Just interested in your thoughts ('cos you're such a well-informed, clever old bunch of folk!)

I have a Masters degree but not in the subject I work in. It's become a possibility that I could take a second Masters to further my career (or it may not ). But that would cost quite a lot of money and I'm saving to buy some ground to build a studio on.

Do I go back to big, big Skool ( ) or do I keep working for my studio and save up all the money?

I did get halfway through a PhD seven years ago but collapsed with exhaustion and I'm not sure studying is really feasible at my age .. but they say education is never wasted don't they! And a Masters would not be so highly pressured as PhD work. I think But what if I find it too difficult within the first few months - it's a lot of money to lose if I can't cope. Oh help! And I need to apply soon.... (Oh and I have a major health problem that makes life unpredictable but I hate giving in to it and refuse to sit and do nothing.. as some drs would have me do...)

ARGGG... indecision!!!!!

Should I toss a coin? But which would be heads, and which tails??????

Oh this is really silly isn't it !!! (*embarrased* )

Some people say - toss a coin and see if you are disappointed or pleased with the outcome (gut reaction) Then you will know what your true preference was. Never tried it myself though...

not enough detail, only you can know the ins and outs properly.
A coin is too random... not a good idea. Not a choice of genius....

think it through then go with how you feel and think it may work out

a decision between a degree and a studio!

I didn't say go with the coin's decision - read my post properly...

I didn't say you said go with the coin's decision... have a look C*P

I'd go with the studio every time!

You implied it was random - it isn't random if you only use it as a tool

good of you Malone not letting C*P take this off-thread.

no more off thread than you!

LWS

you really are posting a lot of weird things tonight SF - are you ok?
(sorry lottie)

Well:
How much will the land cost
How much will the masters cost?

Will the masters help you regain that money, so you can then get the land?

And SF, be a gentlemen... or is that beyond you?

No contest lottie - the studio!


OK that's my gut reaction, but if I have to justify it...

1. A second Masters may or may not further your career. So there's a risk that all your time and money could be wasted.

2. At the end of Masters, you'd (hopefully) have a degree which *may* help you, but you'd be starting from scratch saving for a studio again. In fact worse than scratch - you'd probably be in debt

3. You said yourself... going *back* to school. The future lies in the studio.

4. You'd be putting yourself under a lot of pressure to study for a degree - and for what? The prospect of a possible 50/50 chance that it might be useful to you in the future.


This is my instinct anyway, but go with *your* instinct. How would you feel if you were waking up tomorrow and setting off for lectures, or sitting down to write an essay, or setting off for your studio???

Let us all know what you decide!

Mmm - I think I rather back the studio too.

Skylark's last question is an interesting one - what do you think, Lottie?

Hi Lottie,

Follow your heart!

I need to follow mine and your post just might be helping me too. I have spent just about twelve whole years of some of the best years of my life STUDYING. I am now in the later stages of a Music Technology course and I can say - hand on heart - that I've had enough. The reason I took on another course to do after I finished my Masters in 2006 was to find out if I had the guts and stamina for a PhD. I don't need to toss a coin - I've already decided. I want to dedicate all my working hours to teaching the piano (I'm happy to work for more diplomas) and following up my dancing skills.

I would like a big studio too - for teaching and dancing

I hope you achieve your dream

on the face of what you said, I think probably the studio will prove more satisfying, interesting and exciting - and possibly do a lot to further your career.

Yes..I'd go for the studio every time!

Life is short. Which would you enjoy the most??
Bev

You're saving for a studio - sounds like you have a definite plan that will eventually come to fruition...or....you go back to studying, which seems to have a less certain outcome (and could go badly off track if you hate it or get sick etc). Only do another Masters if you feel really passionate about your subject - enough to carry you through any tough patches.

on second thoughts, put it this way:

Buy the land, buid the studio, teach for a few years / months, if you still feel passionate, try a part time masters maybe?

I think that Lottie wants an artist's studio but I may be wrong. Go for the studio Lottie and find more ways of boosting your income from your painting. Sell something to one of the major banks to reproduce and use in every branch. Then ask them to fund the studio.

That's a lovely way of thinking about the problem! I do think I'm tired of lectures/theses etc.

this is an art studio?

I just feel the studio would be a more 'down to earth' positive move, as opposed to the academic path.
I like Petrat's idea.. very sensible certainly worth a try.

Try to visualise.. going to you studio each day to work - and enjoying it.

Yes, my framer said all I need is Ikea to take one of my prints then I'd be laughing all the way to the bank. (Yes, it's an artist's studio I want).

I think in my heart I want the studio; the space, the freedom (no telephone ) and no worries about the mess from paint and having to 'tidy' if we have guests (who shouldn't stick their nose in my workspace but they always do). Somewhere I can lock the door to keep other people out whether I'm in there or not! (Well, I'm not sociable when I'm working - it takes too much concentration).

The studio project is huge though... I need to buy the land, clear the derelict building on it, build a workshop and garage...then knock down the old workshop behind the house and build the final studio where the old workshop stood!

I think I'm looking in excess of £60K.

Better get back to my easel....

Actually, the bare facts are I'm happy painting (and my work sells). I may not be happy studying. Case closed

That sounds 'sorted' then.

Keep painting as you are happy doing that, but keep your dream and vision...
you may well be able to live your dream.

Good luck with it all

You mean you have to tidy when you have guests.......
Don't let my forum friends know or they might expect it.....


Seriously (and back on topic) Whatever your decision i hope you enjoy it.

Lottie, just my thoughts...

Have the studio, you can always do the maters if you want to part time and still have your studio from which to earn the money to pay for it...

Alternatively, take the money, go to Paris, suround yourself with good champagne, handsome young men and live disgracefully...I mean if you have that lot who wants a Masters degree in anything anyway

Good luck...

Andrew

Nice advice Andrew.

Just a thought Lottie, but would it be possible and a lot less expensive to demolish the old studio and rebuild a new one in its place?