system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
How do you afford to become an Academic?

Hello!  


This is probably going to sound like a very dumb question, but it's something that's been on my mind. 

I am currently in my undergrad. I recently decided to pursue my dream of going to grad school and I think I eventually want to teach. I know this will involve a Masters degree at least, eventually a PhD. 

I see plenty of professors at my school specializing in humanities topics, being published authors or regular writers, and being very successful in their fields. My question is: how do you afford it?   
I made a lot of mistakes in my early 20s and my family couldn't afford to send me to a four-year university. As an adult I'm supporting myself and slogging through a full time job and school. My living expenses (rent, car loan, insurance, food, etc......) easily exceed $1000. I can't imagine not working, or only working part time, but I don't want to work full time in my graduate studies--I've even heard of schools that won't let you. I kick myself for not being more responsible and putting myself in this financial hole. 

I hope this doesn't sound rude, it really isn't my intention. How did you support yourself through grad school? Should I just give up? 

&#x200B;

Thank you!
gpt
Any PhD program worth going to will fund you - they'll cover your tuition and give you a stipend for TA work or scholarships not tied to a work contract. There's no guarantee that it would get you to a living wage, and many grad students have to supplement their stipend with a side gig, but it's not nearly the same as undergrad, where it's more common to pay out of pocket. A PhD position is a job in and of itself, and you shouldn't go to any program that doesn't recognize that by paying you for your work.