An MBA Doesn't Guarantee More Pay

Questions from Career Track Live, Mary Ellen Slayter's online discussion about issues affecting young workers.

Washington: I have been out of college for about six years. My undergrad degree was in international business/marketing. I always thought I would go back and get my master's but have yet to do so. I am not sure if it is worth it. Will I really make more money with an MBA? I am not sure what I would specialize in or what I really want to do "when I grow up." Should I get an MBA or some other master's degree just to have it, or would it be best to get one in an area I know I want to be in?

A master's does not guarantee you will make more money. Grad school represents an incredible investment of time and money. Unless you're all fired up about studying for the sake of studying, it's best to wait until you have a specific goal in mind that more education will help you reach.

Austin: I recently graduated and am starting a new job in a few weeks. I would like to continue seeing my current counselor, but this would mean not getting to work until 9:30 a.m. once a week. I am fine with staying late or using my sick/vacation time, but I am wondering if I should I tell my boss what's going on. If so, how should I go about this so I don't look unstable or incapable?

I think I would tell my new boss, without dwelling on the details of your particular problem. Or rather, ask about the best solution to help you continue your treatment. If needed, offer to bring a note from your doctor. Unless it's a job that requires someone to be present for a specific range of hours (to cover phones, for example), I suspect they will have you make up the time elsewhere. Take care of this before you start the job.