No Grad School for Me

A while ago, I wrote about my fear of being laid off. I've talked to a few people at work about this, and they all think I'm insane. Regardless, I still have the fear in the back of my mind, and (goal alert!) I plan to overhaul my resume by the end of the month just in case.

Because I'm a chronic worrier, I've spent a significant amount of time thinking about what I'd do if If I did lose my job. Like many people in this situation, I briefly thought about going to graduate school. However, I refuse to take any more standardized tests because I strongly believe the assessment industry is a total racket that doesn't prove anything about a person's intelligence and ability, so I can't apply to any program that requires a GRE score. Besides that, I have no idea what I would want to do with my life (other than travel around the world learning different languages and seeing new places, which I'm pretty sure isn't a job so much as a hobby for the independently wealthy). And I definitely do NOT want to take on anymore student loan debt, so grad school is out. After reading this list of reasons why you shouldn't try to dodge a recession with grad school, I feel validated in my decision. I'm not saying that grad school isn't a good choice for people with a definite career in mind that requires an advanced degree, but it definitely isn't for me at the moment.

Job Security: Unknown

Earlier this week, we received an email from corporate letting us know that due to the global economic crisis, the company would be taking some drastic measures. They're freezing hiring through at least the first half of 2009, and only the lowliest underpaid staff will be given a raise this year (this includes me, of course). Although they claim layoffs aren't imminent, I can't help but be worried that I'm going to lose my job. There have been massive layoffs at other publishing companies all week, and those laid off usually fall under the editorial umbrella (like my job). This seems ridiculous to me, since editorial is essential in getting books made. I don't know how the company can operate with fewer people and still make quality products. We're already getting by with fewer people than we probably need.

My division of the company is very profitable, even now, so I probably shouldn't be as worried as I am. But I can't help it; I'm a worrier by nature, and I have no idea what I would do if I did get laid off. Publishing as an industry is shrinking, and with a degree in communications media, my opportunities for employment are rapidly disappearing. What do you do when your degree becomes obsolete?