25 When I Finish My Masters: Finances vs Career

I graduated this year with a degree in the life sciences, including a year in industry. At the time, I knew I did not want to go straight into a master’s degree — partly because I was not ready to dive into a 10,000-word dissertation immediately, and partly because I could not afford it.

Now that I have had time to reflect and research, I have found a master’s programme that feels like the perfect fit. It includes a guaranteed 12‑month paid placement and would put me in a strong position for high‑paying opportunities afterwards.

My hesitation comes from the fact that by the time I graduate, I will be 25. I know that I am still young, but I feel like I would be “losing years” where I could have been saving. Coming from a single‑parent, working‑class background, financial security is very important to me. I do not have unrealistic expectations of becoming a millionaire in my twenties, but I worry that I will fall behind financially and miss out on enjoying my twenties because I will be focused on studying, then working and saving.

I realise I am overthinking, especially since I am only 22, but I think what I am really looking for is reassurance about pursuing this and any perspectives about this.

The professional world does not operate on 'a year behind' or 'a year in advance', that's an entirely 'in education' perspective. If you feel confident you are giving yourself the best professional foundation, then being 25 when you graduate is nothing. Your retirement age is likely to be more or less 70, all you are doing is spending an extra year or two building a stronger foundation for 45 years of work. Sounds like a very reasonable return on investing in yourself. Finding a masters with a paid placement is also a massive bonus, they are rare, but if it's in the area you are looking for, then an invaluable experience and start to a career.
All in all, it sounds like a very strong plan, so back yourself.

I graduated this year with a degree in the life sciences, including a year in industry. At the time, I knew I did not want to go straight into a master’s degree — partly because I was not ready to dive into a 10,000-word dissertation immediately, and partly because I could not afford it.
Now that I have had time to reflect and research, I have found a master’s programme that feels like the perfect fit. It includes a guaranteed 12‑month paid placement and would put me in a strong position for high‑paying opportunities afterwards.
My hesitation comes from the fact that by the time I graduate, I will be 25. I know that I am still young, but I feel like I would be “losing years” where I could have been saving. Coming from a single‑parent, working‑class background, financial security is very important to me. I do not have unrealistic expectations of becoming a millionaire in my twenties, but I worry that I will fall behind financially and miss out on enjoying my twenties because I will be focused on studying, then working and saving.
I realise I am overthinking, especially since I am only 22, but I think what I am really looking for is reassurance about pursuing this and any perspectives about this.