Some advice please

Jez87

I'm looking for some advice please. I have been working in the same job for three years and on the same wage which is low. It's in the public sector so the wages are low but holidays good etc. To cut a long story short I have been thinking of progressing with my career and fortunately my employer has part funded me to study for a MSc for one day a week,

This is a two year course which I am enjoying, however there is no room for progression in my job and the workload has increased by 25% which has caused people to leave. I have seen several external jobs which I am interested in but feel obliged to wait because I am studying. The job is very monotonous and I am no longer enjoying it. The course is for two years but I really don't know if I can hang in that long in my job. I want to finish my course so any new job would need to allow for that flexibility. Is it unreasonable for me to look elsewhere?

Thanks in advance

Savvy_Sue

has your employer required you to sign an agreement about repayment of the funding if you leave within a certain amount of time?

Jez87

Yes I have, but it says at the discretion of the employer the employee must pay back such and such amount in increments depending on how long you stay after the course. So 75% after six months of finishing the course etc, the thing is my employer has only paid a small portion of it so far so I don't know what to do.

getmore4less

The sensible thing to do is find a job that is in the correct field and will support the learning through time off ideally paid and help with fees

until you find one there is no decision to make.

What about a move in the current organization.

Savvy_Sue

Jez87 wrote: »

Yes I have, but it says at the discretion of the employer the employee must pay back such and such amount in increments depending on how long you stay after the course. So 75% after six months of finishing the course etc, the thing is my employer has only paid a small portion of it so far so I don't know what to do.

Well, if it's a job in the public sector I sincerely hope your employer will enforce that clause. But having said that, personally I think you need to work out when you'd be in a position to make that repayment, and only think of moving within the organisation (as getmoreforless suggests) if you can't repay.

Next option is to look for a job where the qualification would be relevant, when the new employer might be willing to make the repayment (and you could ask for that as part of your package) - I've known recently qualified accountants negotiate that.

The other thing would be to discuss your options for changing your situation with your manager (think about ways the job could be improved especially with reduced staff) and / or HR (possible internal transfer or promotion).

Fireflyaway

2 years is a long time to stay in a job that makes you unhappy. If you can afford it, look for another job that works around the course. Preferably in the right field, but if not, anywhere that allows you the flexibility to continue with the course and bring in money.