Should I go to Duke MS

[BunnyShen]

I'm currently working in Asia as an actuary. I've been working for almost 8 years. Salary is ok. Life is boring. And in the recent 2-3 years I've been trying to figure out what kind of work I like. So I decided that I do like statistics and programming, and I want to go back to school. So I started applications last year and got admitted to Duke. 

I've accepted the offer to Duke master of sta program but now many of friends and family are advising me against this decision. The program is quite expensive and I'll need to quit my job to study there. They generally think it's not worthwhile to give up what I have now for a master degree which I don't even know what it'll lead me to. Originally my plan was to explore possibilities in academic. If I decide I do want to pursue that route, maybe will try apply for PhD. Otherwise I might want to work there for 1-2 years then come back to my home country.... 

I need to add that... I'm living with my boyfriend and we've been tgt for 10 years... Going for a master degree also means we need to cope with long distance and he's strongly against that.

While I know this is a quite personal decision, I do want to know what are others' opinions....