Ask HN: How to convince parents that half-hearted MS is worthless?

That’s a lot more topics than your title indicated. I guess in reverse order: to hell with age gap critics; you never mentioned wanting kids so idk why you’re worried about the when; if you don’t have a partner in mind then why bother thinking about marriage; if you know what your dreams are for future education then pursue those dreams, not the ones your parents outlined for you, and remember that trying to imagine the practicality of your possible futures is a dream-killing trap. If you want to kill a dream, then by all means do it, but be honest with yourself about what you are doing.

If it’s any consolation, I’m 36, researching masters programs and my partner just started taking prenatal vitamins in preparation for trying to have kids. You’re worrying about fitting in all the things people nine years your senior still think are realistic to accomplish in their own time.

Being 27 makes you an adult

Having a CS bachelors makes you employable

Being an adult with a job means you don’t have to listen to your parents, you can do what you want