Changes Afoot, Part Two

I remember being fascinated with books on corporate law when I was a teenager. Sort of gave me a sense of order in a tumultuous period in my life.

I would think that one area you might consider since you are young with a great deal to offer others, is teaching. At some time in your life. You have acquired a great deal of history and interesting information which you share through your writing and talks. You do not seem to want to keep it all to yourself. The MBA and a role in teaching could be rewarding.

My son is turning 44 next week. I wonder what thoughts are going through his head as he steams along towards middle age. He’s a great guy. I took he and my wife to Gettysburg in 1980 and for the three of us, the Civil War came alive. When he lived in Nashville 1993 to 1998, our visits were consumed by trips to the battlefields. And then, we had the double joy of knowing Lawton had been there, and what his positions were so we re-lived a part of the family history.

Good luck as you work through your decisions.

Eric,

46 is definitely not too old to start a doctoral program, if that’s what you’re interested in. Your past comments were that you aren’t necessarily. But as an advisor in an academic department, I’ve dealt with students much older than you at all levels.

Community college might be a teaching option, although there is a discouraging trend towards only hiring part-timers at far too many cc’s.

Eric,

Reading your post this morning was like looking in the mirror. Substitute the phrase “insurance and financial services” for “law” and your rant could easily have been written by me. I too have pondered the higher degrees. Unfortunately for me, I’m two years older than you though I don’t know if that really matters.

Just a few years ago, I spoke with the dean of history at a local well-known university about my desire for a career change and my love of history. What he told me then was not encouraging. According to him, given my need to work full time, thus going to school part-time, it would be at least 6 – 9 years before I could get my masters and doctorate. He then stated that though no one would ever admit it, I would probably become the victim of age discrimination at that point. He also mentioned that after English professors, history professors, as a group, are the oldest instructors in the land. They simply never retire, so there’s just not a lot of demand. Because of that, you now have history teachers with Ph. D’s teaching at all levels and not just the university level. As a final shot, he told me that white male, American history is very passé right now and that all up and coming wannabe’s must focus on some other area, i.e., women’s, ethnic, or Islamic studies.

So what to do? It’s all quite confusing, yet we both know that something’s gotta give.

Thankfully, my wife is extremely supportive. In a lighter moment, she’ll come up with her obvious answer. Just set aside the non-fiction and write the next “Killer Angels” or “Cold Mountain!” 🙂 Now why didn’t I think of that?

Paul

Eric,
Some advice from a guy who should have listened to himself 45++ years ago. Do what you damn well want to do! If that means getting advance degrees, go for it. Who knows, with your great interest in and knowledge of the CW, and your obvious enthusiasm and energy, you could be the next generation’s Ed Bearss!!!

Eric,

Too coincidental. I’ve been doing this for abot the same amount of time you’ve been lawyering. In three weeks, I’m starting my MBA – and with a bit of luck, five years or so from now I’ll be more “Professor Trostle” and a lot less what I am now.

Regards,

Phil

Eric,

Please, please, please not this week. 🙂

I’m thinking you understand……