Alas, I cannot. The fellowship is full-time. If I go part-time and keep my job (which is an option), then I will need to take out loans for tuition, which is about $90,000. I'd like to avoid that if possible.

I don't want to stay in academia after I graduate. I want to be the president of an organization in my field. I can't do that w/o a PhD.

a. The PhD will let me be the president of an organization in my field. Without it, I can't do that.

The degree is in my current field, but it definitely lets me do more within it. I keep telling myself that money can't buy happiness - that despite a good salary, I still crave that damned credential and the experience of the PhD process/hazing/masochism. I feel like I have something to prove to myself.

<3 back atcha!

I love this perspective!! And the question is a no-brainer: I'd regret not going back to school.

Yes, Option 1 is awesome. I know because it's been my life for the past four years. It's great on paper. Yet I'm unhappy...

I'll never be able to be the president of any organization in my field without a PhD.

That's what my gut is telling me to do. But the terror and anxiety are damned near crippling.

Whoops! I should have given a little more context. The school is in NYC, so I don't have to go to the middle of the country. And I don't want to teach, so I don't have to go to the middle of the country for that, either. Nor would I have to suck up to the mansplainers once I graduate (any more than any of us has to on…

How about hugs? Will you take virtual hugs? ::sends virtual hugs::

A fully charged electronic device of your choosing, a book/magazine selection, an inflatable pillow. And booze.

Damn! Now I want French onion soup.

It's major crossroads time:

I'm going to Hawaii for the first time in two weeks! What are YOU looking forward to?

I thought Stay with Me was sung by John Legend until I saw all the post-Grammy photos of Sam Smith.

You can do it!

Thanks. You're right. All of the above are very helpful. :)

Thank you!!!

Thank you!