Anyone initially regretted starting a Masters but got through it ok?

[flyingant]

I've just started a masters online after finishing uni more than 15 years ago and I don't know what I was thinking. I've realised I've completely forgotten how to study! I don't even understand what I have to do for my first asignment, which is due next month. I feel like any questions I ask my tutor will make me look really stupid. I've been looking through the uni website to read-up on studying and research tips and all the new rules for referencing and I'm just completely overwhelmed and don't know where to start.

Did anyone else feel like this when they started a masters but then do ok in the end? Any tips for getting through this initial phase of panic please?

[chopc]

Not a masters but I recently started studying a complete different area to my normal profession. It was a very steep learning curve but I soon began to enjoy it.

Don't be afraid of asking questions and lots of them. You will get into the hang of it soon. And make contact with your fellow students. They will also be a huge support to you

[BillMasheen]

Is it even a masters if you DONT spend at least 50% of the time regretting it? 🤣

You will regret starting, you will regret ever having Heard- of the subject, you will weep, rage and hate it at times. This is normal. It is what it makes it so valuable, so worth it.

Push through

If it is any consolation, I finished mine a couple of years ago, within a week (I shit you not) I landed my dream job, and a year later I had another epic promotion. After literally years of career stagnation.

And I use the lessons I learned on that course daily.

[ThedaBara]

I'm nearing the end of mine and have been through the entire range of emotions, from regretting it and feeling like a moron to really enjoying it and feeling really proud of myself. I need to finish in order to take the next step in my career, so giving it up is not an option, but at this point I just want to get it over and done with.
Your peers and tutors are all adults so treat it as any other adult interaction, if you need a bit of support or direction, as for it. I promise nobody will judge you!
Good luck

[flyingant]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and for the words of encouragement. I spoke to some fellow students today and it seems how I'm feeling is common, so that's reassuring . The module I'm starting with is theory based and there is A LOT of reading, so that doesn't help. I think (hope) the other modules will be more practical and relatable. I'm still not sure I"m cut out for this, but I've leave it a little longer before throwing in the towel!