Career advice- English PhD or credentials?

Question

Hello,

I'm finishing an MA in English and looking for PhD programs. I definitely want to be a professor in the long run! BUT, the job market is not favorable and it will be nearly impossible to procure a tenure position in the exact location I desire (SoCal.)

I have read that the secondary school market in California (and the entire U.S.) is very lucrative, especially with TESOL. (Teaching English to students who aren't native speakers.)

Even though the PhD and being a professor can pay far more in the long run, I'm tempted to go ahead and get secondary credentials for California because it would be far easier to find a position.

Basically, I can rack up more debt and earn more in the distant future after a potentially long job search, or I can rack up less debt and be employable rather quickly with lower salary.

I would consider the credentials a stepping stone to earn the money and experience for a top PhD program.

English majors... any thoughts on this plan?

Answer 1

Go for your goal. If you want a Ph.D. you shouldn't change your career goals to suit the market. If you don't really care which you work in, take the more employable path with less investment.

I don't know about the English take on things, but I just finished a doctorate program in Education. There are not any jobs in my area requiring my credentials. I assume that one day there will be and I can stay in my present position until then.

Can you take the secondary requirements and apply them to the doctorate program so that you are working toward your long term goal? You didn't mention your age, or how long you plan to be in the job market. I am not planning on retiring anytime soon, and I like working so I spent the money on the degree (not cheap!!!).

Answer 2

I think you have a great decision to make about your life and your career! Why don't you askGod for help?But in the meantime, just remember why you have this English -PhD, to teach to teach children to speak English, was that the most important reason you took those classes to get your PhD? Money is important to be able to live comfortably but I don't believe  you will be satisfied if you don't follow your heart, and remember why you started with this to begin with. God will give you the right answer you're looking for,ask him.

Answer 3

you could branch off into linguistics.........teaching of english and other foreign languages