More And More Of America's PhDs Are On Welfare

[aristocles]

6. Initiative, creativity, and flexibility matter; degrees do not

I have a master's degree and a doctorate in Classical Languages. I had intended to teach Classics at a university. At the time there were very very few university-level positions that would last for more than a year or two. I started to take computer science courses. I became an programmer, entry level. I moved on to software sales and made more that $100,000 per year for over ten years. I started and sold two computer-related businesses. I retired at 55. Now I occasionally work as a consultant.

My brother earned a master's degree and a doctorate, also in Classics. He obtained a non-tenure-track lecturer position at a major East coast university. That lasted 3 years. He then obtained certification in project management and worked for a defense contractor for several years. He now runs a publishing firm.

I have never regretted the years I spent studying Classics. I have been working since I was 16. On my 16th birthday, a Saturday, my father took me out to find a job. I did. As a stock boy at a department store. I've been a soda jerk. A truck driver. During grad school I worked as a security guard.

Good employment depends on initiative, creativity, and flexibility.