Source
r/findapath•
adsandy

Should I quit my graduate degree?

Hi, thanks in advance for your advice. I'm currently in my first year of an MS program in Computer Science. I've realized over the past year that I can't stand programming and can't possibly see myself doing it as a career, so I'm trying to figure out where to go from here. I'm a TA right now, so my tuition is waived and I earn a modest stipend. So I'm not taking out any student loans, nor do I have any from my undergraduate degree. I find this job as a TA very fulfilling and really enjoy it. Additionally, I'm committed to my lease through May '19. My question is how to handle this program I'm in. Given that I don't ever plan to work in the computer industry, is it bad to have that MS degree to my name? I'm considering doing another undergraduate program and don't know if that could be problematic. And just in general is it something that seems like it would be worth finishing? Thank you so much in advance for any help you can provide!

Posted May 10, 2018, 9:48 PM UTC

311
TSM_TSM•

I had a similar situation in undergraduate. I was accepted into my school’s nursing program, but after beginning the actual program I realized how much I hated it, and I just liked the idea of a stable career. Anyways, I ended up switching out of the major and I still graduated on time (last week) while switching my major to business.

HOWEVER, since nursing is a very specific major, and computer science is very broad, I think sticking it out could be very beneficial. If you could translate those skills or that degree to something else that just skims the horizons of CS, you may be able to still find a fulfilling career. Plus, since you aren’t paying loans, you are in a fantastic financial situation. I would definitely recommend sticking it out for the last year, and in the meantime, researching what you may want to really do.

Best of luck to you.

4
Mouse0022•

If you don’t want to be in th computer industry, why are you studying computer science?

3
adsandyOP•

A very fair question. I'm not proud to admit it, but solely for the prospect of high earnings. I was able to add the BSCS for one extra year during my undergrad and it seemed like a good idea.

1
GrandMasterAlchemist•

A lot of people find work doing something other than what their degree is in. Often this ends up being general office work. The question is what do you want to do? That will determine if you should get more training.

2
thereisme•

Are you at risk of failing out the program (as in you hate it so much that you think you may not pass?) Or are you doing ok academically?

If you are doing ok, I would stick with it. Since you are not paying for tuition and the degree itself is in a high-potential field with lots of job prospects. Tech/logic/math skills are in demand skills regardless of whether you choose to stay in the computer industry or not.

There is no shame in choosing a major due to its high earning potential. Unless you have family money or are rich, it is always wise to consider income potential and job prospects - lest you end up like lots of liberal arts majors - wasting time and $ just to be unemployed or work at a terrible dead end job.

Now if you really really hate the field and can't stand being in the grad program any longer, I think you should cut your losses and leave. Sublet your apartment for a cheaper price - you may have to pay someone money to take over, but it is better to lose a few hundred dollars than to lose thousands. I am advocating this because you indicated that you already have a degree in CS. It means you can always have something to fall back on (grad school in your situation is not something that you really need to get a job to support yourself).

But I would advise you to step back before jumping right into another undergraduate program. Those 2nd bachelors are not cheap and you are unlikely to get scholarships or free tuition the way you would as a 1st time undergrad or a grad student. You are most likely going to have to shell out your own money to cover all that. Now if money is no object for you, then this doesn't matter.

However, taking some time to analyze whether this new path is really what you want to do is a good idea considering that you have already hated what you have chosen before. Really do your research to make sure that it is something that you will enjoy. If you have not had any job in the computer industry yet (as in you went from undergrad straight into grad school), I think you should give it a shot. Or find a job in the field that is not programming heavy and see if there is another aspect of the field that you can be happy doing as a career. School will always be there if you choose to go back to get a degree in something else. You don't have to rush.

2
adsandyOP•

Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate the advice. I'm doing okay in the program. I definitely plan on taking it slow and not making any quick decisions right now. Just concerned (probably irrationally) that employers would assume I eventually want to go back to CS when I'm almost positive that won't happen.

As for being content, I totally agree with what you're saying. My first UG degree was in Math, which I still adore. I'd like to do something that uses some of those skills and my previous school was weak on sciences and didn't have engineering. So CS it was. So I'll definitely be giving this next life move more thought than I gave that one. Thanks again for your input.

1
thereisme•

Well I think you've made the right choices. Regardless of how your undergrad school was, you chose very marketable majors. This will give you flexibility and something to fall back on.

Seems like you have the background to get a decent job with or without the MS. You have a pretty good deal though with the free tuition for grad school which could make you hesitant to go. It's up to you whether you choose to stay or leave, but I feel that you can take either path and be fine in the job market. Plenty of fields use CS/Math skills, especially under the broad umbrella of "business." Besides, if you are adamant (absolutely 100% sure) that you will go back to get a degree in something else, there is no reason to spend more time in school now only to go back to school again after you are done.

2
sistar_bora•

I think you should stick with it, since you are in a good spot financially. Like the other person said, if you see yourself having no issue passing, then just continue. You might like working more than what you deal with in classes. Have you had any internships?

2
adsandyOP•

Thanks for the reply! I think I'm actually in the opposite position from the one you've described, and I should have put this in my original question. I love learning about computers theoretically and from the POV of mathematical logic. So I, for the most part, really enjoy the coursework. I just find actual computers in the real world to be so frustrating and I barely use my PC except for basic web browsing and email. I see friends and classmates who love tinkering with their computers and seeing what they can do with them and I can't imagine myself ever being like that. This is why I started thinking I'm in the wrong field.

1
sistar_bora•

You could go into teaching if you like the course work? Not everyone goes straight to industry before teaching.

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kiwimag5•

You shared you enjoy being a TA, even though you're not ecstatic about the program you're currently in. Your undergraduate degree is in math. What about going a math route with a graduate degree and teaching in some capacity? You could teach any age that appeals to you. If you enjoy the college scene there's always a need for competent math professors. Just a thought based on what I've read.

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