To do a Masters?

[KarateSchnitzel]

I've been thinking about doing my masters for a while now and I just can't seem to take the plunge.

I'm in a decent paid job that I really love linked to my degree. The masters is also linked to my work. The masters is something I'm very interested in and I know that I'll enjoy it. The only thing putting me off is the debt. I'm paying a decent sum off each month to pay back my student finance and I'm reluctant to add to that. I appreciate monthly figures are capped but I'm reluctant to extend the time paying it back.

In my work there's a glass ceiling so there are limited options to earn more money. I do wonder if doing my masters will open new doors for me, maybe through networking or looking into different areas of work. The thought of studying in this area again really excites me. I plan to do it part time and should be able to fit it in around work. No young children anymore so I have the spare time. I have at least another 20+ years of working ahead of me.

Would it be crazy to just go for it without a long term plan work wise? Time isn't an issue and I really miss studying. I worry it will be a waste of money.

Anyone been in a similar position? Did you complete a masters without a long term plan? How did it work out for you?

Does it have to be a masters? There are some good professional qualifications around, quite challenging, at levels 6 and 7. They usually cost around the £3-4K mark for the whole course.

I think consider what you want to learn and how you like to learn, and look in relation to that.

Thanks for your response!

I would prefer the masters. Its a very specific area linked to my job and it's what I'm interested in. I don't think there are any other courses in this area (although I'm going to have a look to check). My employer do support apprenticeships but none of the courses are anything that I'm interested in. I think I have my heart set on this masters if I'm going to go back to studying.

Thank you - when I consider these points i get excited about the topic. I also have fond memories of researching and essay writing. I just worry it will be waste of money if I don't use it to further my career.

Nobody can answer that for you. Especially without knowledge of the industry. You could talk to others in your industry for an opinion, including those outside your organisation.

I suppose it's a case of what is it worth to you? Also you could think about whether there are other ways to learn eg project or research at work within your job. Some jobs offer this flexibility:at least, not offer, but it can sometimes be created or wiggled in (often in areas where you see your next job move😉

Thanks, I appreciate its difficult for others to comment when I haven't specified my industry. Its a bit niche so could be outing. I was hoping others might come along and give me positive (or negative) stories about their experiences generally in doing a masters.

Talking to others in the organisation might be helpful, something to consider.

Is there any possibility your work would contribute to the cost? I'm doing a masters and have been lucky that my employer has funded it as its work related, although won't necessarily lead directly to a higher position, it just helps with knowledge/skills for my current role and might vaguely expand my options in future. I am really enjoying it, but couldn't have justified the cost if I'd had to pay myself, because of the uncertainty whether it would help long term and our current financial position.

I would say I've found it really beneficial for my mental health, strangely - I was starting to stagnate a bit at work and there were no other developmental opportunities on the horizon, so it's been really good to have something challenging to get my teeth into!

My former employer has a tuition assistance programme - they have to agree to your course, which needs to be work-related, but you can reclaim when you pass - which makes it more affordable on a modular course as you can claim back after each passed module. Of course, if your employer has such a scheme, it could have different rules, so you'd need to check.

Also, if you can do the course part time, great, as you can stay in employment, but you won't have much free time left at all, which may or may not be much of a consideration e.g. if you have children.

Thanks everyone!

Unfortunately getting funding through my employer is not an option. It's good to hear the positive effect on mental health. I think this is something that would apply for me too as having something to challenge and occupy my mind always helps with my anxiety.

Got plenty of time to think this over so definitely have some food for thought.

Hi,

i’ve just completed my MA in Children’s Literature (so similarly a very niche field!) …
like you, I wasn’t sure exactly what it would add to me professionally, i’m already a Primary teacher/been head of Literacy for some time etc and I too am still paying back undergraduate loan…

In the end I took the plunge and had the graduate loan based on the fact that I had wanted to do the MA for about 6 years. Now I’ve finished it, there are definitely avenues it’s opened to me specific to my field and it has given me more confidence and knowledge

In my work there's a glass ceiling so there are limited options to earn more money.

Unfortunately getting funding through my employer is not an option.

I have at least another 20+ years of working ahead of me.

Surely these things put together speak for themselves, @KarateSchnitzel?

There’s nowhere to progress to in your current role. Your employers aren’t interested in helping you progress your career. But if you don’t do something to help yourself you might be stuck there for another 20 years? Or possibly made redundant with no fresh qualification to make you attractive to another employer.

There couldn’t be a stronger case for taking control of your future, and arming yourself against obsolescence. It’s pretty clear that the (right) Masters course should launch you into the next level of your career.

The great thing about doing this in middle age is that you get to learn what the new pre-occupations and priorities are on your industry. And if there are professional practitioners amongst your tutors they can (if you’re lucky) open doors to - whatever. And you’ll learn from your fellow students. And emerge with a shiny new qualification that will mean you can wave your current employers goodbye.

Definitely do it.