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[Tracy]

Hi:

I am a recent college graduate (class of 2003). After a one year internship abroad and a five-month job search, I landed a job back in the United States at a nonprofit organization. I love the mission of the organization, and feel that I am performing well at my position. However, the commute time (2.5 to 3 hours daily), stress and extensive overtime hours are taking a toll. In addition, I have a fairly low salary and have taken part-time work just to get by.

While I love the staff, the people we serve, and the mission, I am feeling like I am burning out as additional duties not specificed in my intial contract are continuing to pile up. I thought this job would work out, but I feel stressed a great deal of the time. It is however, geeting better with more staff hires and increased organization.  Yet, my passion is in the arts/cultural programming.  I was just offered a dream job at a cultural organization.   It seems like a great fit, it pays more, and less commuting time.... The catch?  I had already planned to graduate school in the meantime (the offer was  abit of a surprise), and if I get in, I plan to go full-time in fall of 2006.....

So, in other words, should I stay or should I go?


Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[Elise]

People -- at least the ones who hang out here -- often go to grad school, in part, to get their dream jobs. Yours has been offered to you without the expensive trip through grad school. Why not take it?

Or, if you were planning to go to grad school purely for the intellectual stimulation (and there's nothing wrong with that), why not enroll part time at an institution near your dream job. I got my master's that way. Although I sacrificed some institutional prestige, I kept my moderately dreamy job until I was in the throes of writing my thesis.