To take some time out?

[fermela]

I have been in education the past 7 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and am 4 weeks away from completing my final placement in a masters of social work.

I have had a lot of stress the past few weeks. I am a single mum to a ten year old, full time placement but work 3 late nights at a paid job, my dad has been critically Ill, 2 dogs, trying to juggle housework, after school activities, time with daughter, studying etc.

In 4 weeks I will finish my placement. I can start applying for jobs now. But I honestly just don't have the motivation in me. As well as this, once I finish my placement, it will be straight to my dissertation. I couldn't imagine adding something extra to my plate.

I can afford to continue being a student until the summer. Would I be unreasonable to not look for work until then and just concentrate on my dissertation until then? I'm worried that I'm passing up jobs to others and will kick myself later but i really feel I could use the break.

Or should I just suck it up and get on with jt? Be honest please, am I jeopardising my career in the long run by doing this?

I think being mindful of what you can manage is very sensible.

Talk to your uni tutor if youve any concerns about it affecting future recruitment but otherwise i can't see an issue.

Bump please

If money isn’t a problem absolutely do it! It will probably be the only time until you retire you’ll get that chance. Jobs come and go, I don’t think you’ll be disadvantaged at all. If anything, it gives you time to look with a clear head, put a great CV/application together and prep for interviews.

I'd definitely take some time off but be mindful that if you need to do the ASYE it can take a while to find a position, then you have the excruciating long wait for the DBS & other checks...

I can’t help but think you’re going from the frying pan into the fire moving to social work. If you can afford to I’d take a break, give yourself space to finish your dissertation and then look for a job. Social workers are always needed so you’ll be able to find something but it’s incredibly tough when you’re starting out so give yourself the best chance possible to settle into the role.

Give yourself some time - I was (luckily) made redundant and put on 3 months gardening leave which I used to complete my Masters dissertation.

It was a godsend and I'm not sure I could have done it otherwise.

Best of luck x it's great when you do finally finish it x