Someone special?

[soulllfulvirgo]

Ok so, I've recently met someone who I like alot and the feelings are mutual. We've been seeing each other for only a month, but so far it is great. I've done my fair share of dating and I know when a situation has potential. We have similar values, sense of humor, temperament etc.

Granted this situation may NOT last, I am not naive, I realize that. But it has made me think about my future plans...

I want to go to graduate school for a PhD in Sociology. This has been a dream of mine for the past 5-6 years, but I've put it off and pursued other things in life...and I am currently working on staff at a research project at a university. I live in a large city - making just enough to pay the bills, pay for groceries, and go out and have a little fun - but not enough to save any substantial amount.

A PhD is anywhere between 5-7 more years of school, and from what I'm hearing a heckuva job search afterwards.

I've also considered "shorter" routes through higher education, such as an MPPA, MPH, MSW, or getting training to become a college counselor or psychologist.

Bottom line is that, I'm a 26 year old guy with some student loan debt already who wants to make the right choice for myself over the next 5-7 years. Should I pursue that PhD (what if I don't finish???) Should I apply for something more terminal (like a masters in one of the aforementioned areas).

I'm very good at listening to people with a genuine, unbiased ear. I'm very polite, and I enjoy talking to people about life, ideas, decisions, etc. I also have a creative side, I love to write and to make music also (very right-brainy!). I'm just trying to give you some background here.

The person I'm seeing makes more money than I do right now, but it is a complete non-issue. I think if we were to become more serious, we would be fine even if I chose to go the PhD route (which would mean living on a stipend).

I'm also concerned that some of my anxieties and ups/downs because of ruminating about this decision could affect the quality our relationship.

[pawnstar3]

I can understand what you're going through - i'm 27 now and have been single for a year and a half but when i was 24 i met a woman 3 years older than me who was set in her career - i was just starting out in mine and was unsure about what to do with my life- needless to say, we broke up because she wanted marriage and i felt like i wasnt establised enough in my life- at the time the decision felt right but now i sometimes regret it - it's hard to say if it was the right choice or not but i understand exactly what you're feeling - i always contemplated going back to school, etc but the amount of time and money seemed too daunting - currently im in the financial industry but i was an english major in school and was always a very creative person and would've rather pursued a more creative profession - my advice to you would be first see where things develop with this girl and keep an open mind - don't make any sudden decisions - think things through and weigh your options

[soulllfulvirgo]

Hey Pawnstar, thanks for your response and words of encouragement.
Yeah, I do think of the time and money potentially being a factor in my decision. I'm not entirely satisfied with where I am now and am kinda losing my patience but I'm keeping my goals in focus nonetheless.