Is graduating one year early worth the extremely busy work load?

For a different point of view, I do not think it is worth it. I have my PhD in psychology. Graduating early means you have less time to develop your career insterests, which must be very clear to get into a worthwhile grad program. Constantly being in classes means you have less time for relevant internships and conducting research that reflects what you want to study. This will make you a less compelling applicant. Programs that accept applicants without such experiences are more likely concerned with making money than training. Rushing may just delay grad school because you will need to work to be prepared (eg, research assistant) or, depending on the field, do unpaid internships, which certainly won't save you money. This info is particularly true for the STEM fields. So I recommend taking your time, getting great experiences including pleasurable ones, and having "space" for inner reflection and rest at all phases of education.

limitedTo get into a program, you need to "match" with a mentor who can support your goals. To successfully apply to grad school, who need to have experience in your field that makes you programs want to

It will definitely be worth it and you will save money too. If you do decide to go this route you need to manage your workload and stress. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>

Carly - Wow! Powerful question! What is presently true for you? Carrying a 50 lb bag around all year in addition to going to school has got to be exhausting. The bag is the mind set that is fueling your present quandary. My point is that life is a journey not a destination. If your destination becomes more important then your sanity what makes you think it will any different once you complete graduate school and the next destination raises it head and asks for the same "dedication". The destination will change but the bag will still be with you on the trip. Are you making friends, enjoying group activities, exploring new interests, having fun, etc right now? When do you think all those will show up in your life? Meeting (cultural and family) expectations - self and others is the "unknown curse" that stresses many people. Living quiet lives of desperation is also the outcome for many who never drop their bag of "well intentioned motives" (expectations). At some point you come to realize that you are the driver of your own car not a passenger in someone else's car. The foundation of self awareness is owning that you are the cause not the effect (victim) on your life's journey and choosing preferences that work best for you. May you learn to sing your own song free and light as a bird!