Currently pursuing a master in Computer Science. Every time these kinds of questions come up people ask "Is it worth it?". I cannot answer for anyone other tha

Currently pursuing a master in Computer Science. Every time these kinds of questions come up people ask "Is it worth it?". I cannot answer for anyone other than myself, but I see it as years I can spend exploring different fun and interesting things. For example I've had courses in artificial intelligence, compiler construction, statistics, number theory, algorithms and graph theory. Most of the things I've studied during my time at the university I would probably never had met if I did not attend university. Sure there is Coursera and all information is already out there, for free, but I'm absolutely sure I would never spend the effort and energy if it all was by myself. Studying is very much what you make it. One of the biggest advantages is actually to have five years where I can just do things on my free time, without any real obligations other than passing a few courses. I can read courses on coursera, I can read a lot and I've started Taekwon-do which is awesome. And I can play games and do a bunch of other stuff and it's all okay. Additionally, it's not like 5 years is a long time anyways. Many are rushing out to work and to get the money rolling, but maybe I'm different. I don't really think money is the one thing to strive for - as long as I have enough to live and do things I like - why need more? I will realistically work 40+ years of my life anyway, I feel no need to rush. Studying is absolutely not for everyone, but often here on hacker news I feel the benefits are being shrugged of a bit too lightly. And I haven't even mentioned the probable benefits an actual degree might have in your career.