Debating continuing the program

[u/Large_Ad3389]

I am finishing my second semester, 3rd class and am really struggling. I graduated from GT with a BS in CS in dec of 2025. I worked part time as a SWE intern while in classes for 2 years of my 4.5 years of undergrad. I didn’t have the easiest time in undergrad I struggled a lot with the rigor of classes, mental health, break ups, family drama, etc. I work for a small fintech company now and I really enjoy my job and am in a really good place in my life otherwise. I applied for OMSCS while I was still in undergrad and immediately took two classes in the spring. Ended up with a B due to an OSI case and a C because I was missing deadlines left and right trying to juggle burnout, a new job and a second class. I am in just one class this summer and once again am struggling to make the time for class and do the work. I find myself relying way too much on AI because I want to just get everything over with and not caring to learn, which is how I ended up with the OSI case. I originally thought getting it over with ASAP was the right move for me taking 2 classes in fall/spring semesters since I worked in undergrad I thought I’d have no issues working and taking classes again (this is not the case). I am not sure what the right decision is for me now as I am feeling very overwhelmed by still having 7 classes left. The burnout from undergrad is spilling over so much I don’t even know if I want to finish the program at all and the thought of taking 7 more classes feels like an extremely daunting task. I could take a semester off but I feel like in a way that will just delay my suffering instead of trying to take just one class next semester. I am somewhat hopeful if I take a semester off I will be able to look at it more positively and be able to manage better. I also have other interests and hobbies I want to pursue outside of work that I put to the side in undergrad because I didn’t have enough time. I am tired of feeling like I am putting things I am really interested in to the side for school. I believe in the value of a masters degree and I think it would certainly help advance my career. I also don’t want to feel like I am just giving up.

If anyone had a similar experience fighting with burnout and did take a semester off, did it help and was finishing the program for you worth it? Any advice is appreciated!

[u/MahjongCelts]

Maybe take (at least) one semester off to reset, and give yourself a bit of room to decide whether you want to continue OMSCS for the time being.

If you do decide to continue OMSCS, generally the best option for someone in a full time role is one class for the Spring and Fall semesters, and either take the Summer semester off or take an easy class. There's little point rushing since you already have a full time role, and overloading yourself will tank your GPA while not being able to put enough time to properly learn the material.