Should I take this path?
 

Hi, I wonder whether anyone can give me advice. I'm 26, turning 27 in the Summer and since I left uni 5 years ago, I have had my heart set on studying for a masters in Linguistics. I chose this topic as it was something I studied as part of my English BA and found interesting, plus I thought it would offer more opportunities than just studying straight up English. Since leaving uni, I have worked in a succession of low level level office jobs and am currently working in an admin role for the HR department for a well-known company.

I decided this year I would do my MA and applied and was accepted by several universities, however there was one particular university that has stood out to me and I accepted that one. I liked the look of the university, the town it was in and I was interested in the modules on the course. However, I am now strongly questioning whether this is the right path for me to take. It will be very expensive as I missed out on funding, although I have been saving for this since I left University and my savings will be able to cover it. I am now also doubting the course and whether it is the right one for me. I'm worried that I will find it too difficult and should have opted for something like creative writing instead. Unfortunately I missed out on a opportunity to meet the course tutors as I had laryngitis the day I was due to see them, however they have told me they look forward to having me on the course. My other concern is that I have issues with depression and anxiety (which I have had for several years) and I am worried that I will struggle if I find the course too challenging. I will also have to relocate which is something that excites and frightens me, especially as I have never lived away from home before.

My current job is quite low paid and overworked. As I am the lowest ranked member of the team, I get everything dumped on me. I have struggled with the workload in the past, which has caused my manager to suggest that I consider leaving the role, as it is the nature of the job. However when I have mentioned leaving to my colleagues, they are upset by the idea, saying they could not cope without me. This has made me very feel guilty about leaving. I do feel that an MA could enhance my prospects and help me step away from these kind of roles. However, if I don't get better job roles, then if I end up back in the same kind of role then I could feel bitter and resentful.

I'm really not sure what to do and it's stressing me out. Part of me feels I should seize this opportunity, however the other part of thinks it may end up being a costly mistake. When I try to talk to people about this, I don't really get much feedback. Would anybody be able to offer me any advice to help me make up my mind please?

Presumably you would be able to quit the MA if you do find that it is not right for you?

Do you feel like if you don't at least try the MA you will regret it and always wonder how your life might have been had you taken the opportunity? If so, then I think you need to go for it and see what happens!

Thanks for your reply. Yes I'm pretty sure I would. That is exactly true and I'm beginning to lean in that direction. I think I need to give it a go at least.

Love your signature quotation by the way!

I hope you decide to at least give it a go, I think it sounds like it might make you happier in the long run.

Follow your highest excitement. It sounds like you are but you're holding yourself back because of obstacles which really are challenges that will help you grow. Do what excites you and don't stop to think about what others think. It's your life and your path. Live it truthfully with no fear. Your depression in earlier years will have resulted from your lack of faith in your ability. Depression is devaluation of the self. You make yourself think you're not good enough or that you don't deserve things in life. Well you guess what you do! Don't worry about future events either like moving to a new area. Stay in the here and now and enjoy the ride. Worrying steals your joy and takes you away from the beauty of the present. Remember the power is within you to change your life and do what you want to so don't look for it anywhere else. You were born strong and you'll always stay that way. So enjoy the paths life takes you down and always follow your intuition. If it feels right do it and have a laugh along the way!