It is no secret that graduates with an MFA face an uphill battle when it comes to finding a job. In fact, the United States is considered to be the worst country in the world for paying artists, with Canada, Britain, and Israel all having more favorable employment rates.
If you are an aspiring writer who is considering an MFA, read on. Here is an overview of the reasons why an MFA in Creative Writing from a reputable university might be the right choice for you.
The Short-Lived Career
With the rise of online universities and open-access education, the world of higher learning is becoming more accessible and less bound by traditional limits. This has enabled more and more people to enter the field of creative writing and thereby enjoy the lifetime career that an MFA can offer. While an MFA in Creative Writing from a reputable university can open a lot of doors for you, it also comes with the obvious caveat of having a short-lived career.
The High Costs
An MFA can set you back a large investment of time and money, and the cost of living is already becoming an increasingly significant factor in determining your earning potential. Even with study loans and grants, it would be unwise to underestimate the cost of an MFA in Creative Writing, especially if you want to live the high life. The good news is that while the cost of tuition is high, so is the income that you can generate once you graduate. It is a win-win situation.
The Variety Of Careers Available
Even if you only want to write, you will still be able to choose from a variety of careers such as teaching, editing, or publishing. The only thing you need to decide is what you want to write about. Do you want to write in English or create an original work in your native tongue? With the variety of available courses and the open access to materials, there will always be a niche for you to sink your teeth into.
More Ways To Make A Living
If you decide that an MFA is not for you, you will not be left with absolutely no options. There are always other ways to earn a living, even if it’s just through self-publishing or online teaching. While it might not be the most traditional route, more and more people are finding ways to make a living as a writer.
If you feel that an MFA is the right choice for you, go for it. Just make sure that you are ready to accept that the lifetime of a writer can be a short one.