Usually people that come with a question "Should I do this or that" already know what they want to do, they just want some kind of validation of their decision.
What do you think yourself you should do, to get it or pass it?
Do you want people here to talk you into or out of getting an advanced degree?
If you want my opinion, I would say, since you are already working in a serpentarium and handle it somehow, and, it seems, not planning to leave in the nearest future, take an advantage of it. Go for the degree if you think you can do it and while you can do it. You will survive, just as you do now. Then, after a few years, look for a new job and leave your serpentarium.
If you want your opinion, tell me what it is.
Also, if you are not single, take into account the opinion of your spouse/partner. Getting a degree while working full time would take a lot of time and commitment, as you mentioned it yourself, so getting support from your significant other is very important."
I'm single but it's still a tough decision to make. There is also a significant time investment. I'm in my late 20s now. By the time I'm out, I'll be 30. Do I want to sacrifice the rest of my 20s on school? Of course if I do get tied up in a relationship and happen to get married then I could look back and regret the fact that I didn't go for it. Then again, I do NOT see myself being a "code monkey" for the next 40 years. Programming is a pretty isolating and lonely position. While I enjoy some aspects of it (database design, talking to business people, etc) I just don't have the interest in learning new languages and staying on top of things that I used to.
"I'm currently 6 months away from completing a 21 month MBA program. It is TOUGH! I'm 30, married, and have a 3 year old daughter. If you are in a similar situation, you need to have a significant other that is 100% committed to your success. You need to expect an extra 15 hours a week (including class time) at a minimum. Some weeks can easily go in to 20 or 25 hours. There are weeks that I won't see my daughter for 2 or three days! She gets up after I'm gone, and is asleep when I get home. It sucks right now, but the extra effort will be worth it in the end. I don't mean to make it sound so terrible, but this is the reality of it. Just be prepared."
Congratulations. I'm sure the degree will pay off for you and your family.
I don't have a significant other or kids so that isn't a concern at the present time. I've been through the grind before, I spent about 6 years working full time SHIFT WORK and going to school part time (2-3 classes).. but I lived with others. I live alone now. That said, I think I could pull it off. It would definitely keep me busy, that's for sure.
Thanks for your valuable insights.