WIBU to drop out for this job?

[anerki101]

Totally hypothetical as I haven't applied for the job yet but I need to be sure before I do.

I'm currently in my second year of Uni as a mature student doing what lots of people think is a pointless degree. It won't lead directly to a career.

I'm a parent to a four year old who is possibly autistic. He's in reception. A job has come up at my child's school as the receptionist. The hours are perfect and would fit around my child and home life.

It's term time only so the money isn't great but whatever happens at the end of my degree, I would need a term time only job. So this fits the bill. It has just come up a bit early. Jobs at my child's school are few and far between. They have great retention and there's rarely any vacancies.

I'm really tempted to apply. I have a background in administration so fit the job description and lots of parents work at the school, some with children there and some with children who have moved up to secondary.

I would have to quit my degree if I got the job.

Should I apply and quit my degree if I get the job?

Go with the job then.

The ou does creative writing.

This.

Let’s assume it’s something like a history degree (often derided as “pointless” by the ignorant). A degree in anything rigorous like that will make you employable.

School admin is a low pay dead end and your child won’t always be small and dependent.

Besides, the job market it much more flexible since the lockdown. Civil service, for example, offer lots of WFH and hybrid roles now and the private sector is catching up.

Oh okay I’ve just seen it’s Creative Writing. Not pointless at all but maybe less marketable for general purposes. Look at all your options including part time and distance learning (which doesn’t necessarily mean Open University).

I think at your stage, a term time job is like gold dust. I have an autistic child (now secondary) and it has been an exhausting ride. I couldn't have held down a full time job even if she could ha e coped with childcare (she couldnt - school was exhausting for her, secondary even more so but I can leave her now in yr 9).

I have good degrees but cannot find a "good" part time job. I'd be sorely tempted if it's a good fit and transfer to OU if possible.

However there's been jobs I was sure I'd have a chance at and haven't so it won't be a done deal! Good luck.