Why a doctorate degree?
Why would a 55-year-old woman nearing the end of her career want to start on yet another degree program? Especially one that is going to take years to complete. Why would anyone want to volunteer for such an undertaking?
For me there were a few reasons. I did it because:
I’m a lifelong learner. My love of learning started early on, and it’s funny what happens when you find something you’re passionate about. You feel like a sponge, and there’s endless amounts of information available to soak up. In fact, I still don’t know what all I don’t know. I have already learned a lot, but I have barely scratched the surface of knowledge to grasp.
I wanted the feeling of accomplishment that comes along with a degree like this. Having felt the high of finishing both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, I can attest to the addictive quality that finishing a program can have. The not knowing whether I would ever be able to find the right doctoral program made me think I might never be able to attain it, so having the opportunity to try feels like such a gift I’m giving myself. It’s the ultimate form of self-care for me.
I would like to be an educator at the college or university level. Once the degree is done, the best way to continue to learn is to teach others. When I train people at work, or share some newfound knowledge, it’s the best feeling to see people have their “aha!” moments. Teaching and educating others is a worthwhile effort that benefits both the teacher and the students. I am thrilled at the prospect of getting the experience to teach after I finish this degree.
I’m passionate about leadership. My philosophy of leadership lends itself to the idea that everyone has access to leadership. We are all self-leaders first and foremost. To quote the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, “no man is free who is not master of himself.” When you can access effective self-leadership that is based on your personal values, strengths, and passions, you can change yourself, your circumstances, and you will have a positive impact on the world around you. Good self-leadership equals the ability to influence others, and when you achieve that ability, you are a more effective leader of others and of organizations. Good self-leadership multiplies itself.
I was a little bit scared of it. Getting a doctorate degree seems daunting. The imposter syndrome immediately kicks in. You ask yourself “Who do you think you are, trying this? What gives you the right to think so highly of your own ambitions and capabilities?” But when you’re a little scared of something, that may be a sign that you’re ready for it. It’s ok to tell those negative voices in your head to go sit in the corner and be quiet, because you have work to do.
These reasons are just some of my ‘why’ regarding this degree program. It’s also helping me transition from one major part of my life to another in a way that makes me feel productive. It’s helping me grow as a leader and as a person. The list goes on and on.