Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the experiences and feelings of a participant who has dropped out of graduate school for the third time, specifically in the field of electrical engineering. Participants share their reactions, offer advice, and reflect on the challenges of graduate studies, motivation, and career paths.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- The original poster expresses feelings of uncertainty and frustration after dropping out of grad school multiple times, citing reasons such as feeling overwhelmed and lacking motivation.
- Some participants suggest that taking a break from school might be beneficial and that not everyone needs to pursue a PhD or research.
- There are reflections on the importance of finding personal enjoyment in one's work and the possibility of exploring different fields, such as business, instead of continuing in a technical path.
- Concerns are raised about the psychological impact of repeated failures in graduate school, including feelings of paranoia and the perception of being judged by others.
- Some participants share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with graduate school and the challenges of motivation and expectations.
- There is a discussion about the potential for returning to school after gaining industry experience, with some expressing skepticism about the motivation required for graduate studies.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that taking a break from graduate school may be a wise choice, but there are differing opinions on whether the original poster should return to school in the future or explore other career options. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention various personal and psychological factors influencing their decisions about graduate school, highlighting the complexity of motivations and expectations in academic pursuits.