The 3 or 4 years you've spent at Uni are soon coming to an end. You've spent the Summers hanging out, going on holiday, working at the pub and weren't organised enough to do an internship and didn't turn up the the lectures that told you about those pretty sweet opportunities. It's cool, we've all been in there. I'm still a bit jealous of the girl who got a Disney internship in 2nd year, even though I didn't want to work there.

So what's next? The proverbial protective covers of higher education are about to be ripped off you. Are you ready for the real world? What are you doing with your life? Is staying at university for the sake of it the right decision? Or are you a few years out of uni and questioning whether carrying on your studies actually benefit you and your career? Before you launching into the commitment of studying, put on your headphones, take a walk and think about what you want your life to be like in 5 years.

Let's break it down.

1. What's Your Career Game Plan?

Climbing the Ladder: Some jobs are all about that master's degree. Check if your ideal career is one of them.

Niche Expertise: Eyeing a super-specific job? A master's could be your Willy Wonkin' golden ticket.

2. Personal Growth and Learning

Skill Boost: Do you feel like 1 or 2 extra years could really sharpen your skills? A master's could be a great move.

Switching Lanes: If you're thinking about jumping into a totally new field, a master's could give you the quals you need.‍

3. Money Matters

Cost vs. Gain: It's for certain an investment. Think about the tuition and if the master's would increase your pay in the long run.

Financial Aid and Perks: Keep an eye out for scholarships, or maybe your workplace has a up-skilling programme.

4. Time and Energy

Clocking In: Got the time for this? Full-time programs are a big commitment, and even part-time ones need your hours.

Balancing Act: Juggling work, life, and study? Make sure you've got your schedule sorted.

5. Reading the Room

What's in Demand?: Some industries love a good master's degree. Others? Not so much. Do a bit of digging.

Rubbing Elbows: Master's programs are great for meeting people who can open doors for you.

6. Passion and Pride

Loving the Subject: It's simple. You'll likely enjoy it more if you're into what you're studying.

Academic Ambitions: If you're all about reaching those academic heights, go for it!

7. Life's Other Stuff

What's Going On in Your Life: Got a lot on your plate? Think about how a master's fits into your personal life puzzle.

Flexible Learning: Check out different ways to study. Online, part-time, or a quicker course could do the trick.

Remember, education isn't the only route to success. Throwing yourself into a job is always going to be an amazing learning opportunity. You won't get anywhere if you sit at home worrying about it, sometimes you've got to just try something. It's a tough market out there at the moment, so it's time to start saying 'yes' to things that scare you a bit.