I'd really like some perspective on this - job issues!

Parent Cafe
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<p>I’m having a dilemma at the moment, and I’d really to have other people’s opinion on this. </p>

<p>Basically, I began a 1-year MA course in September 08, due to finish Sep 09. I’m love the programme, and am doing well. I’ve been looking around for jobs to apply to after the course, and I applied for one (with a Sep 09 start date) several weeks back. I got called for interview yesterday, where they dropped a bombshell: they’ve changed the dates and want someone to start Jan 09, on a 12-month contract. I was thrown by this, but carried on with the interview regardless, telling them that I could consider deferring my MA if necessary. </p>

<p>Well, I got home and found a message on my voicemail - they’ve offered me the job. I now have no idea what to do - the simple fact is, if I’d known in the beginning that it was a January start, I wouldn’t have applied. On the other hand, it is a fantastic job in the field I want to work in, and it would be great experience. </p>

<p>I called them back and asked if we could discuss reverting to a Sep start date - no way. I asked if I could take the job on a part-time basis - no way.</p>

<p>I’ve had conflicting advice from so many people - my mum says stick with the MA, my dad says try and do both (lol, my dad is the family mediator!), my fiance says take the job. </p>

<p>My gut says to take the job, but I am concerned that if for some reason I can’t defer my MA until after the end of the contract, there will be a massive hole in my CV. I have visions of myself in future interviews:
Interviewer: So what were you doing between June 08 and January 09?
Me: Well, I started an MA and then dropped out.
Interviewer: …ok. [ticks the ‘unreliable quitter’ box on the application]</p>

<p>On the one hand - it is a great job and a great opportunity. On the other hand - I will have to give up the studies I love and possibly quit altogether. </p>

<p>I am trying to arrange a meeting with my advisor today about the possibility of deferring. But in the meantime, if anyone has any advice/views, I would love to hear it! :)</p>

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<p>Where where you? I’d started an MA and then Company X made me an offer I could not refuse. With this start on my programme, I was able to go part time/defer the studies etc.
Interviewer ticks box that says – risk taker, hard worker.</p>

<p>That’s how I’d view it – you just need the right spin. Hope this helps.</p>

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<p>Thanks, that’s really helpful!</p>

<p>I think part of it is fear - this will be my first ‘real’ job (not counting part-time jobs and things), and I think it’s the fact that it came out of nowhere that has me a little shaken up. </p>

<p>I’ve had a chat with my supervisor and he seems happy to support me if I do want to defer, which is great news. </p>

<p>I have until next Monday to decide either way, so I just need to get my head together a bit and stop panicking I think!</p>

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<p>Is your 12 month contract finite or renewable?
If renewable, will the company offer education benefits for part-time advancement on your MA?
Will you lose scholarship funds if you discontinue your degree at this time?
Will you lose your health benefits if you stop your education? Are they renewable when the job ends?</p>

<p>These are the questions I’d have my kids ask.</p>

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<p>I’d take the job and then figure out the options on the MA. Schools will always be there. The availability of work is always uncertain.</p>

<p>As far as answers to interviewees go, you could say that a company made me an offer that I couldn’t turn down.</p>

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<p>The contract is finite - it’s basically a training year which you have to do to get accredited in my particular field. It’s mandatory to do it at some point, but it’s up to the individual to choose when. I was originally planning on doing it after my MA. </p>

<p>In terms of my MA funding I will be absolutely fine - I will actually be in a better position if I take the job, because I will have the salary from it afterwards. Health benefits aren’t a problem either because I have access to the NHS services if I need them, which are free.</p>

<p>Thank you - it’s really helping me to clarify things by asking these questions!</p>

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<p>Thanks BCEagle as well! That’s another consideration.</p>

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<p>Welcome to the real world. At least you weren’t offered a job then kept waiting for the start date (after two years, I’m still waiting for the start date).</p>

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<p>I’d take the job. You sound really excited about it, it is required for your accreditation, and it might lead to permanent employment. You only have 4 months invested in your MA. Even if this job ends up causing you not to complete this particular MA program, it’s no big loss. Just remember to continue learning and growing, whether it is through formal training or through experience.</p>

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<p>Have you spoken to your school? Is there some flexibility? </p>

<p>You know your field best but it seems to me that if this is an accreditation you would need to get at some point, then wouldn’t interviewers understand that this was a timing issue, not a case of “unreliable quitter”? Also, if this will work out better financially, then surely an interviewer would understand that.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you.</p>

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<p>Read the contract carefully. I suspect that the company can terminate the contract at any time without even giving you a reason. If that happens you’d be stuck.</p>

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<p>Take the job. It sounds great, it’s a one year deal and it will look good on your resume. As many others have said, you can defer getting your diploma. Make sure that the courses you are currently taking will give you the appropriate credits. You will then have only another half year’s worth of courses you should be taking.</p>

<p>Congratulations, by the way, on landing the job!</p>

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<p>Take the job - the experience from it will enrich your MA experience when you go back to finish it. You will be able to put things into much better context.</p>

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<p>As a friend of mine always says: it’s always better to be paid to learn something.</p>

15

<p>After your clarification (I missed the UK bit), I say go for it. Congrats and good luck!</p>

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<p>What scualum said.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone. I’m seeing the administrator today to try and sort out deferring, but it looks like it won’t be a problem. </p>

<p>I will check the contract carefully before I sign anything, but if everything is in order then it’s looking like I’ll go for it. :)</p>

<p>Thanks again - it’s really helpful to hear everyone’s views!</p>