Should I pursue my master's?

[noahmijo]

I'm about to finish my undergrad degree in Management Information Systems from the UofA and I only need to take 3 classes next fall to obtain a second degree in Operations Management.

The girlfriend still has 2 years of school left (she wants to be an elementry school teacher) and since we plan on leaving the wretched city of Tucson as soon as she finishes and we find jobs hopefully in Washington State ect we're gone.

So I figured well since we don't plan on permanently staying in Tucson, if I get a job it won't last long, so I thought why not go for the master's since I have good contacts at the school and since the UofA is ranked #4 in the nation for this field.

So I'm studying the GMAT and so forth, but lately I've been having my doubts. I really really really don't feel like dealing with anymore school. I'm 22 and I have a real urge to go out and start making money instead of forking more over to the college. Although I may not get a job that I know I will keep for good out here I'd stay with them for at least a year or so before moving on and I'd get real experience, plus it'd be nice to start saving for a future home ect and finally be on the road to financial stability.

On the other hand, I know the pitfall of once you leave school odds are you're not coming back, and I fear missing my chance to get a grad degree that is really worth something given the reputation of the school, plus I've already spent over $1000 for GMAT preparation (courses) but I wish someone could just give me a straight answer does it really pay off eventually to have that big bad gra degree even if takes 5 years to see the benefits? or could I achieve the same level of success without having to drop $40k and 2 years of my life not to mention the missed opportunities for building career experience and the $$$ I could be making?

Opinions?

[LuLu550]

1. go for the masters, grasshopper...

the job market sucks now...

[seabeyond]

2. masters is good.

you can do it. it will be well worth it in your job search

[burrowowl]

3. If it enriches your mind

go for it!
If you think you'll make more bucks? Not in this economy.

[classof56]

4. Come on up to the beautiful Pacific Northwest....

...now, noahmijo. IMHO (I have grandchildren almost your age), life is too short to spend in a place you don't really want to be. I have many friends/acquaintances who've gotten their master's, even bachelor's, later on in life, and while they're working full time at that. Many with families, too. You can do anything you put your mind to. Job market may not be that great, but I repeat: Life's short. Set your goals, strive toward them, and enjoy yourself on the journey.

Be well!

classof56 (aka Tired Old Cynic)

[Rick Myers]

7. Amen...

Life is short. Go for what you love!!!

And welcome to DU, class0f56!!!

:toast:

[Sporadicus]

5. Combine the Best of Both Worlds

Get a job with an employer who provides educational assistance as a benefit. Go back to school on YOUR schedule. Take two classes per semester, and you could get your MBA in 2 1/2 years...not an exorbitant amount of time to spend with one company, especially at your age. There must be 100 schools that offer master's degrees via the internet or videotape - particularly in the business field. Help yourself and get educated on someone else's dime B-)

[Sporadicus]

8. Also

the distance learning route gives you the freedom to move wherever you want without missing a thing :bounce:

[Just Me]

6. I love knowledge/education. I believe this is a DU forum post, though.n/t

[CharlesGroce]

9. yes!

I'm about to begin my second semester for an MS in Math and I'll tell you, my family and I live in campus housing, our internet and utilities are free, our cable TV is $5 a month, and my rent is cheap as can be, way cheaper than even the worst. So they take care of you. Also if you're going to get your MS, do it now while everything is still hot in your head. I took a year off and am paying the price by having to relearn even fundamental concepts.

And Acamedia is the last stronghold of liberlism, stay there as long as you can! There is no other safe place for dissidence.