Driving probably does suck, I wouldn't know personally though. Commuting is hard on everyone, if people get to stay home or in the city to get things done, they are surely winning at life someone. Lucky bastards.

I'm trying to get out, as intimidating as the "real world" is I can't imagine being in school for a long time, it's not worth it. Though getting a PhD is at least some kind of goal to reach for. Hopefully she's still doing something somewhat productive. Of course if time wasn't an issue and grades weren't, I'd be happy to stick around and have fun expanding horizons and stuff. Beyond a B.A though, the effort shouldn't outweigh the reward and it's a tough choice some people need to be sure about bothering with.