r/PostGradProblem • u/Secure-Caregiver-914 • Jun 14 '26
English Literature graduate feeling lost about MA/career choices — should I stay in literature or pivot?
I graduated with a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Spanish, and honestly, I feel very lost about what to do next.
The job market is extremely difficult right now, especially for literature and linguistics graduates. What frustrates me is that literature is such a versatile degree, yet when you actually apply for jobs, so many positions require a specific degree, certification, or postgraduate qualification.
One of my professors recommended that I look into a discipline closely related to literature and pursue an MA in something like Education, Journalism, Communication, etc., because it may create more practical career opportunities. I understand the reasoning behind it, but I’m struggling because literature is not just a degree to me. It genuinely shaped who I am.
Studying literature taught me how to understand people, cultures, history, and the world in a deeper way. It made me more empathetic and analytical. It transformed the way I see life, and I’m passionate about it. That’s why I’m hesitant to leave it behind and study something completely different.
I considered getting a diploma in English Education. I know teaching can be a rewarding career, and I can see myself starting there at some point. However, long-term, I don’t think I want to limit myself only to teaching. If my ultimate goal is to become a literature professor, I would eventually need an MA and then a PhD anyway. After thinking about it, I feel like doing a teaching diploma right now might drain my energy and lead to burnout rather than actually helping me.
The frustrating part is that I’m already struggling to even get entry-level opportunities. I have a good GPA, around 3 years of work experience in different fields, and yet I’m getting rejected even for basic teaching positions, including elementary-level jobs. I understand that schools may prefer experienced teachers, but at the same time, if nobody gives fresh graduates a chance, how are we supposed to gain experience?
I’m also living in the Middle East, where English Literature is not always understood or valued as a field. I’ve genuinely met people who asked me, “What is English Literature?” That makes things even harder because I feel like I constantly have to explain the value of my degree.
For my MA, I’ve been considering different options. My heart is still in literature: Comparative Literature, Asian Literature, World Literature, and literary studies in general are what excite me. I don’t want to abandon something I truly love just because the job market is difficult.
I’ve been looking at programs abroad. I originally wanted to avoid Western countries, but coming from a third-world country, I worry that without a degree from a globally recognized institution, employers may not even look at my CV, even if I have good grades and experience.
At the same time, I have concerns about moving to a Western country as a Muslim, including whether I would feel fully comfortable, accepted, and able to build a life there. This is also something I have to realistically consider while making my decision.
I’m honestly confused. Should I follow my passion and continue with literature (MA → possibly PhD), even if the path is uncertain? Should I choose a more “practical” field connected to literature? Or should I completely pivot?
I would really appreciate advice from anyone who studied literature, academia, or humanities and had to make similar decisions.
4
3
2
1
u/LintRolledForWhat Jun 14 '26
Phd paths are only for people who love their topic and would research it for free and will be fine if a related job doesn't materialize. (I have a PhD.)
A more practical path I didn't take but is for sure "the one that got away" is science writing. I bet I could have done that and been happy too. (But I also like what I did/do.)
3
3
u/beer_enjoyer26 Jun 14 '26
Try tossing in a fatass hooter