Respect and Achievement

So I'm beginning to notice some significant trends when it comes to perceptions of different degrees. I've been going back and forth lately on whether to pursue an online MBA. Obviously these programs have become ubiquitous as of late and I really wanted some opinion on whether it was worth my time. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a credential.A credential that could help me land some sort of respectable job or actually help me build a real career. So long as I get it from a respectable source (accredited and official), I saw no reason not to. Unfortunately, the friends I asked seemed bent on steering me away from it.


The only problem is much of their negative perception was based on rumor and myth...No one had any hard evidence suggesting the online programs were indeed inferior. However, these same people completed classes at community college level institutions to finish requirements for professional school. How is something like that respected and ok, but if I do an online program, it's somehow less than? It really is a shame though, since the people I'll be getting hired by and working with will likely possess the same kind of mindset. So it doesn't look like I'm going to do the online MBA (unless it's like from Duke or something). I think its so ignorant how these degrees are so misconstrued. My Emory degree cuts me off from more jobs than it puts me on to. I can't get regular jobs because I'm "overqualified" and supervisors think I'll just quit. Jobs that require a degree almost always require an inside connection as well. The only other jobs I could get are in education, perhaps teaching or tutoring...but that's lame and has nothing to do with what I want to do in life. And of course the last option is more schooling....ugh...not happening. I'm beginning to think the latter may be the only route however that provides any real prospects for a career, unless I get real lucky real fast. And even that will require I lie about my record because I'm not going through any more rescinded admissions, ya dig.

This period is challenging me to say the least. So far I've only managed an unpaid internship and a couple of writing gigs with severely low pay. I want to buckle down and focus on making a career I can love, but it doesn't seem practical anymore. It's as if I have to magically create a network. It isn't what you know, it's who you know...and I'm not one for networking unfortunately :/--I'm more of a performance oriented person. I have always believed if you have talent, people will see it, but that's not how it works. You really have to sell yourself to be respected and looked at. A lot of posturing and ass kissing is required to be successful in the real world. School provides a networking structure, but on the outside, it's really just zeal and wit that gets you by.

So with that said, I'm switching up my approach for a little while. I've been going out with a friend of mine to networking events he deems "high society". Of course you all know I despise anything "high" and "society" has been on my shitlist a while, but I will say it was definitely inspiring to see others who were determined to go after their dreams. I'm really just trying to find that motivation and passion though. I lost it at Emory, but I have to get it back somehow....