Trending @Accenture; Masters in the US vs. Switching Jobs – Need Advice

YOE: 4 (2 in Frontend Dev, 2 in UX/Product Design) Current Role: Accenture Looking for: Product Design / UX Design Roles

Hey folks, I’m currently stuck at a crossroads and could really use some perspective.

I’ve been trying to transition into UX/Product Design from a frontend dev background. I technically have 2 years of YOE in UX, but I haven’t been able to work on solid, real-world design projects. My team at Accenture barely gets design-focused work, so I often end up getting pushed into random support roles—mostly Excel-based tasks just so it doesn't look like I’m on the bench. It's frustrating and honestly demotivating.

My current monthly takeaway is a little less than 45k, which feels too low for my experience and skillset. I’m grateful to be employed, but I’m not growing in the direction I want.

I recently got admitted to UT Austin for Fall ‘25. UTA is known to be a really good uni and a little easy on the pockets as their RA/TA postions are known to waive off full/partial tuition for the semester. I know the job market isn’t great globally, and going for a master’s is a huge financial and life decision. But I’m also tired of being stuck.

I’m weighing two options:

1. Try switching jobs now and hope to land something in UX/Product Design

2. Go for the master’s and try to fully pivot into UX in the US (and other places, I'll be applying everywhere lol) , hopefully the market has course corrected or atleast become a little better than now

Would love to hear from anyone who’s been in a similar spot. Is it worth holding out for a better role here, or should I go all-in on the master's?