Don't ask if graduate school is a waste of time, the key depends on how you use it. After graduating from a bachelor's degree at the age of 22, if you can find a satisfying job directly, then you win. But if you don't feel like you're starting high enough, graduate school is your accelerator.
I myself am an example of a bachelor's degree graduate who mixes in a small business with a small annual salary. After the postgraduate entrance examination, with a 985 master's diploma, the employment opportunities are turned upside down. Resumes are no longer a stone in the sea, and there are many offers.
Don't look at those who say "graduate school is useless", they just see the scenery for a while. Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. You may not see the benefits in the short term, but in the long run, those 2-3 years of graduate experience can give you a blessing in your career until retirement.
But that's not to say that everyone should go to graduate school. If you're on a good career in undergrad, or if you can't even grasp basic math English, then graduate school may not be for you. If you can find a good job after graduating from a bachelor's degree, then go straight to work, and if you really want to study in the future, a part-time master's degree is also an option.
In conclusion, graduate school is not a dead end, nor is it the only way. It's not too late to finish graduate school at the age of 26, finish graduate school at the age of 30, or even find a job you like at the age of 35. The key is to choose the right major, worthy of your time and money.
Don't forget, a good meal is not afraid of being late. After a few years, you can learn not only the knowledge in books, but also the wisdom of life. Don't underestimate those gap years, where the growth you get can be more valuable than sitting in the classroom.
Engineering students who study for graduate school may suddenly double their monthly salary Undergraduate students who work hard in society for a few years may not be able to reach the starting point of master's graduates. In the field of economics and education, graduate school may mean more choices and better jobs.
But if you are very good at undergraduate and your major is also popular, then studying an unreliable master's degree may really be a waste of time. The civil engineering industry is down, and it is better to change careers than to study in graduate school.
So, stop dwelling, look at yourself, look at the market, and make a wise choice. After all, the road of life can only be walked by oneself.