Ph.D. in Literature = Trainwreck

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/culturebox/2013/04/there_are_no_academic_jobs_and_getting_a_ph_d_will_make_you_into_a_horrible.single.html

Is it really this bad? I don't know. But this article is strongly recommended reading for anyone who is nearing the end of an undergraduate degree and considering the Ph.D. in literature. There are some success stories. There are some happy endings. But the academic world has not been immune to the pressures of the rotten economy--far from it, I think we're seeing (a) a delayed effect, and therefore (b) an intensified effect. 

Of course, I do note that the writer of this piece chose to work on Kafka's writings... which right away makes me question her long-term planning abilities. (If you haven't read Kafka, take my word: he's a really depressing read.)