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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To quit work and study

16 replies

Subeccoo · 15/03/2021 12:55

Years ago I did most of a degree with the open University. I have about 4 years left until the qualification will be void, and 1 years worth of studying to do to complete the degree.
In my current life, work full time, baby granddaughter, teenager at home, I don't feel I have time. I tried a year or so ago to start another course and just couldn't fit it in.
I've come into some money, more than my full time wage for a year and the mad part of my head is saying give up work and study full time to complete it.
Thing is, I love my job although it's stressful and next year is an important year for me although unlikely to lead to any promotion.
However, with a full degree behind me, I could then be looking at a more senior role.
All that said and done, in around 5 years, we are looking to downsize and make some big life changes anyway.
So, wwyd really?
This has no impact on family money etc, it's a slightly complicated situation but the money is 100% mine. If I don't do this, which I most likely won't, it will all be going off my mortgage.

OP posts:

chipsandpeas · 15/03/2021 12:57

rather than quit could you take a career break so you still has a job to go back to after the years up?

ScarfaceCwaw · 15/03/2021 12:57

I'd be concerned that you'd find getting back into work in a year's time much more difficult than quitting.

Could you reduce your hours instead of quitting? Make a flexible working request?

Are you doing a lot of parenting of your baby granddaughter? Is it your teenager's child?

Clockingon · 15/03/2021 13:06

I don't think I'd quit in your position however I'd look at career breaks or going part time /flexible.
Could you pay for some childcare?

lanthanum · 15/03/2021 13:08

Reducing hours is definitely something to consider. Your employer might say no, but it has to be worth asking.

Cam2020 · 15/03/2021 13:09

Just to echo others, would your work be open to you taking a hiatus?

Nowthereistwo · 15/03/2021 13:11

Is the degree likely to lead to a better job or is it just a nice thing to have?

Original poster

Subeccoo · 15/03/2021 14:25

I could look at a career break, no idea if they'd hold my job but they may well.
No the baby isn't my teenager's.
I have 15yo ds at home and dd with dgd live nearby. I see a lot of them in usual circumstances but am not responsible for childcare other than when I want to or the odd over nighter.
The degree could lead to a senior role where I work, the lack of one holds me back (education job)
Part of me loves the idea of being a student for a year... Part of me wonders if its a massive waste of money that could go to paying off a large part of what's left on the mortgage...

OP posts:

TillyTopper · 15/03/2021 14:28

Why plan out the costs:
how much could you pay off your mortgage and how much would that save you?
how much would leaving work for a year (and a bit) + degree cost you?

I'd be reluctant to leave work completely as it can be hard to get back in. Some have suggest a career break, or could you go part time and use the time saved to study? Work may also promote you - you said you needed a degree - but if you are a trusted employee and expected to graduate then they may well offer if you stay there.

Original poster

Subeccoo · 15/03/2021 14:36

My job is not one that can be done part time, that's my big worry.. It requires a full time person, or a job share.
Ah its only an idea in the sky at the moment... Never know

OP posts:

Wotsnewpussycat · 15/03/2021 20:05

Take a career break, best of both worlds.

Unicornsbumhole · 15/03/2021 20:13

Can you not study part time in the evenings? I'm managing to work full time, with a toddler and a project house/car etc and study 2 evenings a week to complete an accounting degree that will hopefully sky rocket my career.
Its shit while I'm studying, it's hard work and I'm utterly fed up with it, but in a years time I will be qualified, without a career break and have the experience to back it up

ScarfaceCwaw · 15/03/2021 20:22

Yeah, if you have one teen at home and you're not actually caring for your DGD, can you not manage study on top of work? It's not the most fun you can have but it's doable.

You could also find out whether the organisation has a career break policy, or whether they'd grant you even half a day a week study leave. Will you gaining the degree directly benefit them?

Zig4zag · 15/03/2021 20:43

Have you spoke to work about assisting you getting the degree

Original poster

Subeccoo · 16/03/2021 06:55

I honestly don't know how people work ft and study
I managed it for the first 2 levels but this final one is impossible. I don't think it helps that I'm doing languages whilst living in the UK. Maybe I'm just not built for it!!
It would benefit work yes, but it isn't something I'd want to do for more than a few years.
A career break sounds amazing, I will have to talk to work at some point soon.

OP posts:

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 16/03/2021 07:27

I’d look at part time study again especially as your child is 15 so doesn’t need constant care. Unless you are working exceptionally long hours and weekends there’s no reason it can’t be done.

Much better than quitting and hoping to return when there will be a competitive job market given current times.

ChristmasFluff · 16/03/2021 08:34

Ask for a year's sabbatical to finish the degree.

An old boss I had gave someone a year off to go travelling, saying, 'it's like unpaid maternity leave, but she won't have a baby when she comes back'. A degree would benefit your workplace, so maybe they will view it the same way - I'd even sell it like that - 'think of it like unpaid maternity leave, but I come back with a degree'.

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