It is me again!

In the previous messages, I mentioned that I applied for PhD programs to different universities and unfortunately got rejections from all of them. But a few days ago, I got a confirmation call from one of them, informing me that they will give me an MPhil offer with a full studentship. Although I can't get any PhD offer, I think that I am lucky enough to be admitted as an MPhil student.

But the reality is that my friends, colleagues and even my family do not understand at all and have kept telling or persuading me not to accept the offer. They said things like 'you will be jobless after graduation', 'you will earn less money than you do now', 'it is not worthwhile', and the like. Well, I do understand what they mean and thank them for their advice. I am turning 30+ or so pretty soon. I also have a decent job with a decent salary. If I don’t take the offer, I can travel around the world, buy a house and car a few years later like most of my friends do.

I agree with what they said to me and understand the difficulties ahead of me. But I know full well what I want in my future - developing a career as a researcher and teacher in academia so I still want to give myself a chance. I believe that nothing is easy at all and I don’t want to have any regret when I grow older.

I am not so sure if I can make my dream come true. But I will do the very best I can to prove that I have made a right decision.

Just want to share my feelings here. Thanks for listening.

Sorry to be blunt but your family and friends are idiots. Just go for it. You have a full scholarship!

Firstly, congratulations on the offer. :)

Secondly, whether you take the offer or not should depend on (i) what your long term goals are (ii) whether this MPhil would help you achieve that goal. In some fields, a masters degree may be more useful than a PhD. In other areas, taking time out may be detrimental to your career. So it really depends on what you're looking to achieve.

Thanks, HazyJane and Huxley. The MPhil will definitely help me achieve my long term goal. I can also prepare myself well to apply for a PhD in the future.

"Do you have the courage to start, do you have the commitment to finish and do you have the clarity of vision, see exactly what you've got to get done, that you’re going to stick it out no matter what. A man can only be beaten in two ways, if he gives up or he dies." - Navy SEAL Richard Machowicz

dotdottung, It sounds to me like you have asked yourself "the question" and you have answered Yes. Go for it and all the best!

Well done on getting the scholarship. Seriously, don't worry about what your friends and family think. Do what's right for you. They'll probably come round to the idea in the end anyway.

Hi Treeoflife

How are you holding up? I understand the dilemma this situation has put you but you have to calm yourself and look deep. I quite admire your enviable ambition; its great. What I have to say to you is that never give up your dreams because of obstacles. I want you to see this situation as a trying time to check how you really desire that ph.d.

Without prejudice to the opinions of your family members to accept the MPhil offer, I wanna ask you have you actually slept over it? You know sometimes the opinions of family supercedes external beliefs.

If I were you this is what I would do; I would accept the offer and keep searching for the ph.d. If I eventually get the ph.d offer from any university, I would quit the MPhil offer and face my ph.d if this is possible.

Finally, just take your time to figure it out.

In case you wanna talk to someoneas regards this, I would oblige you. Take care.