I need a bit of advice regarding a possible return to higher education to get a second master’s degree.

Currently, I hold a BFA and an MFA in photography and $54,000 in student loan debt. I have a stable, steady, easy, but frustrating dead-end job that I have worked for 3 years. I am currently a photo tech/glorified librarian for a private college. My salary is a wistful $40,000 gross. My partner has recently secured a new position that will allow us to move to any major city in the US, meaning if I were to decide to go back to school our relationship would continue.

My current, albeit dead end, career path has brought me into a better financial position (I have no credit card debt, have started an emergency fund, have been investing regularly in a 401K, and a mutual fund). Trust me, I am grateful for all that, but I have realized that I do not want to stick it out as a fine art photographer nor am I able to take my experience and translate it into a more satisfying career.

On a positive note, my current job has given me a better idea of what I want to do – become a digital asset manager/archivist. Unfortunately, this is one career move that absolutely requires a MLIS from an ALA accredited college.

What’s a guy to do? Stick it out and hope that something better comes along? Or take the plunge and take on more loan debt in hopes of a better paying and more satisfying career?

I greatly appreciate the advice... Thank you.
Andrew

How about looking for a job in a similar position at a university with an ALA master's program. Then you can pursue that MLIS at very low cost while continuing to work.

I happen to be very familiar with a library school like you mentioned. The vast majority of students work while getting a masters degree.

If you can afford to quit working and go to school full time then I see nothing at all wrong with that but I think your message suggests that is your only option. It's not. There are also accredited distance programs in your field.

Good luck.

Excellent! Thank you for the reply. I've never been especially fond of distance/online learning as so much of making grad school a successful experience involves networking, getting exposure to faculty and advisors, and just... being there. However, I will definitely keep looking into online programs...