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Original poster

Am I expecting too much? Paid time off.

14 replies

wrongrabbithole · 25/09/2026 20:37

I am doing exams to get a qualification in my job. It’s taken a few years and 25 exams but I’m finally on my last 2.

I’ve since changed companies. I asked if they would sponsor my last 2 exams. No they won’t. Ok that’s absolutely fine.

However my issue is that when I sit these exams I am expected to use my annual leave. I’d totally understand if these exams were of no relevance to my role, but these are a direct qualification in my field.

Am I expecting too much? It just doesn’t come across as very supportive.

OP posts:
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mumumental · 25/09/2026 21:49

Puhpuhpuhpuh · 25/09/2026 21:21

I don’t think it’s unreasonable for you to have to take leave for the exams. I wouldn’t have expected extra paid time off for them. I think doctors have to take annual leave for studying and exams as they progress their careers post-university.

Edited

After they’ve worked free overtime, often.

topcat2014 · 25/09/2026 21:33

I paid for all my own exams and took annual leave for them. My qualification is therefore nothing to do with my employer and I couldn't be bollocked by HR or appraisals if I hadn't passed!

Puhpuhpuhpuh · 25/09/2026 21:21

I don’t think it’s unreasonable for you to have to take leave for the exams. I wouldn’t have expected extra paid time off for them. I think doctors have to take annual leave for studying and exams as they progress their careers post-university.

GooseCreekandtheRiver · 25/09/2026 21:14

More fool them. Move on to a more supportive company once you have the qualifications and a bit more experience.

Very well done in the 23 done to date!

Chewbecca · 25/09/2026 21:14

You really should have agreed before moving to the company / position.

Ineffable23 · 25/09/2026 21:13

I'd be pretty resentful that they didn't give me the day of the exam off, but I'm not sure I would have moved companies mid way through a qualification without getting that confirmed in advance.

Stompythedinosaur · 25/09/2026 21:11

Giving you time off to study is a part of sponsoring you. They seem to have been upfront that they wouldn't do this.

Of course it's not supportive, and I assume it will damage your relationship with them. But it shouldn't be a surprise.

5289843DM · 25/09/2026 21:04

Is getting the qualification a mandatory requirement for this job?
What exactly is sponsorship? Did you want to be paid a days wage on the day you sit the exam?
Would they give you unpaid leave instead of using up annual leave?

Coconutter24 · 25/09/2026 20:57

I’d totally understand if these exams were of no relevance to my role

Your new company hasn’t asked you to do the exams though, you were already doing them.

DahliaDelights · 25/09/2026 20:55

I asked if they would sponsor my last 2 exams. No they won’t. Ok that’s absolutely fine.

Being a sponsor means supporting study time and exam time. They said they wouldnt sponsor you... You got your answer upfront. Use your leave, smash the exams, gain the qualifications and go elsewhere as a more qualified individual? Or suck it up and stay.

HJ40 · 25/09/2026 20:52

They’ve been clear about their boundary - now you need to decide yours. They obviously don’t value the qualification, so perhaps you need to look for an employer that does and jump ship for more pay once you’ve qualified?

Catza · 25/09/2026 20:47

They never said they were going to support you, though. Ideally, it would be nice if they were the type of company that did. But many aren't the type of company. There is certainly no statutory requirement for them to offer you PTO.
Now you know that, perhaps, it is worth looking for another job after you finished your qualifications. More fool them.

Overthebow · 25/09/2026 20:44

They're not going to pay you time off for it if they’ve said they won’t sponsor you.

ThirdStorm · 25/09/2026 20:39

I’m afraid they were clear they wouldn’t sponsor you, that also means no paid time off for exams. But more fool them, I’m sure you’ll smash these last two exams and then they’ll be forced to pay you more in the future. You will have the last laugh. Good luck!