I think I need a plan B

[mlarson9000]

I'm probably not going to pursue a PhD at this point. I did a MA at my school for several reasons: 1.) to get to know professors better for letter of recommendation's 2.) To see if I could handle graduate coursework 3.) to see if I would really like the field, and 4.) to show that I could handle PhD classes when applying to programs. I knew going in that I would need a lot more math than I had, and my plan was to take a few math classes along the way. However, I underestimated just how demanding both graduate Econ classes, and theoretical math classes are. Therefore, I was unable to boost my profile in the manner I expected. As for the grades in my MA program, I don't know. All I can say is that I never worked so hard to be "average" in my entire life. It was quite a humbling experience.
So with the below profile, I think it's time to take the MA and go out into the real world. I'm getting old, and won't have a PhD until I'm in my mid 40's if I spend another year or two taking more math classes. I want to do research on socioeconomic stuff- poverty, inequality, mobility, immigration- and I think there is a future in that with the degree that I have. I don't know that getting a PhD from a low-ranked program would do more for me than 5-6 years of experience at this point. Any input would be appreciated.

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad:No name state school, ranked 150-200 according to econphd.net
Undergrad GPA:3.58/4
Type of Grad: same
Grad GPA:3.59/4
GRE: Not taken yet
Math Courses: Calc I-III (A,A,A-), Linear Algebra (B), Advanced Calculus (A)
Econ Courses (undergrad): Micro (A-) Macro (B+) Metrics (A) Econ of Race & Gender (A) Urban Econ (A) market power (C-) Money & Banking (C) {took too many classes that semester}
Econ Courses (grad): ma:Micro (A-), Macro(A), Metrics(B+) PhD: Micro I (A), Micro II (B), Metrics I (A), Metrics II (B), Metrics III (B+)
Other Courses: nothing relevant
Letters of Recommendation: Working on this, not sure how strong my letters will be after my mediocre performance.
Research Experience: Nothing outside of the papers I wrote for my econometrics classes
Teaching Experience:None
Research Interests: Inequality, Income mobility, immigration, demographics
SOP: nothing yet
Other:

[tm_member]

I'm not really sure what you are asking us... you seem to have decided to go into the workforce

[mlarson9000]

I guess I'm asking if my assumption is correct- that a PhD from whatever low ranked school that would take me wouldn't make me much better off than 5-6 years of experience.

[OneArmedEcon]

Yeah, I would have to agree with that. Particularly if it were an unfunded offer.

[tm_member]

I guess I'm asking if my assumption is correct- that a PhD from whatever low ranked school that would take me wouldn't make me much better off than 5-6 years of experience.

Well it 100% depends on goals, i.e. if you want to be a college professor you need a PhD, end of story. But if you are talking about the private sector... then yes, a PhD is probably a terrible idea

[MathEcon12]

Ahhh Plan B, eh? I think you can still get it at CVS and Walgreens.

[tm_member]

Ahhh Plan B, eh? I think you can still get it at CVS and Walgreens.

Ummmm... kinda inappropriate but that's the first thing I thought of too.

[econosur]

guys, no need to be rude with the man.

Listen, if you want to do good research and work preferably in colleges you need to go for a Phd. It doesn't matter if it's a top whatever....what it really matters is your passion to research on your topics and your willingness to teach.

On the other hand, if you want to just apply your current knowledge, then take a step aside and find some related job in private sector.

I know that a Phd is a longgggg and toughhhhh route to follow, but you could handle it as long as your true passion is in the academy sector, otherwise you will probably suffer a lot and maybe never finish your degree.

Don't care about your age. Think about what you really want to do for the following 20 years or +. Private sector probably will give your more $$$. If that's what you're looking for, then go for it. If you don't care about money or intellectual development is the most important to you, then try to find a programme that suits you and not a programme based on rankings.

Hope it helps you at least a bit.

[The MAN]

guys, no need to be rude with the man.

Hey, don't bring me into this.

[econosur]

Hey, don't bring me into this.

oK we won't ...sleep well