I am in my sixth year of grad school

[alarimer]

I think they kick you out after seven. Actually I am not too clear on the rules; I have heard that your classes are no good after 7 years and apparently you have to take more or something. At this point I am hoping that my adviser can get them to waive the rules for me like he has before. I do have a fulltime job, which has kept me from getting a lot done. Although that is really just an excuse. I am really paralyzed with fear for some reason. I can't bring myself to do any work. Procrastinate today, don't put it off.

But really it has become an exercise in frustration. I email my advisers every so often and it's like they have forgotten everything they told me previously. Each time I end up with more changes and questions. I have to draw the line somewhere and just do it. I need to be mostly done by that 7 year maek. I figure if all I lack is the defense they will probably let me slide by.

I need this degree if I am ever going to get a better job. I am counting on it being my ticket because I have not a chance in hell right now of ever advancing at my present employer.

[Lethe]

1. if you don't mind me asking....

whats field is your degree in?

[alarimer]

4. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

marine biology, basically. I have posted of my work frustrations before. This is my last chance to make something of myself. And there is no question I need a more advanced position because of the money. I have been living essentially paycheck to paycheck my whole life and really, really need to start saving for retirement and all that, which I can't do right now. As I have mentioned I have no future with my current employer unless I get that degree.

[Lethe]

5. wow i really wish you the best of luck

i'm currently a biology student but seriously considering switching to aquatic biology because i do a lot of work that is aquatic related. i work for an aquatic biology dept as a computer scientist (previous CS degree)

i kind of know how you feel cause i've seen how competitive the biology (esp marine) field can be. I will be in your situation in a year . You can finish what you need to do. If you've stuck it out that long then definitely you can finish.

:)

[alarimer]

6. Thanks

I just have these moments of wanting to tear my hair out. I probably could have been done a year or so ago.

[Sanity Claws]

2. What degree are you trying for?

You're not making progress to the degree, according to your own statement. It sounds like some hidden emotional issues are involved. With full time work and graduate study, you don't have enough time to contemplate where you are going or what you really want out of life. A semester or two off would do you some good and give you time to figure out what your heart really wants in all this, or else these hidden emotional blocks will continue to stymie you.

[alarimer]

3. I can't quit

I quit once before and deeply regretted it. I felt like such a loser. I HAVE to finish. There is no question about that. I am doing this in order to get out of my crappy job. At my workplace I have absolutely no chance of advancement unless I have an advanced degree. In fact that is true of the whole field (marine biology). I cannot fail this time. I am nearly 40 years old and I have a job that only requires a GED. I am so much better than my job and no one will recognize it. So I need to finish, if I am to have anything resembling the career I always wanted. I am nowhere near where I wanted to be at my age. Some of that can be blamed on the job market and the competition but mostly it's my fault.