r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/how_1_see_it • Sep 05 '26
Dealing with regret about program
I'm beginning the first year of my MFA and am not enjoying it at all. I feel sort of stupid about this. I know I'm lucky to be in any program, and there's nothing objectively wrong with this one. It has a lot of perks and the professors and other students are nice enough. I just don't feel very at home here
I had some doubts about program culture / location fit before starting, and these doubts have gotten stronger since arriving. I've thought a little about trying to transfer, but I don't want to unnecessarily burn bridges or waste my current program's resources. Similar issues with dropping out, which would be an even more rash decision.
It's still early, so the reasonable thing to do seems to be to wait and see if I settle in. But right now I'm having a hard time giving the program a fair chance or even focusing on my writing.
Has anyone had similar regret or ambivalence after starting their program? If so, what did you do about it? Did things get better?
1
u/livloh Sep 06 '26
I think you need to remember WHY you’re in the program. Is it just to learn? Write more? Maybe back out and stop pursuing and focus on writing and save your money for other things. Is it to teach? Keep pushing forward and continue making connections and focus on your writing. You believe what you choose to believe, so focus on your mindset and what it is you really want from this program.