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larryselbows

larryselbows

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I am about to graduate from school with my M.S. in geology. It's incredible how fast time has passed when I look back to being a 17 year old freshman in college to a 24 year old (almost) scientist. Anyway, to the point, I have a rather large decision coming up. I currently have a standing offer from Texas A&M to continue my research as a Ph. D candidate in marine geology from my current advisor. Furthermore, I could go on to other places, I'm fairly confident, if I felt inclined to, to do a Ph. D as well (hope I'm not coming on like braggart douche bag, just trying to give some background). The alternative option is to go get a job. Pay has historically been very good for petroleum geologists: https://www.aapg.org/explorer/salarysurvey.cfm, and there are times when I really feel like getting away from the stresses of school. However, my friends that have gone on to do it in the last year seem a bit lonely in Houston, TX (Although they have only been there for about 8 months). They say they are not excited to go to work everyday but that it is nice to have a little cash in their pockets. So I have to ask those of you on here that are in the work force, how do you enjoy it? I'm not asking you guys to tell me what to do with my life, but some anecdotal advice would be helpful to allow me to better understand what it is to be "grown up". -Thanks
 
larryselbows said:
I am about to graduate from school with my M.S. in geology. It's incredible how fast time has passed when I look back to being a 17 year old freshman in college to a 24 year old (almost) scientist. Anyway, to the point, I have a rather large decision coming up. I currently have a standing offer from Texas A&M to continue my research as a Ph. D candidate in marine geology from my current advisor. Furthermore, I could go on to other places, I'm fairly confident, if I felt inclined to, to do a Ph. D as well (hope I'm not coming on like braggart douche bag, just trying to give some background). The alternative option is to go get a job. Pay has historically been very good for petroleum geologists: https://www.aapg.org/explorer/salarysurvey.cfm, and there are times when I really feel like getting away from the stresses of school. However, my friends that have gone on to do it in the last year seem a bit lonely in Houston, TX (Although they have only been there for about 8 months). They say they are not excited to go to work everyday but that it is nice to have a little cash in their pockets. So I have to ask those of you on here that are in the work force, how do you enjoy it? I'm not asking you guys to tell me what to do with my life, but some anecdotal advice would be helpful to allow me to better understand what it is to be "grown up". -Thanks
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Interesting. My stepsister was in a somewhat similar situation. Geo background, lived for six months in Antarctica as part of her continuing education, had crazy offers from Exxon and other companies, but ultimately (I think, I really only see her on holidays) decided to get her doctorate if I'm not mistaken. If my memory's correct, she probably has about a year left.

Regarding your question, I love my job. Your friends sound like they don't. I wonder then why they went that route with their education. Anyway, I digress. I teach and though it presents many, many challenges, I love it and wouldn't switch places with most anyone. I have no desire to get my Masters in anything because I love being in the classroom. It's where I want to be. That said, if you know what you want to do as far as employment is concerned and can go that route without a doctorate, I say go for it. Why spend the money on your doctorate if it's not going to do **** for you anyway? However, if you're a bit on the fence and/or think a doctorate is needed or will greatly help you pursue avenues that interest you as far as employment's concerned, get your PhD.

Just keep in mind that it's not only what your job entails that matters but also the company for which you work and their employees. I love where I'm at because it fulfills me and my being and, for the most, I like/love my co-workers and the higher ups let me do my job without micromanagement. So if you do decide to get your resume out there, do your due diligence on the companies for whom you interview and what they're all about and ask many a question.
 
I have found that it is very simple. If on late Sunday afternoon you start to get a feeling of dread in your gut because you have to go to work on Monday morning you are not happy and there are better things that you could be spending your life doing.
 
I envy you your school days. Enjoy them fully. It's the last time in your life no one expects anything of you.
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Sir Lawrence Olivier said that to Dustin Hoffman in the movie The Marathon Man shortly before he tortured him by ripping a tooth out of his mouth.

Listen carefully to Sir Lawrence's words while realzing that his actions are not much unlike the real world.
 
Stay in school as long as possible. I'm still figuring out ways to go back. I love college. Ya gotta cherish it.
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@ KEK: Is your SS hot? If so, pics or GTFO.

@ L-Bow (See what I did there?): I think another concern you need to have is paying off those school loans if you have any. Debt is an albatross on life and since you're still pretty young I think you'll have opportunities for a very long time. I've come across these types of questions before, on other message boards, and have always gotten the feeling that the poster usually already has a command on his or her life and usually already knows what he or she wants to do...as far as direction goes. You know yourself better than anyone, so I would never compare yourself to those other chaps. You know what brings joy and happiness to your life, so base your decisions on that.

But, again, handle your debt first.
 
You'll never be around as much acceptable ******. In the real world there are way more fugly chicks. And as they get older they get bolder and try to talk to you.
 
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Marcus said:
I have found that it is very simple. If on late Sunday afternoon you start to get a feeling of dread in your gut because you have to go to work on Monday morning you are not happy and there are better things that you could be spending your life doing.
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This is how I see it. You have to factor in pay and security, too. But passion for your job should be the main thing.
 
CONAN said:
Those aren't mutually exclusive.
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What would I get it in? English? Education? Great! I spent a ton of money only to make about 1K more per year and wasted tens of hours of my life worrying about going to class or doing some stupid paper. No thanks. So yeah, I could get it but it in no way would further my career which is why people typically get their Masters.
 
Git Down, you need to put your personal bigotries, homophobias and racisms aside just for a bit. This is a man's [sex] life we're talking about here.

The only positive about being done with a school and moving on to another is that if you're still in the same area it works out great because the girls don't see each other as much anymore and they're less likely to find out they are eskimo sisters. And who wants to hear about that BS, am I right? Blah, blah, blah my roommate blah, blah bladdy blah!
 
maybe you could kill two birds with one stone and put this in your facebook status...

(or a condensed version, at any rate)

larryselbows said:
I am about to graduate from school with my M.S. in geology. It's incredible how fast time has passed when I look back to being a 17 year old freshman in college to a 24 year old (almost) scientist. Anyway, to the point, I have a rather large decision coming up. I currently have a standing offer from Texas A&M to continue my research as a Ph. D candidate in marine geology from my current advisor. Furthermore, I could go on to other places, I'm fairly confident, if I felt inclined to, to do a Ph. D as well (hope I'm not coming on like braggart douche bag, just trying to give some background). The alternative option is to go get a job. Pay has historically been very good for petroleum geologists: https://www.aapg.org/explorer/salarysurvey.cfm, and there are times when I really feel like getting away from the stresses of school. However, my friends that have gone on to do it in the last year seem a bit lonely in Houston, TX (Although they have only been there for about 8 months). They say they are not excited to go to work everyday but that it is nice to have a little cash in their pockets. So I have to ask those of you on here that are in the work force, how do you enjoy it? I'm not asking you guys to tell me what to do with my life, but some anecdotal advice would be helpful to allow me to better understand what it is to be "grown up". -Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I have no education, I love my job. (but I'm poor)

Not sure what this has to do with anything, but there ya go.
 
I think for the most part the only truly happy people in their work have their own business. Its not true for everybody but the idea of not having a boss/superior gives you the best chance at being happy in your work life. You might have more responsibilities but you will get more out of it instead of filling other peoples pockets. So if you are working towards that goal then I believe you are on the right track.
 
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