Thursday, December 11, 2008

Today, I quit

DipToday, I quit.

I had discussions with my advisor, the head of our Ph.D. program, a distinguished, experienced, disinterested professor, and my closest friends and colleagues. I re-read The Dip. I mulled over my thoughts. I made my decision. I parted from my research group.

I quit because I understood I have to change groups to get my Ph.D. The current situation did not work. It was a Cliff. I could not change the situation; I had to change situations. I saw the choice I had to make: I could squander time and energy—mine, my advisor's, my colleagues', the taxpayers', the world's—until I fell off a Cliff, or I could quit, and find a Dip where I will excel and flourish.

Today I quit.

I dedicate this post to the patience, understanding, advice, and aid of those who helped me make this decision. You have my deepest gratitude.

6 comments:

  1. from what I know, this may be the best choice for you. I am optimistic that you will look back on this decision and be satisfied. I firmly believe that intelligent, dedicated people will always make their way in the world, and you are certainly intelligent and dedicated! keep a light heart; you have many friends, many options, and a whole life in front of you!

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  2. and remember, for one door that closes, another will open...

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  3. Chris you are a talented, thoughtful, and positive person. I have no doubt you will find great success wherever you seek it. Sometimes you have to take a step back to make more efficient progress, realizing this and acting on it is sign of strength, not weakness.

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  4. Tim, Ntino, Stew, and Bryan, thanks so much for your support! It means more than I can say.

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  5. I apologize for not reading this sooner. You are a very smart and brave person, and I am certain that everything will work out for you (if it hasn't already).

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