By moving directly into a job, Chris might very well satisfy her desires to earn an adequate income, to live close to home, and to have a rewarding career.

If, after a few years, her interest in further study is rekindled, she will likely have gained valuable skills and a realistic perspective on her field. She will have had a break from school, which often proves refreshing. She might also be able to earn a master's degree while working, most likely with her employer's support.

However, after a few years off campus, it could be difficult to leave the job and to regain momentum for a PhD. She would have to shift from receiving a good salary to living on a student scholarship or loan funds. She would have lost touch with some of her academic material in a field that is changing rapidly.

It is important for Chris to consider the eventual shape of her career. An advanced degree will allow her to move up the career ladder and attain higher levels of responsibility and salary.

If she does not want to move, it is sometimes possible to obtain adequate schooling at a smaller institution near one's home. Regional schools often specialize in subfields that are attractive to potential employers and provide an excellent path to an industrial position. A good regional university can often provide the management, organizational, or financial skills needed for advancement.