Which way to go Post Grad?

elisebutt65

It's only a theoretical quandary at the ninute as nothing is ever set in stone but I'm wondering what to do after graduating.

I have just applied to do the PGCE - PCE at Wolverhampton with a view to going into lecturing. But..... My dissertation tutor who also works in the research centre at my college has told me that they have 4 places (only 2 filled so far) for Graduate Research Assistant/Apprentices - He's not too sure of the job title and is going to come back to me with full details next week. It's a 2 year position during which time I do research , part time lecturing and also get my Masters and/or PGCE funded(he isn't too sure on whether they fund both or just one)

The full time PGCE at Wolves has a bursary of £9K for business or £6K for tourism(which is what I want to do) with a loan available plus lone parent and childcare grant, and the position at my college has a salary of £12K, so I can claim WTC.

I haven't much information about the post yet but am leaning in that direction, but (big but)there will be a heck of a lot of work involved and I do have the kids to consider - one's still at primary so I have to get him into breakfast club at 7.45 to get to Brum for 9am and conversely have to leave at 4.45 to get him to pick him up for 6pm.

If I can pull it off and get this job though, it would be my dream come true!!! I love researching and also want to teach so badly, but is it going to be worth putting the kids through very long days at school so I can fulfil my ambitions?? Also if I do get my Masters and PCE then there is a local college that teaches Travel and tourism that I can apply for work at - making life a lot easier until they are old enough that I can work longer hours at??

Aaargh - i want it so bad but don't want to let the kids suffer.

spl2nh

I say go for it. Could you ever forgive yourself if you let the opportunity pass by?

melancholly

i'd say go for it - if you get into lecuring in the end then you won't be teaching every day of the week. most lecturers in my corridor have at least one day at home durin the week (they're definitely working hard, but they don't have to clock in and out!).

the only thing to double check is the expected workload for graduate reserach assistants - this can vary a lot - some people do 2 horus a week and some do 30... obviously you want to make sure you can get your masters or pgce done and see your family, so it's worth asking a few current assistants about it!

good luck

Gingernutmeg

Speaking as someone who's had to give up on the idea of postgrad studies because of finances, I have to agree with everyone else and say go for it. Opportunities like this are so rare, it would be such a shame to let it pass by.

lellie

The job.. you will regret it forever if you don't.. your kids will be fine.