In our discussion about the value of a master’s degree, we received hundreds of comments from readers who spent time and money pursuing a graduate degree. Many said earning an advanced degree was a wasted effort that did not enhance their skills or make them more attractive to employers. Others, though, said the point of getting a master’s degree was to pursue an intellectual interest, not pad a resumé. Here are excerpts from their comments.

We’re Getting Nowhere

All you have to do is check Facebook statuses to know what a master’s degree is worth. I just received a Master’s in Higher Education in early May. It is now July, and despite applying for upwards of 50-100 positions, no one is calling back. The market is flooded with master’s degree holders hammering for a job at the same time thousands of higher education professionals have been laid off (and likewise are now fighting to land a position). While I believe my master’s education was excellent, it is very sad to see so many of us getting nowhere with it so far.

Whether it’s getting deeper into debt by piling up massive credit card debts, moving back in with the parents, or simply praying a job will coming calling, we’re all fairly scared. Even when we apply for temporary employment at places like Target we are turned away for being over qualified. Clearly it seems we are both over-qualified and under-qualified for the jobs we desperately need. In layman’s terms we are in a pickle.

— RTChttp://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/04/my-ma-a-source-of-pride-and-regret/