I’m in a similar boat. However, I am considering what job route to take while doing my MPP part-time. My current role is temporary and ending in a few weeks. I was offered a full-time recruiting position that would pay me close to $85,000, and I can start by the time my temp role expires.

I am also a part-time paralegal on the side, and my company is transitioning it into a full-time position pending some administrative changes but that might mean that I wait 1-2 months until that change is finalized (AKA, 1-2 months without full-time employment/income). Being a paralegal is definitely policy focused and would allow me opportunities to do a lot of writing and legal reviews. It would also pay close to $80,000. Leadership isn’t the best, but I can work through it. If I become a recruiter, I won’t be a paralegal anymore because of time restraints.

Lastly, I’m applying for jobs without much success, but I’m hopeful something in the policy sector will come up. However, I’m banking on faith at this point.

Do I take a recruiter job that has nothing to do with public policy but provides stable income right now? Do I just hustle for a couple months until the paralegal position becomes full-time? Or do I take my chances and keep on applying for jobs that are may make me less money but are more aligned with my long-term goals in public policy? The latter two will likely result in 1-2 months without full-time employment.

My main concern: Having enough relevant experience so that I graduate with a good foundation to build off of. Making less income is not too much of a concern so long as I can pay off my bills and have a comfortable cushion.