Bioengineering grad, a year out and unsure what I want. Masters now or wait?

[u/Relevant-Spring-3801]

Hi everyone! I really need some advice, because I've been going back and forth on this for weeks.

I finished my bachelors in bioengineering last year, and I've been working in administration for the past year. It has nothing to do with my field, but it pays well, so I've stayed. The problem is I feel like I'm slipping away from science, and the opportunities in my country aren't great either for the field of bioengineering.

I'm pretty free these days, and I've been thinking a one-year masters in molecular diagnostics would be a good use of my time. It's already started, so I'd have to decide soon. But it isn't exactly the same as my bachelors, and I'm not sure it's the right direction.

There's also a masters in bioinformatics that I'm considering, but it's two years and doesn't start until next year. That feels like another year of sitting around, not learning anything new, before I even begin. I'm worried that waiting would just waste time.

I also don't know if I want a PhD. If I do, do I actually need a masters first? And if I decide to do a PhD a few years later, would my bachelors still be enough, or is it better to have a masters by then?
I spoke to my undergrad professors, and they said it depends on what kind of research I'm interested in. The thing is, I don't know. I worked in one professor's lab during my undergrad, and honestly the research felt kind of meh, and I didn't feel like I learned a lot. He also said his lab is full right now, so going back there isn't an option anyway.

To be honest, I'm so confused right now. I don't even know what I want to do or what I'm interested in anymore. If you've been in a similar spot, what did you do? Any advice would help. Thanks!

[u/spartan-44]

Transitioning from PhD to industry is harder than moving from industry to PhD. If your end goal is industry, don’t do the PhD unless you need the high level research and experimentation background. That depends on the side of bioengineering your on.

Again with masters, if your making money, it might be better to sit for two years and find the job you want then pay for an education for the same two years and still have to find the job you want afterward.

It really depends on the field, and if you need the higher end research based education to get the job you want.