Posted by paula on February 11, 2002, at 17:49:36
In reply to Re: Is liberal arts degree worth anything? » trouble, posted by jay on February 11, 2002, at 13:01:14
Yes, I agree with Jay on this. And (*trying not to wax too philosophical*) I'm not at all convinced by the notion that "what you love" and "what you do" are or of necessity must be separate things. And separating "skills" from "the humanities" is equally questionable, implying that if you've studied Shakespeare you somehow aren't really skilled. The reason, as Jay points out, that liberal arts degrees are great for lawyers is that studying history or language or literature or music teaches critical thinking--most certainly a skill, and one that underlies most other useful skills. Gosh, hope I'm not coming off hostile! I'm aiming for "passionate." Apologies if it's not working....
paula
> Well, there are jobs that you can really use a B.A. in liberal arts, or anything in the humanities in. A couple of areas you could look at going into..
>
> -teaching
> -counselling
> -law
> -journalism
>
> Counselling, and working with young kids in particular, is a field that is just 'on fire' these days. Teachers are always much needed, especially since many are retiring.
>
> Don't believe the hype about the whole 'technology' field. The computer world, and the whole 'dot com' thing, are falling apart. Don't even "think" about it if you have no desire to work in that field.
>
> Go after what you really want to do. You will be much happier.
>
> Best wishes..
> Jay
>
>
> > B/c that's what I want, a degree in English, but does that have any cachet in today's world of niche-driven technological specialization?
> > The research I've seen does not bode well for earning a living w/ a degree in the humanities but I wonder if there's anyone out there who has done it and has no regrets.
> > I've heard people say they wished they could do it over again, get the degree in something profitable and study humanities on their own. It makes sense, but whose gonna teach me how to read Shakespeare and that whole gang? I've tried to learn on my own, and it won't do.
> > I'm single, have a documented learning disability, am in my mid-40s, come from lower-working class roots, no one in my family graduated High School, I have 40 college credits in general studies, and clean houses for $. Studying English under these conditions seems illicit, and indulgent, stupid, immature, I'm sure you're familiar w/ the admonitions. Paralyzing. But I'm thiscloseto making up my mind to go for it anyway.
> > Does that sound supportable, given my deficits on top of today's economy?
> >
> > thanks,
> > trouble
poster:paula
thread:18040
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020202/msgs/18107.html