did i do the right thing in paying for a course

notes

Just paid first half of payment towards towards course (£350). Will have a further 300 in december. This is a course which may help me get better employed and progress further in my field.
There is I would say a 80 percent chance of company refunding me in April when i pass. I havent asked them yet, as they do things the other way with study - they refund you on passing.

I did well last month paying off my debts ( about 1200 paid off) BUT i am still feeling bad about this. Other than this im doing everything DFW style, and food is still only coming in at 12 per week etc.

Should i have paid off my debts with the money instead ?
As im feeling awful now !

Queue encouragement posts.......

leni

no, if it's something you want to do and will better your potential earnings in the long run then go for it! I've just paid £205 for my course which I will not be getting back because it's not work related but it's a career I'd like to move in to when we are financially sound and theirs another 2 years after this one so over 4 years I'll have spent £800 on course fee's without tye materials (£200 over 4 years estimated) plus whatever else I buy to practice with at home!

notes

Thanks Leni. Wish you all the best with your studies.

Just struggling to convince myself.

I suppose it will stop me going out Spending money, whilst im sat at home studying.

Also as first exam is in April so i should see a benefit straight away as ill have completed the first course and have certificate which on its own will look favourable in my industry. Then the work really gets hard as then its a 2 year course !!!!
And its all correspondance course but with tutor support.

yung

it is an investment to better yourself so you should not be feeling awful about it.

HazelEyes_3

You can become debt free not only by not spending but also by increasing your income (or preferably both). It seems to me that you are being very sensible in making this investment in your future as if you get a better job with a higher salary you will be able to pay off your debts more quickly and have a better standard of living afterwards.

Good luck with claiming it back from your employer

Murtle

Spend money to make money springs to mind! At least it wasn't a hoiday or other large treat to make you feel better!! Good luck

Storm

Hi Notes,

I think you were right to pay for the course - professional development is a must nowadays, and if you'd waited until you'd paid off your debts you might not have had the time to study! If your company does refund the fees when you pass too, then it'll be a nice lump to through at your debts then!

To be truly DFW though, just make sure you buy as many books as possible 2nd hand, or get them out the library - I saved about £40 last year doing that!

Good luck with your studies, and when you're home studying you can't spend money!

Storm

researcher

You should be really pleased with yourself. You're investing in your future and this money will pay you back again and again. Just because you're in debt doesn't mean you can't plan and work for a better future. In fact, you have to plan and work for a better future.

So be positive, you're on the right path, working hard and building for the future, so why do you feel guilty?

Well done, and do take pride in your achievements. :T

anniestar

You are doing exactly the right thing. This is an investment in your future. Very best wishes for the course, your studies and your future. IMHO an investment in education is NEVER EVER a waste of money. Just enjoy it and BE VERY PROUD OF YOURSELF.

chriss1979

Well done Notes! Sounds like youre doing a hugely positive thing and itll pay you back many times over when you pass it...

:T :T :T

Im self studying myself at the minute to improve my own career prospects, its hard going, just got to stay focused on the reasons Im doing it!!

nidje

I agree, it's a wise investment in your future and you shouldn't be feeling bad about spending the money to better yourself.
Best of luck with the course and I hope you're employer pays up when you pass !!
N x