On Thursday 18 June, Elizabeth Hanson wrote:

>I am finishing up my MA degree at GWU and have
>been volunteering for a year.  While this is a wonderful experience, I >too CANNOT devote any further time to free labor.  Why?  Because my    >wonderful education put me $24,000 in debt!  Come December my loans    >come due. Loan companies could care less if I have decided to devote   >myself to a wonderful career.  They just want their money!.....
>
>Am I nuts?  Can any one relate to what I have mentioned?

In responce I say you are not nuts and I can totally relate.

I have a MA in Museum Studies from Leicester University and have spent
the last 2 years seaching for a paying museum job.  In the mean time I
have volunteered and also accepted several short term consulting
contracts, to pay my $300.00 per month student loan bills.  I am able to
do this because of the generous support of my Mother who has allowed me
to move back home and live rent free.  Living at home, however, has
meant that I can only work/ volunteer locally thus limitng my
prospects.

While I understand the value of hiring an individual with "expirence",
and I understand the necessity of "paying my dues" in order to "get my
foot in the door" it often seems that obtaining an entry level position
is not truely feasible if you have paid for your education.
Nevertheless I am not yet willing to give up, and would like to wish all
the other recent grads in a similar position good luck, if I can't get a
job perhaps you can.

Caro Henderson