However, I do wonder if it is truly worth the time and stress that it has brought. I've tried to keep it from interfering with my family, and I feel that I've largely succeeded. But what if I had devoted this same amount of time to writing another book, or even two? Or what if I had spent more time trying to cultivate friendships as I had before I took on this academic workload?
Costs come in many forms other than just money. Meanwhile, I'm not really certain what I will do with my doctorate once I get it other than hang it on my wall. Doesn't getting a doctorate also confer some level of responsibility? What is the point of learning all of the skills that I have learned if I don't put them in some sort of practice?
Granted, I have already taken steps to try and apply what I have learned into my classroom. Unfortunately, I also now have a better understanding of where the gaps in my knowledge are as well. This raises the obligation to fill such gaps, a process which will also have costs in effort and time.
I worry that I have pursued all of my degrees for the sake of having the degrees. Would that time and money have better spent in other pursuits? At least I am fortunate in that my education allows me to do a job that I love. Perhaps that is enough of a reason.