Results 1 to 19 of 19

Thread: dancing/school... I want your input

  1. #1
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default dancing/school... I want your input

    Alright ladies and gents, I'm coming to a pivotal time and need to start making some decisions. I appreciate all input

    I will finish my bachelors in English this May. I have decided that I want to earn a PhD in American Literature, which is a long road, but in the mean time I've got to figure out a plan.

    I already know that once I've finished my masters (2-3 years) I can start teaching at the college level while I'm working on my doctorate. The question is: what do I do while I'm working on my masters?

    I'm only 23, so it's very feasible for me to go ahead and dance for a couple of more years - and since I will be paying $500-$600 per credit hour (unless I go out of state AND private... yikes) the money would certainly help with whatever financial aid won't cover (and I reallllly hate the idea of taking out any student loans, especially with this degree, where it will not necessarily be the easiest to find a good job immediately).

    My OTHER option is to teach high school (which would of course be beneficial for my resume when applying to positions in higher ed., BUT will not allow me much time to study, pay my tuition, or live comfortably) or, take a teachers assistantship and let the university take most of the bill for my tuition - but of course get paid nickels. Now, obviously dancing is not an option if i become a H.S. teacher or a T.A. during grad. work.

    To be honest, I'm most concerned about being financially strained during school and having to take out loans. So do I just continue to dance?

    AND, if I do remain a dancer through my masters, should I let location and the proximity of good clubs be a deciding factor as to where I go?

    What do you all think?

  2. #2
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    OMG, I was going to post this. I'm looking for another Master's or a PhD and thinking I can let stripping carry me through it. And I won't have to work 80 hours a week like I did as an undergrad! I'm also looking for a place with a good school and good strip clubs.

    Good to know I'm not the only one...

  3. #3
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    3,422
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    I am in third year of my undergrad, and stripping is helping me save for law school or grad school or whatever my next degree would be. I think it would be much wiser to strip your way through grad school than take up a TA position, because that is waaay more work for absolute peanuts (most TAs I know look like hobos and some have additional jobs anyway). However, you have to consider the slippery politics of academia. What if you're working on your PhD and your thesis advisor discovers you dance? I am not sure I could handle that.

  4. #4
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    ^^

    I will not still be dancing while working on my PhD, but that is always a possibility during my masters work.

    But, say that they DID in fact find out, what would the repercussions be? AND, someone would only find out if they were in the club and saw me with their own eyes...
    Good point though

  5. #5
    God/dess Casual Observer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    5,670
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked 144 Times in 74 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    Setting aside for the moment the fact that student loans are the cheapest money you'll ever borrow, and that you can always apply for deferment or forebearance of your loans if you don't have any work after you graduate, it makes no sense to work through grad school if you don't have to unless you believe the position you accept will accelerate your acceptance into either a PhD program or another professional venue. If dancing will let you afford a better school--even if it's in another state--and obtain better grades through greater study time, proceed with all due haste.

    PhD programs being selective and competitive as they are even at mediocre schools, it's in your best interest to kick ass the MA level, and if you can do that by only working one or two nights a week and parlaying that freedom (both academically and financially) into attendance at a better school, it's well worth it.

    Regarding discovery of your dancing by a faculty member, unless you're attending a religious school, I don't think you'll have much to worry about, especially if you attend school in the northeast. You won't be the first girl to have stripped her way through grad school, and you certainly won't be the last. Obviously, discretion is always important, but I wouldn't get too paranoid about it if you're taking reasonable precautions.
    Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

    William F. Buckley, Jr.

  6. #6
    Featured Member xbloodydewdropx's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    Quote Originally Posted by Casual Observer
    PhD programs being selective and competitive as they are even at mediocre schools, it's in your best interest to kick ass the MA level, and if you can do that by only working one or two nights a week and parlaying that freedom (both academically and financially) into attendance at a better school, it's well worth it.

    Regarding discovery of your dancing by a faculty member, unless you're attending a religious school, I don't think you'll have much to worry about, especially if you attend school in the northeast. You won't be the first girl to have stripped her way through grad school, and you certainly won't be the last. Obviously, discretion is always important, but I wouldn't get too paranoid about it if you're taking reasonable precautions.
    CO hit the nail on the head . Grad school is very demanding and competative, so be prepared to juggle the school work/dancing thing. My first year of grad school I was feeling out the program, and danced and attended classes at the same time, paying for it out of pocket. My first official year, I was a T.A. and did not dance, but devoted time to studies, etc. You're right that T.A.'s are poor by default if that's the only gig going

    But, why not save up some cash now and see how your particular M.A. program works? There might be benefits to being a T.A. that go beyond money. Work experience, sometimes tuition waiver, etc. And yes, you could do it all with good time management skills. Best of luck to you!!!

  7. #7
    God/dess Casual Observer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    5,670
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked 144 Times in 74 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    ^ Where've you been, pretty lady?

    We've missed you.

    Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

    William F. Buckley, Jr.

  8. #8
    God/dess Jenny's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    9,746
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 50 Times in 31 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    Hey little bunny,
    My rec is: TA. This is wildly important in terms of getting work later on. The pay is actually good for the hours, and usually the benefits are actually really good (which would be pretty important for you guys). You can dance a few hours a week (I try to do 4) if you are real trouble and can't make ends meet. But getting involved with the faculty will be really, really useful in getting the extra push later on. I assume that you are not applying directly to a PhD stream?
    Btw - English was my undergrad too. What was your area?
    I have taught that the sky in all its zones is mortal and its substance was formed by a process of birth

  9. #9
    God/dess Mastridonicus's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Paradigm City
    Posts
    6,784
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    By the very nature of this thread It shows that you're very goal orientated. So the question becomes, further yourself academically at the expense of your leisure and potentially risking your ability to follow your goal to fruition, or move forward with the financial security your dancing provides at the expense of much needed experience.

    If I where to pose the question academically, it would be "What can a 4.0 English major with a PH.D. get that one with a 3.5 Average can't?"

    Unfortunatly, the world.

    You never mentioned what your true intentions are AFTER you get the PHD, or at least i didn't see it... But if teaching at the college level is your intention <implied> isn't that job market getting incredibly competitive? I know a staff administrator who says college level teaching is losing more and more job security.

    Makes any decision tough.


    Quote Originally Posted by TampaDancer
    To be honest, I'm most concerned about being financially strained during school and having to take out loans. So do I just continue to dance?
    That basically is a forshadowing statement. It appears that your concious will force you into it at some point if your loan amounts begin to gnaw at you.

    All you can REALLY do, is decide where you want to be, and on the road there, handle the problems and situations as they arise.

    You'll need to do what you feel is necessary and what is best for you.

    Quote Originally Posted by TampaDancer
    AND, if I do remain a dancer through my masters, should I let location and the proximity of good clubs be a deciding factor as to where I go?
    College should be the highest decision in the location factor, and I am sure you intend on going to one of the top 10 schools in your chosen profession, and well, even as I have seen first hand how you can turn the sleaziest clubs into a high class club in your own little way as long as the money is there. The club is probably a non issue. If there is money to be made, you'll have a good portion of it.

    It seems dancing is what you know, and can provide you your means to your goals better than the proposed experience you would gain, however, I am sure, during your journey, you'll find a middle ground

    Quote Originally Posted by mollyzmoon
    What if you're working on your PhD and your thesis advisor discovers you dance? I am not sure I could handle that.
    You know, my FIRST business loan was denied. I was cited 'Not enough Credit Experience. 7 years requested for this type of loan' Weird. I was only 22. The point? It pisses me off that doing what you need to succeed can be your biggest enemy. Just like I love having you're point of view catagorized the second you let it be known what political affiliation, religion, or controversial belief you take part in. Or dancing, to pay for your schooling.

    I work very closely with the medical schools in this area, and the truth is, Colleges are allowing acceptances into medical careers that have never happened before, and the money may be cheap, and abundant, but the fact is, a good doctor on average, graduates 150,000 dollars in debt. ON AVERAGE. This is killing the desire for the profession.

    Again, I agree with casual, if you can do this while dancing, do it. You wont allow yourself to fail, that much is evident. And you have to be prepaired to work around any scenario, including that of one of being noticed. But I think the odds of a person that can hurt you accademically finding you in a SC is pretty few and far between. Most will keep it to themselves if they do. If not try to use their power in trade for contact.

    Seriously The last thing you need to worry about when achieving your goals is where your next meal is going to come from. But again, I'm sure you'll find a happy medium.

    People are not ruled by their memories.

  10. #10
    God/dess Bunny's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Posts
    2,495
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 36 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    That's a tough decision. Sure, student loans are low interest, but I can tell you from experience that getting into heavy debt can be disasterous. I also know dancing can be really tiring and you need to concentrate on your school work. Hmmmm.... Maybe you could dance a year as much as possible and try to save some money? Sorry I don't have any great answers as I don't even have a clue about my own life!

  11. #11
    Veteran Member calliope7's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    290
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    tampadancer -- Have you looked into what Ph.D tracked programs have great reputations for giving assistanceships, be it as a TA or as an assistant to another professor in the department and so forth? Its all about getting tuition waivers and stipends! I know that a lot of advanced degree programs in the liberal arts are more generous with students who enter in a Ph.D track (and this is only with their B.A.) than declare that they are only willing to commit to pursuing their masters at that institution. At the same time though, this kind of admission, depending on the program, can also be more competative.

    Have you checked out http://www.phds.org/rankings/
    It also includes literature programs and has a pretty cool function where you can determine the rankings of your most ideal programs based on what you say about your preferences in terms of academic reputation, funding requiremtns and other things like how many women are awarded Ph.D's, etc.

    Good luck!

  12. #12
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    Thank you all for your thoughts CO: I have considered that borrowing money for school isn't really that big of a deal, and if push comes to shove, I'll certainly do what I have to do in order to obtain the education. I have been able to kick ass in my undergrad classes because of the freedom that dancing has given me. I know that there is no way I would have been able to keep up with classes and earn the GPA that I have, if I had needed to work full time to pay my bills. Also, I think you are probably right about the possibility of my having run-in with a faculty member while dancing.

    BDD: Did you enjoy your teaching assistantship? I agree that the benefits I would gain by taking such a position would be many. And, I am currently saving money , especially when I have time to dance more (like this month during my holiday break).

    Jenny: I hadn't really considered being a T.A., and also dancing if it were necessary... I would definitely travel a couple of hours away for that though, because there could be some repercussions if my moonlighting was discovered while I was employed by a university. yikes.

    Mast: good insight... I think you're right - that flexibility will be the key here. (crap, that means my rigid, control freak, perfectionist self is going to have to take a chill pill, huh? LOL)

    Bunny: this is what scares me!! I got myself out of debt once and I really don't want to have to do it again. I have a fear of 'borrowing money.'

    Calliope: Thank you so much for that link!! GREAT site. I know for sure that I want to earn a masters, then work on a PhD. Call it fear of committment I want to be able to work on a doctorate at a third school if possible.

    Again, thanks to everyone for their comments. If you have any other insight, please keep it coming

  13. #13
    God/dess Mastridonicus's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Paradigm City
    Posts
    6,784
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    Quote Originally Posted by Raging Control Freak
    Mast: good insight... I think you're right - that flexibility will be the key here. (crap, that means my rigid, control freak, perfectionist self is going to have to take a chill pill, huh? LOL)
    Its obvious in my dealings with you, and your stories to me, you lose what you feel is your control, and your anxiety sets in till you regain. Adding a rigid schedule where you dont have time to step back and maintain perspective on your life and you'll start to self destruct. Or at least you lead that on. Its a good thing. People like you get the stars they are reaching for, regardless of your past, thats why I doubt being caught dancing will effect you. You seem to make the most out of bad situations anyways.

    You are totally the academic fonzie.

    AYYYYYEEEE
    People are not ruled by their memories.

  14. #14
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    lol Mast...

    But I think your pet name for me is a little extreme. I mean, I can handle 'control freak,' but is the 'raging' part really necessary?

  15. #15
    God/dess Jenny's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    9,746
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 50 Times in 31 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    Tampa - I would never tell you to do anything that you are uncomfortable, with, and if you need to put distance between you, dancing and school then that is what you have to do. But a lot of universities have various alliances, etc., within the unions that are pretty sex-deviant positive (hee. We're deviants). When I applied to NYU I put exotic dancer on my CV - I was of the opinion that if the school wouldn't accept me because of that, I probably wouldn't be happy there. (The same, however, does not go for the school I'm in now.) Some schools actually appreciate diversity - and of course, my literary interests were bad girls in Victorian literature. Seriously. Charlotte Bronte is so sexy. And so fucking deviant. Point is (not Charlotte Bronte, I just got distracted) that although you might want to exercise discretion, people finding out may not be a career ender.
    I have taught that the sky in all its zones is mortal and its substance was formed by a process of birth

  16. #16
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    3,422
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    I actually hardly care anymore if people at school know I dance. I used to, but my club is a five minute cab ride from campus, and Ottawa is small small. Like, you get looks on the street if you're a dancer small. So I've decided the discovery is probably inevitable, and I'm on the Dean's List. What are they gonna do? Revoke my scholarship? Not likely.

    The only problem I could forsee would be the leery profs (as in, the profs who already try to cop a feel at the end of term party and give me nasty old man stares when I go to office hours for a question- thank god these creepos are the minority, but I hate to think what would happen if THEY found out I dance...there is so much sexual harrassment in our damn department anyway. There was even a big scandal five years ago, before I was there, and they fired three profs!!) But their time will soon be over I think. Most of the younger and intelligent profs are incredibly PC- to the extent that anytime they talk in examples and use a hypothetical doctor or something, they use the pronoun 'she'. Plus philosophy is the only department in Arts still male dominated. It's probably a better situation in the more egalitarian subjects (like English).

    ps, hooray for Charlotte Bronte. I love what Virginia Woolf had to say about her.

  17. #17
    God/dess MojoJojo's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Monkey Land
    Posts
    4,794
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    well - you invited "gents" into this, so I will add my 2 cents, plus my typical $3.69 + tax + etc - dance.........dance......DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!! As my wife says - "If I'd had that body when I was that age....I'd have done it!"

    ............I have to agree.
    "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind."
    -Humphrey Bogart

    "Sir, if you were my husband, I would poison your drink."
    -Lady Astor to Winston Churchill
    "Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it."
    -His reply

    "If God had intended us to drink beer, He would have given us stomachs."
    -David Daye

  18. #18
    Veteran Member logan820's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Canyon, Texas
    Posts
    573
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    I start my Master's program in Jan, I am just going to dance, but only like 2 days a week. Grad school is very demanding and I plan to concentrate on stuying. I know when I move that people will know I am a dancer, I really don't care, I am not planning on staying where I go to school. It is actually liberating that I won't know anyone where I am going, and can just be a stripper, and not have to worry about running into people I know! I have past work exp in my choosen field. I think you should look into to teaching highschool, it will really make you see if you like teaching. You can go to school part time. I took a few years off b/t Master's and undergrad. I taught elementary school, and loved it, I took grad classes part time. You need work experience in your field, and you need to grow as a professional. Now I am ready to go to school full time. The work exp really helped me I wouldn't trade it for anything. When I graduate, it will only help me get a better job

  19. #19
    Featured Member xbloodydewdropx's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: dancing/school... I want your input

    Quote Originally Posted by tampadancer

    BDD: Did you enjoy your teaching assistantship? I agree that the benefits I would gain by taking such a position would be many. And, I am currently saving money , especially when I have time to dance more (like this month during my holiday break).
    Hey Tampa! Yes, actually I really like being a T.A. At first I was nervous, having never taught a class before, but I really like it. It's nice to have a regular paycheck and benefits, and also helping my students. It feels so.....what's the word...ahh...rewarding! I've also learned so much, and gained confidence in my abilities to teach. It's hard at times to balance my teaching duties with my own seminar work. All in all, absolutely no regrets. I also have to admit that when I needed the money, I did dance rarely, but not in the immediate area of my campus. I did have a rather strange encounter with a peer in my department the summer before I began my assistantship. We discovered this after talking for a new minutes. He assured me I had nothing to worry about, and I give him a smile when I bump into him occassionally. No worries, although it does feel strange. Anyways...in summary, you can do what you have to do. T.A. ing can be fun, or it can be ickkk (so I've heard)....I think it all depends on the school and department that you pick. It can vary from program to program within the same university, so definately talk to some T.A.'s in the schools you're interested in (those in your desired field) to get the true perspective. Some schools offer great deals, and others exploit the heck out of their workers. Luckily, my dept. and my school are great...well, my dept is, but some others are not-so-nice. Ask about workload, demands, benefits, and see if anything appeals to you. Again, good luck .

    oh....and C.O. hey there!!!! thanks for missing me . after the big move my account wouldn't function, so here i am, with a new one. then got busy with school and personal demands, but am back now...woohoo! I've certainly missed ya'll .

Similar Threads

  1. Dancing through School?
    By anmeixing in forum Newbie Board
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 01-12-2009, 08:24 PM
  2. After School Dancing $ Trip
    By oceanside in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 05-29-2006, 08:42 PM
  3. AFTER Dancing - Professional School (Law, Medicine, Etc.)
    By BrainyDancerGirl in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 10-04-2005, 03:07 PM
  4. concerns about dancing close to home/school
    By mollyzmoon in forum Newbie Board
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-22-2005, 10:38 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •