Math Major Overcomes Adversity: Hired for Higher Salary

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the personal experience of a math major, Dave, who has recently been hired for a permanent position with a higher salary after overcoming significant personal challenges. The conversation touches on themes of perseverance, the value of logical thinking in the job market, and the balance of work and family life.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Dave shares his journey of being hired permanently with a higher salary, attributing this success to his logical thinking and creative abilities developed through his math studies.
  • Some participants express admiration for Dave's dedication, noting his early morning study routine and the challenges he faced while supporting his family during his graduate studies.
  • There is a mix of congratulations and encouragement from other participants, highlighting the community's support for Dave's achievements.
  • One participant raises a question about the weight of a textbook in relation to shipping costs, indicating a shift in topic to practical concerns about selling books.
  • Several replies reflect on the intensity of Dave's schedule, with some humorously comparing it to the discipline of military training.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on expressing support and congratulations for Dave's achievements, but there is a lack of consensus on the implications of his rigorous study schedule and its comparison to other disciplines.

Contextual Notes

Some participants share personal anecdotes or questions that diverge from the main topic, indicating a broader conversation about life challenges and academic pressures.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the intersection of academic pursuits and career opportunities, as well as those navigating personal challenges while pursuing higher education.

dkotschessaa
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Well, the "companies like math majors for their logical thinking" thing turns out not to be just a myth perpetrated by math professors. I was just informed I will be hired here permanently with a much higher salary once my contract ends. (The one I am currently unable to sustain my family on).

The hiring manager praised my logical abilities and creative thinking - things which have definitely were sharpened to a fine point when I went back to school. She said I was a great find - that she could see me doing just about anything in the company. I kind of feel like that... If I can get a Master's in math (through hard work - not brains) then I can probably figure out how to do anything there!

Man, it has been crazy. Wife lost job due to complicated pregnancy while I was still finishing up grad school. We have been so broke. Like "can we keep our house and feed a baby" broke.

I still need to pass the qual - May 13th will be my first attempt. I get up at 4:00a every day and study for two hours before going to work, coming home, spending time with family, going to bed, and repeating. Slowly but surely making progress.

-Dave K
 
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Congratulations!

 
totally awesome, buddy, best wishes :)
 
I get up at 4:00a every day and study for two hours
Y-y-y-ou what?

Lots of congratulations to you, I am sure you deserve that and more! May your trials go well and may you and your family live well!
 
Very glad to hear it, Dave. Hang in there and good luck!
 
Awesome. Now you don't have to sell your books.
I am selling some textbooks I'm no longer using, and I'm kind of clueless about this sort of thing. I've been going to a UPS store that does USPS. They are extremely helpful and friendly, but today I was charged $7.00 shipping for media mail for a textbook. (It's Rotman's group theory - kind of heavy, but is it THAT heavy?).
 
Outstanding, Dave. Congratulations.
 
This ... "work" ... you speak of...
 
  • #10
dkotschessaa said:
I get up at 4:00a every day and study for two hours before going to work...
Damn ! ... :thumbup:
 
  • #11
Congratulations!
 
  • #12
Congratulations Dave! :partytime::thumbup:That is great news! Wish you and your family all the best!
 
  • #13
@dkotschessaa Congratulations! So happy for you. You've definitely earned it! :smile:
 
  • #14
Congrats, Dave! All that hard work actually paid off!
 
  • #15
Thanks all! Now...back to work
 
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  • #16
Well done. You can be proud of yourself. :wink:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #17
Nice going! Congratulations. :partytime:
 
  • #18
dkotschessaa said:
I get up at 4:00a every day and study for two hours before going to work
What the heck!? Sounds like ex-SEALs or something.

Anyway, CONGRATS!
 
  • #19
HAYAO said:
What the heck!? Sounds like ex-SEALs or something.

Anyway, CONGRATS!

Having a baby sort of changed everything...
 
  • #20
Congratulations! What kind of job did you get?
 

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