Stay or Go
Hi, I’m seeking advice on if I should proceed with my MPA or drop out. Apologies if this gets long, this is just a huge decision for me. I’m 30, just got my BA and I’m in my first semester of my MPA program. I’m taking student loans out but honestly classes aren’t too expensive so I’d only owe $7K if I were to quit.
Here’s my dilemma: I’ve been working in nonprofits for over 10 years. I have loved it over all these years and even planned to start my own nonprofit (hence joining the MPA program). All 10 of my years in nonprofs I’ve had to work 2 or more jobs to be comfortable, save, hit goals, etc but now, working 2 full-time jobs is a necessity to survive for me. At one job I’m doing caregiving NOC shifts - its really only to keep me afloat, I don’t even put this job on my resume. The other I am an Operations Manager and I oversee a team and have a lot of responsibilities - this one is my career direction. I am 80% sure that I could get an Associate Director level position at this company if one were to open up but I also know having the MPA would make that a 98% chance.
My problem is that I have absolutely no desire to be in this field anymore. I’m completely exhausted and burnt out and have considered quitting with no notice, going on leave and even ☠️ myself (I know, I know). Over the last 3-6 months, I’ve felt really squeezed financially so I started to explore my options. I have always flirted with the idea of starting a business or going into for profits but now I’m definitely set on getting out of non-profits.** So here’s the question: Should I stay in this MPA program just in case it comes in handy or in case I return to nonprofits or should I cut my losses and drop out**?