Unsure14

Thank you for the thoughtful responses, everyone! It's reassuring to feel like I'm not alone in this, and the encouragement that choosing to go to grad school isn't the end of the world means a lot. @SamIAm- deferring is absolutely still an option- and one that I am taking quite seriously- but I would obviously have to sacrifice any funding I received for this year and re-apply for it next year. While this is not necessarily a deal-breaker for the deferment option, it definitely creates the potential to end up missing out on highly coveted funding that I quite honestly can't pursue grad school without.

Hi everyone. To give some background I decided to apply on a whim to Maxwell at Syracuse for their MPA program and surprisingly got in with funding (half). I have always wanted to go to grad school, but I'm struggling with it now that the opportunity has presented itself. I currently work in the economic development field as the communications assistant at a non-profit that focuses on economic development. I sincerely love my job, however I'm certainly not making a killing (I make less than $50k). With this being said, I have concerns that my background (I have a BA in integrated marketing communications) will stunt my growth potential if I want to stay in the public sector world (ie I will forever be a communications assistant and never will become a Director). Has anyone else has the experience of leaving a job they love to pursue an MPA? And if so was it with it? I'm terrified that I'm going to leave my job only to end up back in the unemployed frenzy to find a new job after graduating. Im also considering proposing an educational leave of absence to my boss, but who knows how well that will go over.. Any thoughts on this are welcome and appreciated. Thanks!