[Dejobism]

I do have an MS in DS/ML, but thanks for the advice.

Now, if I were to look for ML engineering positions after that hiatus, would that change the answer? I already have some experience in that.

(I should have been clearer that I’m not expecting a research scientist job right away, I’d like to upskill and then take a job I’m qualified for, and try the PhD route later.)

[XTXinverseXTY]

That's extremely pertinent information, why didn't you say so?

An MS probably doesn't have that much more of a causal effect on your ability to do good ML work, as opposed to an equivalent amount of diligent self-directed study, which is what I assumed you were considering. But *the hiring market is dumb*, hence my spiel about social signals.

So now I'm less confident about the hiatus. I still don't think it's a good idea, but certainly not as terrible, and I think the HN consensus would be slightly in favor of it.

If you haven't already, consider posting this question to teamblind. Yes it's an incredibly toxic community, but it attracts people ruthlessly interested in maximizing their compensation. HN is biased towards entrepreneurship.

[Dejobism]

I didn’t think to say it because masters are basically undergrad and a requirement for engineer positions in my country (European 3-2-3 year system).

Thanks for the advice! I’ll think hard about whether I really want to do this.