Leaving a secure job to complete masters. Is it a crazy idea?

[Messywires]

Hi mumsnetters. I'm looking for some advice. I've been in my career for about 7 years now but ive always wanted to side step into something heavily related but it's a seperate discipline. I've found it very difficult to make this move organically as I lack on the job experience of the discipline I want to move into.

Last year I took this into my own hands and got onto a masters degree in my desired discipline. The course is highly regarded and many graduates end up with jobs in the field at the end of the degree. I did this course part time whilst working and it was a huge struggle mentally and on my time. I averaged over 80% though, which was a huge achievement, but was close to a mental breakdown. I'm still recovering now.

Since covid, the sector that I was working in was hard hit, losing 95% of revenue. I left and found a job elsewhere a few months ago and I've no doubt that this was the best decision I could have taken for my financial security at the time.

Since starting the new job, I've found that not only is it not the role I was hoping for, it also involves a lot of unpaid overtime. I have worked in roles before where this was an expectation and managed fine, but this time round, I'm not coping well. I think having had such a difficult and dark time mentally over the last year, I am not willing to compromise my time and MH for my job now. I don't mind the odd day every few weeks, but the new company clearly have a culture of high pressure, long hours. This, coupled with the fact that I am not enjoying the work is leading me to think about quitting. I have also realised that If I was to stay here, finishing my degree over the next year(as was my plan) is just not feasible for me. So I would need to extend it out. This not only delays my career aspirations further but also means that my learning becomes less cohesive as the course is complex, intense and designed with full time students in mind.

I am considering quitting and managing on minimal income from savings and the postgraduate masters student loan and completing my masters. If covid wasn't a thing, then I could do this with confidence, knowing that the loss of earnings and savings would result in me being in the career I want to be in. But, my question is, am I completely mad to be considering this right now? If I went down this route, I would graduate in 10 months and be ready to apply for new roles in my field. I'm a mature student ( 30s), qualified in the wider field and currently highly employable... But I'm afraid that this could change. I've worked throughout my life since 16.even working 28hrs per week during my undergraduate degree. So the prospect of the unknown is scaring me. That said, my gut is telling me that this is the break from work that I need, and the opportunity to immerse myself wholeheartedly in something that I am Interested in and finally make that career move I've been dreaming about. I am lucky enough to be able to consider this financially and spending my savings is a risk I'm willing to take now, but I could only realistically survive on them for 12/13 months max.

Does anyone have any experience/insight or advice please?

Thank you x

[Messywires]

Sorry, have just realised how long that was. Thank you for reading x

[Messywires]

A bit more context on the field at the moment... Its tech related so many company's now hiring for my current and desired role. Possibly more applicants per position but generally, it's an in demand job. I guess that could change in a year though, just can't predict how the economy will fare. Its a job that can be done in any sector.

[user19542358662566]

Is there much scope for agency/temping work in these fields? Could you temp at the end of the course while you look for a permanent position (or temp on/off during the course)?

My first question was going to be whether you can afford to finish the degree full time, and you can. But if it's quite fine how long you can sustain it for, does that mean you will be feeling a lot of extra stress and pressure towards the end of the time period if you're starting to worry about finances as well as meeting the demands of the course?

If your mental health is already a bit ropey I would be factoring in the impact of those stressors too. Only you can weigh that up.

Could you take on a part time position alongside so it's more of a middle ground? Even if it was just a Christmas temp position in a warehouse or something to give you a bit more of a buffer.

Personally, I would struggle to feel "safe" to do what you're proposing (although I would love to for the reasons you've outlined) but I know people who've done it - admittedly without the pandemic. It's really hard to know what on earth things will be like in a year, especially as we are only talking in general terms.

[CoRhona]

I think it's a safe bet the economy is going to be shot to shit. Only you can know his successful you feel things will be for you - with limited savings I would think very long and hard indeed before giving up a secure job.

[nancy75]

Normally I would be saying go for it, think of mental health etc BUT I don’t think we’ve even seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to job losses. I wouldn’t be giving up a job as things are at the moment.

[nancy75]

@Juann00

Think yourself lucky and stop moaning and being pathetic

A response like that says much more about you than it does about the op. Is there really any need?

[Messywires]

Thanks for all your replies 😊.

I totally agree with all your comments, they echo my fears tbh. I know I'm mad to consider this, and it's strange as I've always been hugely risk averse. I can see that my field is doing well at the moment, despite of covid. However, everything could change in a year. I know that if the market is okay next year, I'll regret not doing it but equally, I would regret doing it if it was shot. I've still not come to a decision but I really appreciate your comments. Thank you x.

@Juann00. I don't know what your motive was there. I know I'm lucky to have my job. But I'm not entitled and I'm not a moaner and I am not pathetic. You really have no idea about my life or me, so why you felt the need to post that is beyond me. Particularly when I'd stated about my mental health issues. When I was at my worst, being called pathetic could have pushed me over the edge. Ive seen far worse on here unfortunately, but still, I'll never understand people who can't treat others with kindness.