I want to go back to college to get a MA in History. My spouse says no. Thoughts?

Question

I would go back part time and keep my job, but my spouse is dead set against my returning to school. All answers are appreciated!

It is NOT a financial issue. The degree would not in any way affect finances.

Answer 1

I would ask your spouse whether or not they have any dreams, and whether they would appreciate it if you told them that they could not pursue them. Put the shoe on the other foot and see if they like it!

Do what you want with your life. You only get one shot, life is not a dress rehersal!

Answer 2

Well, why is your spouse against it anyway? Is it because she thinks an MA in history will be nothing? Will your going back to school mean you will have less time for your family since your job has already taken most of your time already? Do you have the financial resources? There are many reasons your spouse might have so ask her first, ya?

Now, I am a history major and I know what it's like to be interested in something that does not seem to take me anywhere else but in the classroom. If that's the case, you may well be aware that even though you can "ONLY" teach, a Master's degree pays considerably well compared to having a Bachelor's degree... and a Master's degree in History, can lead you to other careers like working for the Foreign Service, in Library science, in research intitutes focused on philantrophy or historic preservations and others. It all depends on what you want to do with that MA of history of yours in the future. You should tell her reasons too...

Good luck!

Answer 3

Sounds like your spouse makes a comfortable income. He may have an ego thing in wanting to show people he is the head of the household, or maybe that type of situation is guided by the career he is in (i.e. none of the wives work), or maybe he wants children and wants you to be there at home for them. Or maybe he is aware how much in debt he could be if you took on student loans and he doesn't want to ruin his good credit rating because maybe he wants to buy a house for you both. I don't know, you didn't say much in your inquiry.

In past years the only thing you could do with a History Degree is teach history. Is teaching what you plan to do? If after explaining your situation and career choice after the education doesn't work then maybe it's his status. In marriages there is always give and take and must end in agreement. If you will have these nagging feelings into the future it's better to get them out in the open now and discuss them thoroughly.

Answer 4

I want to get an MA in English Literature, but I have a six year old and I work full time. Though I am a trained teacher, it would still look good on my resume, but it's the satisfaction of having a degree in something you absolutely love is what it's all about. But sometimes I feel selfish as far as the timing is concerned. Because I have a very supportive family, I feel I would be taking advantage of them. May be your spouse feels that your decision would put a strain on your relationship as you might be spreading yourself too thin. The " I " and " me " are important but not as beautiful as the " we " and " us ". I pray that both of you find a happy medium.

Answer 5

Why is your spouse against it? It it because of finances, children, or older parents living with you? Is it because your spouse does not want you to be smarter than /she? Is it something that will tear you apart from your spouse or strengthen it? Do you need to go to a counselor together to help settle the argument? These are some of the questions you might want to ask yourself as you think about it.

Answer 6

Is he/she afraid your relationship will fall by the wayside? Assure him or her it won't. Going back to school will make you happy which will make you a better partner. Is she/he concerned about the finances? You sound like you've thought it out, explain that it might be tight for a while, but you'll be better off in the end. If all else fails, ditch the unsupportive spouse! No one who loves you should say no to your dreams.

Answer 7

I would ask your spouse what issue he/she had with your going back to school. Are they afraid you'll get a better job and move on? Is there a budget problem? Do you tend to start things and not finish them?

Once you can identify the obstacle, maybe you can find a solution.

Answer 8

Nothing wrong with going back to school.. I love school personally-- Hell, my family can't keep me out of it!

I'd love to have a g/f that went to school all the time-- to better herself..

That's all it is. Perhaps there are financial issues? Maybe there are kids...and he/ she doesn't want to do anything...except have you around to take care of them for him/ her?

Maybe he/ she is worried about the sex?

Talk to "them" and find out the real reasons behind such an awful thought!!

There must be a valid excuse.. and even if there is a problem, your spouse and you should be able to fix the problem-- or work around it.

Just talk to "them" about it all...

Good Luck

--Rob :)~

Answer 9

Not if it affects your family finances without the potential of contributing to it. You should at least get a MA in education and then teach history?

Answer 10

When my partner went back for his MBA part time, it was rough. It takes a lot of time, and we only saw each other in the mornings and before bed on school nights. I'm glad he finished though, it's increased his earning potential quite a bit. Maybe your wife is just worried about the time aspect. Cut her a deal of some guaranteed time elsewhere - it can't hurt!