Very bad situation - job offer, but need to take GRE - advice needed!

College Confidential Community
1

Hey guys, I am in a very tough situation. For the past few months I have been dealing with a lot of stress, and now a recent event has escalated my stress, and I am almost at my breaking point. Here is the outline of my situation.

It is my dream to pursue graduate studies and I planned on applying to a number of schools at the end of this year. I have my GRE scheduled at the beginning of November. Also for the past few months I was looking for a graduate-level job as I have finished my degree months ago. I have finally obtained a graduate-level job offer from a good company, and I am soon to start work. This may seem like good news, but it isn’t.

The local GRE test centre only administer tests on weekdays and so, after 2 weeks into the job, I will need to ask my manager for a day off to sit the GRE. This will make things awkward because I will have to explain to my manager of my intent to go to grad school which won’t sound good considering I’ll just be 2 weeks into the job. He will most likely not have considered me if he knew I wasn’t going to stay in the long term, and saying I want to go to grad school just 2 weeks into it will likely get me fired and replaced by someone who will stay for the long term. Finding a good job has been quite hard for me, and I was fortunate to be offered this job. I am also outside of the US, so managers will likely be less understanding.

Should I just tell my manager after 2 weeks of my intent, and risk getting fired? Or should I wait another year until he knows me more (and becomes more understanding)? I don’t like both options but at this point there is most likely no way of getting around it. If I choose the former, I am taking a big risk and any negative consequences won’t look good in my future resume and on top of that my family isn’t very understanding. On the other hand, applying at the end of next year will mean I will be out of school for about 2 and a half years (2 years from now until I actually attend grad school), which is a long time. I am bent on going to grad school in the US, but 2 years from now is just too long.

Any help and advice is appreciated.

2

It seems to me that there’s only one way to get to grad school: taking the GRE. But there are multiple opportunities for work.

And no one likes being lied to, especially by an employee, so don’t consider calling in sick.

I would be up front. Tell him you’re considering grad school and need the day off.

For what it’s worth, LOTS Of us got our graduate degrees at night; it’s certainly possible to work full time AND go to grad school.

3

I think you did not plan to take the GRE in good time for this application cycle. I would apply to grad school in a year. That will give you time to work a study schedule if you need it and plan for the day off.

I don’t know how it is where you are but usually during a job offer you negotiate imminent accommodation for personal matters, such as a day off before normal schedule.

4

I would tell him the truth but the thought of telling him is just so hard… considering I just got the job… I don’t like to think of the consequences. It’s my fault I didn’t prepare sooner, and right now it’s hard to not say F.M.L.

I am outside the US so going to grad school means I will have to quit my job.

5

Can’t you just say you have a previously scheduled commitment that day and need the day off (and willing to take it unpaid)?

6

This. ^^ You don’t have to say what the commitment is.

7

Thanks for the replies guys. How would I go about saying it, without him asking too many questions? I wouldn’t lie about it, so it will either be discreet or I have to tell him face on.

8

See post #4. I doubt the person will ask you to be specific. That would be rude/unprofessional.