Is it worth it?

THE PRO-CON LIST

For doing a part-time MA.

Pros:

• I love to study, and I get a lot out of the learning experience.
• I am pursuing an academic career.
• I am doing well in both aspects of my life; at work and at University
• I enjoy the work, and feel as though I am developing myself.
  

Cons:

• I have no time, and very little social life.
  
• I haven't been to salsa in months.
• The house is a total mess and will always be like this.
• I don't have enough time to support James.
  
• I have very little money.
  
• My family are having to pay for me to get through this degree.
  
• Academic life grows more terrifying and impossible by the day. Whilst I found my undergraduate contemporaries to be fashionable at best, the people around me now are bright and wonderful. I continue to wonder whether my academic interests have any merit whatsoever.
  

The cons probably would outweigh the pros if it weren't for my selfishness. If I was to quit the studying I would have more time for James, more money to support us both and more time for a social life. But I wouldn't be as happy in myself and I don't think I would be as satisfied throughout life if I didn't continue to give this a go. I would regret it. This is short-term. Two years feels like forever right now, but it will pass.

I need to write more about what it is like working in a kitchen. To talk about filling and emptying the cold counter, to explain about the red hot stove which burns me if I simply look at it. I need to explain the thrill of service, of a million things to do at once, and only rigorous and continual quickness will get them done.

Alas there is no time.