major life decision and hexagram 15 unchanging

[solidaj]

Dear Friends.

I am middle-age and have at times considered a PhD program. Undertaking such a program isn't without it's difficulties and now in my 50s, I wonder if it's worth it. I have a chance to still apply to a program for this fall and have to quickly take tests, apply, get transcripts, etc. At first I was excited, but now I have doubts. Yet, I've always wanted a PhD.

So I sought out the I Ching.

I received hexagram 15, unchanging.

reading several explanations and blogs concerning this hexagram I am unsure what it all means in my current situation.

am i to be modest and not act (as in stay humble and not pursue phd)

or

am i to provide for all in a modest way - which i do, but also could do with a phd (or at least i plan to)

help would be greatly appreciated

namaste

 

[diamanda]

Hi solidaj, what was the question you asked?

 

[solidaj]

Omg!

I asked...

What is I don't apply to the phd program?

 

[Trojina]

Some experiences of 15uc here http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/frie...eriences-with-Unchanging-Castings-Hexagram-15


I think I'd immediately lower the tension around this. For one thing a Phd isn't life changing. It might change your life while you're doing it but I can't think of anyone I know with a Phd whose life changed because of it. Only do a Phd because you are passionately interested in the topic not for any other reason.

15 brings you to earth to look at what is, unlike 16 which soars to heaven to look at what might be.

So be pragmatic. Do you have the time interest and money to do this ?

Although your actual question was 'what if I don't apply ?'. Well 15 says if you don't apply then you don't do it. Simple. Overall I think 15 calls for straight forward thinking.


So this cast isn't telling you to either do it or not do it but use plenty of common sense in making the decision.

am i to be modest and not act (as in stay humble and not pursue phd)

Just because 15 is sometimes called 'modesty' does not mean it's about being humble, it's much more to do with being realistic and grounded. Why do you think doing a Phd is 'life changing ' ? It won't necessarily make you more employable, in fact it may have the opposite effect. But if it is something you always wanted then do it for it's own sake but be clear that's why you're doing it. In a way 15 is saying don't be star struck about this, settle down with it (mountain lower trigram) think slowly and practically about it.

 

[Tim K]

If the question was "What if I don't apply to the phd program?"
then 15 says you won't lose much, you'll just be a humble modest person living on his life.


As Trojina said, when I got my PhD it really didn't change anything, except just a slight bonus to my monthly paycheck. I didn't want it, I just had to get it to evade the obligatory service in the army.

If you do really want it - why not? If there is an opportunity.