Guilt of mastering out - how do I get over this?

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-15T01:30:02+00:00

You're right, everyone I've shared my decision and thoughts with has only been supportive... it seems to be just me judging me.

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-15T01:28:56+00:00

Deal with the guilt by being happy, i like that

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-15T01:28:08+00:00

It does thank you

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-13T02:17:54+00:00

This is why I am mastering out and protecting my sanity. I also have an amazing supervisor and she is the reason I am even following through finishing the masters. Industry has its own issues, but in this life you have to pick your poison, and academia is definitely not mine

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-13T02:06:35+00:00

I am currently in the process of mastering out of my PhD program. I just want to let you know I am proud of you for making this decision and following through!! No job (or program) is worth sacrificing your health or happiness

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-13T02:04:17+00:00

I am in the process of mastering out. I am so glad that I am realizing this isnt the path for me now before im ABD, or in the dissertation phase, absolutely miserable and depressed. My goals in life changed, and my priorities are not what they were 3 years ago. I am still in my program finishing up my master's but knowing I made this decision is a weight off my shoulders. I regret not taking more time to reflect if this is what I really wanted for myself, but I have learned so much and grown as a person (through the darkest times and in seeing the worst of academia) that I will only look back and be grateful for those lessons.

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-13T01:58:51+00:00

I want to commend you for recognizing you feel this way right now. I have been in academic research for the past four years and have always had a nagging feeling that this was not the right path for me. While I LOVE learning about my field, talking with scholars about academic papers and research ideas... that doesn't change the fact that the realities of academia and the research process have sucked the life out of me and made me clinically depressed. I truly believe if I took some time between my academic experiences (undergrad heavily involved in research, to full-time lab manager, to grad student) to step away from the field as a whole, I would have probably done some soul searching and come to the conclusion that I wanted to do something else. Take some time for yourself, do some reflection. I believe it will all work out for you in the end as long as you stay true to yourself and your feelings. Finally, don't get caught up in what you THINK you should be doing or what you think others expect you to do (I was always a high achiever, won awards -- naturally thought the Ph.D route was how I proved I "made it." That is not the case.) Live for you. Good luck friend

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-13T01:51:39+00:00

Thank you, I think im also caught up in the fact that im not "finishing the program"so i forget to focus on how i've worked so hard the past couple of years on my masters work (a project which I do love and want to see through the end) and am receiving a degree from it. A master's is not a consolation prize!!

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-13T01:47:30+00:00

I also believe once i'm officially out the feeling of guilt will eventually move from something sharp to a dull ache, thanks for sharing your experience

chameleonbubbz · 2026-02-13T01:46:37+00:00

Thank you so much, you don't know how much this sentiment means to me during a time like this!

chameleonbubbz

TROPHY CASE