Gentlemen,
I've been grappling with this for a few weeks, and thought I would take my dilemma here. Let me break it down.
I worked in TV and radio for 8 years, then worked in higher ed another 8. My job in higher ed is media-related. It's great in terms of benefits and people, but sucks in terms of advancement and salary. I got the job right before the economic crash so it's served me well, but I've mastered it and I can't stand to be there another year. I'm unchallenged. There's a real ceiling above me unless I shell out for a Masters in something I don't want, and anyway, I don't want to move up where I am.
The past few years, I've applied to numerous jobs in production. I've had some interviews and no offers. In a nutshell, time has passed me by while on my current job. I have scores of contacts, but professionally, I've slipped. I have an experience gap.
In the meanwhile, on a whim, I applied to a Masters program in Spain that's in production - including new digital media formats. The cost: $3,000, and six months of my time. I was accepted and it starts in the fall, in a beautiful coastal city.
I speak Spanish, and am an EU citizen, so I can live and work legally there. In fact, it's always been a dream of mine to live in Europe, especially where the weather suits my clothes.
As a plus, I want the challenge of doing a Masters in my field that's taught in a foreign language. I normally wouldn't care about the degree, but I feel I need to hit the reset button on my career, and maybe do something personally challenging and rewarding. Maybe even stay there long-term.
I've also studied up on Spain's economy, and it's finally growing. Not saying it's ideal, but better to get in on the ground floor than a country that's already peaked growth-wise.
The cons are I leave my steady paycheck, friends, family, and girlfriend behind.
More pros: Better weather, more outdoor space, better and safer quality of life. I live in NYC and am tired of winter and crowds. Also I want to see more of Europe, Africa, Asia, etc.
Thoughts?
I've been grappling with this for a few weeks, and thought I would take my dilemma here. Let me break it down.
I worked in TV and radio for 8 years, then worked in higher ed another 8. My job in higher ed is media-related. It's great in terms of benefits and people, but sucks in terms of advancement and salary. I got the job right before the economic crash so it's served me well, but I've mastered it and I can't stand to be there another year. I'm unchallenged. There's a real ceiling above me unless I shell out for a Masters in something I don't want, and anyway, I don't want to move up where I am.
The past few years, I've applied to numerous jobs in production. I've had some interviews and no offers. In a nutshell, time has passed me by while on my current job. I have scores of contacts, but professionally, I've slipped. I have an experience gap.
In the meanwhile, on a whim, I applied to a Masters program in Spain that's in production - including new digital media formats. The cost: $3,000, and six months of my time. I was accepted and it starts in the fall, in a beautiful coastal city.
I speak Spanish, and am an EU citizen, so I can live and work legally there. In fact, it's always been a dream of mine to live in Europe, especially where the weather suits my clothes.
As a plus, I want the challenge of doing a Masters in my field that's taught in a foreign language. I normally wouldn't care about the degree, but I feel I need to hit the reset button on my career, and maybe do something personally challenging and rewarding. Maybe even stay there long-term.
I've also studied up on Spain's economy, and it's finally growing. Not saying it's ideal, but better to get in on the ground floor than a country that's already peaked growth-wise.
The cons are I leave my steady paycheck, friends, family, and girlfriend behind.
More pros: Better weather, more outdoor space, better and safer quality of life. I live in NYC and am tired of winter and crowds. Also I want to see more of Europe, Africa, Asia, etc.
Thoughts?
