Any words of encouragement? (sales, apartment, credit)

[NY Annie]

You mentioned grad school, so you're not a child. While your family may not understand, it isn't their choice and they won't be attending - or working hard for your graduate degree. You are an adult. Just tell them your decision and make it clear there is no debate but you don't mind CONSTRUCTIVE input.

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by NY Annie

You mentioned grad school, so you're not a child. While your family may not understand, it isn't their choice and they won't be attending - or working hard for your graduate degree. You are an adult. Just tell them your decision and make it clear there is no debate but you don't mind CONSTRUCTIVE input.

Well, I'm making my move to speak to the colleges soon.

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by Listener2307

You may meet my grandson. He's from a town 40 miles away. But he only comes home once a month or so. He has made new friends at college; we never hear about his old high school friends even though he graduated just last year.

Oxford doesn't really have outlying towns, as such. A look at the map will show some small towns around, but none of any size.

I'm actually quite comfortable with the size of Oxford, Abbeville, Taylor, Pontotoc, Batesville, Holly Springs...all places I wouldn't feel endangered in.

I suppose what has me on edge the most is the distance, the acceptance rate, just the culture shock I'll have at first, and the fact that I should visit the campus first.

[Seadory]

What you may experience is homesickness and not culture shock. An extended visit to Shanghai on the Yangtze River, on the other hand, could yield some pretty unpleasant results. Language obstacles, disparities in hygiene, and inaccessibility to familiar food would create a heightened sense of desolation. You won't find Mississippi to be a problem. You've been there before and you liked it. Expect the same.

I've never been to Shanghai, so I could very well be wrong. Might want to stay.

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by Seadory

What you may experience is homesickness and not culture shock. An extended visit to Shanghai on the Yangtze River, on the other hand, could yield some pretty unpleasant results. Language obstacles, disparities in hygiene, and inaccessibility to familiar food would create a heightened sense of desolation. You won't find Mississippi to be a problem. You've been there before and you liked it. Expect the same.

I've never been to Shanghai, so I could very well be wrong. Might want to stay.

The University life may be very new, very Southern vibe to things will be different, but Oxford isn't a huge place. So, it'll be welcome.

[Desert kid]

How is the job market in Oxford?

Dad's convinced I'll financially destroy myself in this venture.

[Listener2307]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

How is the job market in Oxford?

Dad's convinced I'll financially destroy myself in this venture.

It's almost non-existent. A good friend just moved out of there. Either you are well qualified and employed by the University, or you are at the bottom of the totem pole.

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by Listener2307

It's almost non-existent. A good friend just moved out of there. Either you are well qualified and employed by the University, or you are at the bottom of the totem pole.

Looks like bottom of the totem pole for me.

What would you recommend?

[Listener2307]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

Looks like bottom of the totem pole for me.

What would you recommend?

You seem to be saying that you need support in order to complete a masters program.

That being the case, I will recommend you take the degree you have and start your career without the masters degree. Once you get a job with steady working hours then you can take on the masters program.

That's what my step-daughter did. She is a teacher and put off the masters for 20 years. She is just now completing her work.

Tell us what your field is. Maybe someone has some better ideas, but my "default position" has always been "dig in and work". If achieving a life time goal means you have to live frugally for a while, then that's what I believe you should do. Take the best job you can find, no matter where it is. The very best things happen to us when we cast our fate to the wind.

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by Listener2307

You seem to be saying that you need support in order to complete a masters program.

That being the case, I will recommend you take the degree you have and start your career without the masters degree. Once you get a job with steady working hours then you can take on the masters program.

That's what my step-daughter did. She is a teacher and put off the masters for 20 years. She is just now completing her work.

Tell us what your field is. Maybe someone has some better ideas, but my "default position" has always been "dig in and work". If achieving a life time goal means you have to live frugally for a while, then that's what I believe you should do. Take the best job you can find, no matter where it is. The very best things happen to us when we cast our fate to the wind.

I'm aiming on going into History and possibly education to go along with it.

I have no problems with living frugally, hell I work at a grocery store and I really don't have many extravagant things. All I would need is just a steady blue collar, or at least part time job and an affordable apartment.