It’s the beginning of the year and I like to do a quick overview of the past year, what I’ve accomplished, ask myself where I want to go this next year, and set some goals and intentions. I’m torn this year if I should finally go for it and get my masters or if I should instead do some courses or certificate’s and hone my skills for the job I already have. What do you think? Spending money on courses can be expensive, Is it worth it?

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September 2024, I started my MSN. I graduate in April 2026.

The time will pass either way. But this way I prepare myself for any inevitable shifts in the landscape. I'd advise you to think similarly.

I totally get that end-of-year reflection vibe—it’s one of my favorite rituals too. Taking stock of what went well, what didn’t, and then looking ahead feels super grounding. On the masters vs. targeted courses/certificates thing… it’s a tough call, and honestly it really depends on a few key factors about your situation.

My personal take would be If you’re not 100% sure the master’s is required for your dream path, I’d lean toward doing 2–3 high-impact certificates or short programs this year that directly boost your day-to-day skills or fill obvious resume gaps. You’ll see quicker wins (better performance reviews, maybe a raise or new job), save a ton of money, and you can always revisit the master’s idea in a year or two with more clarity (and maybe even employer tuition assistance). You could even treat 2026 as an “experiment year” and knock out a couple certs, track the tangible benefits (salary bump? new opportunities? more confidence?) and then decide on the master’s with way more data.

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