[rossboss]

What would you say to someone who is around that age working full time and halfway through a CS masters (struggling through it)?

[ss2003]

I think a CS masters is very valuable career wise. Totally different than a PhD. Maybe you should consider transferring to another school.

[mkempe]

Most crucially: why are you doing it? Second: what will it add to your life and to your business abilities?

[rossboss]

1: to learn. 2: saying I accomplished it & deeper cs knowledge, not sure if aligns with goals to be in management though.

another note: I can't really afford an MBA without going into substantial debt. My CS masters is completely covered by my company

[mkempe]

Sounds good, if you enjoy it (if not, ask yourself why). Make sure you are proud of your acquired knowledge and related achievements. Worry about management goals as a later pursuit; you don't need MBA to learn management, only to enter select networks.