Vocaboly.com

[Peter]

I know this issue has probably been addressed in other posts here, but
I will just feel better if I make my own that pertains specifically to
me.

I received my B.S. in anthropology in Spring 03 and am planning on
attending on grad school this Fall for forensics and osteology. This
is a field that I've always been fascinated by and have wanted to
pursue a career in ever since high school. I entered undergraduate
school as a biology major thinking I would indeed pursue this
forensics career path, but I switched majors to anthropology and
earned my degree in this field. Since my anthropology education wasn't
biologically-oriented, I consequently thought that a career in
forensics was out of the picture. Also, I really enjoyed cultures and
learning about all the different aspects of them, so I changed gears.
However, upon further research and acceptance into a
forensics/osteology program, I feel as if I am being given a second
chance at my aspirations. I would definitely love to attend grad
school, but financial situations (current and future) are looming over
my head, making an ominous presence. I don't know if I'm just paranoid
or afraid, or perhaps I just have a low self esteem; whatever you call
it, I have an apprehension about grad school, and I can't figure out
what's causing it. I don't know if it's worth going into debt to be
stuck with a job that any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get (i.e. by not
having an M.A., or even a college degree for that matter). I've heard
several stories where people, after earning their Master's, have been
unable to find a good job and have no choice but to work an ordinary
job that not only doesn't pertain to their area of specialization but
pays horribly. That is demoralizing, discouraging, and frightening.
I've been told that my field of interest has a need for people, but
yet it's also quite demanding. An undergrad degree in anthropology
can't get a good job, so grad school is practically necessary if one
is serious in pursuing a career in the field. I want to put my
education to use, but I want to avoid the latent financial problems
that could possibly haunt me for the rest of my life if I don't
succeed.

Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?