I want to stop professional study

[wowfudge]

I've been studying for four years for a professional qualification which work is funding. The first level of it was fine; enjoyable, useful and I passed.

I'm now doing the second level modules and it's a real leap up in terms of sheer volume of material you need to cover and know. The professional body states the same amount of study is required in terms of time. I am really struggling. I passed one subject at the third attempt. I have failed another subject twice and recently found out I failed a third one. If I don't pass first time I have to fund the fees myself.

The study is making me miserable as sin - I ended up on sleeping pills I was so stressed and was prescribed anti-depressants after the last module. I don't want to go through that again. I get one day of study leave per module - the day before the exam. It's ridiculous, but I signed up to it. DP advised me at the time not to do it because it would probably be too much.

The agreement I have signed states that if I leave work I have to pay the company back. Once I have passed everything I need to work for them for twelve months to be released from this obligation.

There is nothing about deciding to stop the study. I don't know how to deal with this now. My manager will be pissed off and I think I could end up in massive debt and jobless.

You said "I don't know how to deal with this now". Posters have been quite clear that you need to talk to your manager. I'm not surprised you're feeling anxious, you keep thinking of all the "what ifs" and assuming the worst scenario (jobless and in debt). You're letting yourself get carried away with the worry. Make yourself have the initial discussion, do it tomorrow if you can, certainly by the end of the week.

Talk to your manager first.

If you've been struggling, it shouldn't come as a surprise that you're contemplating stopping your studies.

It happens at our firm now and again (accountancy) We have people who are great at their job but struggle with the study/exams aspect and don't achieve the qualification that reflects their capabilities. It's tough going....and even tougher when all your annual leave is being used up on studying.

We don't ask for it to be repaid provided they stay with the firm for twelve months after the last exam. In cases where we have asked for it to be repaid they do agree a repayment plan so it's not paid back all at once.

I suspect once you've got it out and have officially 'quit' the studying you will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

And you have my absolute sympathy.

My employers have a much more generous study leave policy than yours and still studying for Cta nearly drove me to the edge. I said at the time of my last exam if I didn't pass I was jacking as I couldn't face going through it again.

@wowfudge I'm wondering whether you're doing something like ACCA or ICSA? I did ICSA and also have a law degree and did my solicitors exams (eek) so totally get he pressure and the wanting to give up.

Can you take a break? Even for a "term"? Just to refresh/recharge?

Are you studying efficiently? I dont want to coma across as rude but if you're not studying right there will be some modules you'll take ages to pass (looking at you ICSA portfolio management...3 times I sat that one. Eugh).

Are you taking enough study breaks. Taking time for you. Again to recharge and refresh. What time are you studying? I found that what worked best for me was to get in 4 hours a day. I'd get up hour and half earlier and study in my pjs before breakfast. Do an hour at lunchtime at work and then an hour and a half after work. I have a minimal commute so could easily be done studying by 7 and still have an evening.

Short term pain though. It's short term pain for long term gain.

Sounds like ICSA to me. I've just failed (fail B) my second level two - passed the first on second attempt - having sailed through all 4 level ones but am not too down hearted. The exams are a real test of memory and it's hard when your head's already busy with full time work and family. I failed this one because my I went for breadth over depth so knew all the syllabus but just not quite well enough and went on holiday the week before the exam with good intentions to revise that I couldn't keep. Will resit in Sept and no more Whitsun family holidays until after the Case Study.

Assuming it is ICSA you have got 8 years to complete it in and no more than 4 attempts at any one exam. I would take a session off and see how you feel. It doesn't sound as though they can seek repayment contractually unless you leave.

I have spoken briefly to my manager. I have been asked to provide proof of the level one qualification and told to think about things whilst my manager is on holiday in next couple of weeks. I feel absolutely wretched. My life wrecked over the past three years for nothing.

I don't think this is accountancy, as the exams are not time-barred. I think the OP has already mentioned the area in one of her responses

The second level is much tougher than the first. Your company must be aware that you are struggling because of the failed exams (I failed one and got hauled before a senior manager to explain!) so what exactly does your manager want you to 'think about' during their absence? Stopping or continuing - did you get a hint from them at all?

If it's the one I'm thinking of I wouldn't say you have studied for nothing - you will have gained a lot of knowledge and be able to implement that in work without necessarily having the final qualification.

I'm also guessing that it is distance learning, which is really hard to fit in so you have my sympathies there!