Alex--
I think the question you may want to ask yourself isn't so much "Should I quit grad school or not," it's "Am I approaching this decision in the right way?"
First, you're one year away from a Master's degree, which could potentially open up lots of doors for you, and you're certainly able to do yoga and Toastmaster's on a student's schedule (and budget).
Secondly, I've found that good stuff usually comes when I'm working/achieving/succeeding. Even when I've been heading in the "wrong" direction, I've found that action begets action, and it's much easier to collect opportunities while you're in motion. Continuing toward your degree is action and motion. Quitting for a menial job is neither!
Plus, I have to wonder: would you be much happier once back in Calgary?How will you feel during that job interview when you try to explain why you quit school before even starting? As an employer, I'd have to wonder: does this person lack direction? Determination and perseverence? Decisiveness? I imagine you might even start wondering the same things about yourself, too... which, if you did, could put you in a negative mindset at least as bad as the one you seem to be in now.
So, why quit? Why not simply add those things you're looking to do to your current schedule? I got great advice when I graduated college, which was this: forget the next few years. They don't count. Whatever you do, you'll be a rookie. Happy or miserable, you'll get through the first year or two, turn around, and say to yourself, "What was I thinking?!" But here's the catch: fill your time as best you can. As badly as you might feel like you want to start over, like you've made a mistake, DON'T QUIT. Give it your best shot, have fun, laugh at yourself, and get through it. Just keep in mind that you only want to be a rookie once. |