’t have to pay for a PhD.

[Anonymous]

What’s your end game? Are they supporting you? You haven’t made it clear what you intend to do with this doctorate.

So, team parents.

[Anonymous]

Totally disagree. These responses are coming from people with limited world views. I have a PhD in Social & Behavioral Sciences (a public health specialty). I have a very successful and fulfilling career as a professor. Great quality of life.

If this is what you are passionate about, pursue it. There are fields and jobs that the uninformed cannot imagine. You could have a fascinating life, and enlighten thousands of people in the future (imagine yourself teaching Gender Studies at a university or consulting with the department of Education or corporations about gender issues, OR helping UNICEF work on girls' education around the world???!!!) Don't let the naysayers squash your dreams. You be you. Best of luck!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn’t have to pay for a PhD.

+1. The degree should be fully funded with some combination of teaching and fellowship.

[Anonymous]

OP, I am assuming you are doing a doctorate in Education, so Ed D, not Ph d.

Education degrees are Mickey Mouse degrees. The requirements are far less rigid than those for "real" degrees (in liberal arts AND science). I'm sorry, but the writing/thinking/"research" skills demonstrated by people who hold Education "doctorates" are deplorable, in my experience.

I have a graduate degree in Education, plus a graduate degree in another field. The Ed degree is from a highly ranked university. The work was shockingly easy/simple compared to the requirements for my "real" graduate degree.

Your parents are right.

[Anonymous]

EdD's are less well respected, to those in the know.

But maybe she is getting a PhD?

If not, probably would need to work for a school district or as an education professor in the future. Fewer options, but not zero options.

If she is getting a PhD (in some aspect of Gender), I applaud her.

[Anonymous]

OP here: it is a PhD but my parents are not very well versed
in my interest, so they think it’s a waste of time. I have a small stipend but they help with miscellaneous costs. They wanted me to be an engineer and well that was not my fit so this whole Women and Gender Studies is something they are trying to see as being worthwhile yet can’t comprehend. I try to help educate them when they are in the mood but it’s like pulling teeth. Maybe when I present at a conference I’ll have them go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: it is a PhD but my parents are not very well versed
in my interest, so they think it’s a waste of time. I have a small stipend but they help with miscellaneous costs. They wanted me to be an engineer and well that was not my fit so this whole Women and Gender Studies is something they are trying to see as being worthwhile yet can’t comprehend. I try to help educate them when they are in the mood but it’s like pulling teeth. Maybe when I present at a conference I’ll have them go.

Grow up and support yourself.

[Anonymous]

You are in good shape. They mean well (they can't see financial security for you just because of where they stand/have been)...but stay on your path. It can lead to a solid future and fulfilling career.