There's been a lot of discussion on #EconTwitter lately about the trials of graduate school. My sense is that it sounds like a pretty depressing story. But there may be a bit of selection bias at play--misery loves company--so lemme add another perspective.
My four years in graduate school were among the most amazing of my life. They were transformative in every sense of the word. I grew from a young econ-curious caterpillar into a real economist butterfly, ready to spread my wings.
I loved exploring and discovering my intellectual passions. Along the way I discovered beauty in social science as I grappled with the extraordinary insights of earlier generations.
I treasured the chance to learn from my intellectual heroes, and learn my craft from them.
I treasured the chance to learn from my intellectual heroes, and learn my craft from them.
My fellow students were the best and brightest from dozens of countries. We formed fast friendships around both the trials and joys of graduate school. Two decades later, I still love those folks with an intensity that's hard to explain.
And we would work on problem sets & talk about economics late into the night, not because we had to, but because we could. Even today, dinner with old friends begins with a hug, a quick question about kids, and then "what are you working on" as we resume that decades-long convo.
Not for a moment am I denying that graduate school can be stressful. Of course it can be. And the mental health issues are real. Learning coping skills is essential.
But beyond that, graduate school is also enlightening, joyful, and transformative. Don't lose sight of that.
But beyond that, graduate school is also enlightening, joyful, and transformative. Don't lose sight of that.
