NYU M.A. Economics + Job = "Feasible" or "No Life"?

[pt555]

Hi, I was recently accepted into the M.A. in Econ program at NYU. My current plan is to continue working whilst getting the degree as classes (at least most of them) are offered at 6:20pm. I wanted to know if there's anyone out there who's gone through the program w. a job or has intimate knowledge re difficulty, homework, time required per week... I have a good econ background and am immersed in all things economic at work, so I consider myself well-qualified and capable of grasping the material (ie I don't anticipate requiring any extra help, but will need to study / put in good time like most other students). So my question is, is working and pursuing an M.A. simultaneously doable or is it extremely strenuous / arguably insane? Many thanks!

[Zmoney]

Let me preface this response with saying I know no specifics and this is a relatively uninformed opinion on NYU

But having most classes start at 6:20 PM bodes well for you, that such a dual life is common

[criticalthinker]

I'm not familiar with NYU's program but I am currently in a similar situation myself. I'm working full time and going to school full-time for my MA in econ this semester. Personally I think it's way too much. The real problem for me is finding time to do homework/study. I live in southern california so my commute takes up most of my day. I imagine it will be similar for you in New York, depending on the location of your work and NYU. Right now I'm trying to get a job that has less hours or I will start going to school part-time, because it has a negative effect on my grades, and frankly I think it sucks. For example Monday through Thursday, I wake up at 5:00 am and I don't make it home until 10:00pm, and during that time I haven't been able to work/study anything.

But it really is up to you, and what you can handle. I don't like doing this because I don't have much free time. I'd rather not be exhausted by the weekend and not want to go and do anything. How flexible is their program? If you start out going full-time and it's too much, will they let you go part time?

[FilleNouvelle]

I have a friend in the MA at NYU. If he wasn't sleeping so much (out of sheer laziness, not because they're working him so hard) he could totally work a job.

[pt555]

Thanks for the replies. I think in the worst case I can extend the degree(they say I have five years to complete), ie take fewer than four classes per semester. I'd really prefer not to do that though, so if it gets to be too much maybe I'll just leave work next Jan. post-bonus (or post when I would have received a bonus in a normally-functioning economy). "criticalthinker", i hear you - I'm fully aware that I'm in for a tough time, and the degree really isn't critical to what I want to do long-term, though it'll definitely be relevant/helpful. I'm just interested in the subject matter and have a number of friends going back to school so I felt compelled to embrace academia again. My commute won't be too bad and I can generally leave work by 5:30-6:00pm. Anyway, I suppose that's too much monologue, thanks again for the replies!

[Zmoney]

Thanks for the replies. I think in the worst case I can extend the degree(they say I have five years to complete), ie take fewer than four classes per semester. I'd really prefer not to do that though, so if it gets to be too much maybe I'll just leave work next Jan. post-bonus (or post when I would have received a bonus in a normally-functioning economy). "criticalthinker", i hear you - I'm fully aware that I'm in for a tough time, and the degree really isn't critical to what I want to do long-term, though it'll definitely be relevant/helpful. I'm just interested in the subject matter and have a number of friends going back to school so I felt compelled to embrace academia again. My commute won't be too bad and I can generally leave work by 5:30-6:00pm. Anyway, I suppose that's too much monologue, thanks again for the replies!

good luck