Dear Roxane, my primary question is around MFA programs and working towards being in academia: To do or not to do?
Here is some context: I am in my mid-30’s and have spent the past 10+ years building a successful corporate career in tech. I am good at my job and respected, and generally I like it (and the benefits that come with it). My current job is fully remote, and I work less than 40 hours per week most weeks. But I do not feel a deep passion for what I do on a daily basis. About five years ago I started writing a book. In the past year I’ve sold the book, gotten an agent, and am on my way to a first draft of a second novel. In many ways, I have achieved the success that most who set out to get an MFA desire. But I have not ever studied writing in the way an MFA program forces you to do. I’m also considering what it might be like to pivot my life to one that that is fully centered in writing: teaching writing, writing books, etc. However, I have a few friends who have PhDs and the general vibe I get is that academia is a miserable place to be. Is the education one could get at an MFA program worth it for someone who is already writing and selling books? (I think often about Brandon Taylor’s piece on Sally Rooney’s latest book, he said he can tell when a writer hasn’t gone through an MFA program when he reads their work.) And secondarily: Would you recommend against anyone trying to make a career in academia?
—Education Matters
