Work commitment dilemma

LegacyUser

I've been working in a job for the past two years. Something that I loved doing for a long time and still do to. However working long hours are a killer. The long hours and the work is very stressful. I also have a colleague who hates her work and she brings a bad atmosphere and a lot of tension into the workplace. I've also started a part time course so theres more demands on me now.

Lately I've been thinking that it would be great to hand in my notice and go abroad. However my savings won't allow me to stay away for long. Maybe three months. Also Its only now that I'm studying to gain qualifications in what I do so it would be hard to get work abroad so I wouldn't be able to stay away for more than three months. The only thing thats stopping me going abroad is my work. I like what I do. And don't think I'll have a job this good again. But work is tiring and i feel its taking over my life.

If I give up, what do I do when i come home after three months? Go on the dole? (theres nothing wrong with this by the way) but I'd be giving up a job that would probably last for some time. Go on the dole and finish my studies? Or do I stick everything out for another year then go abroad? Would like to go to australia or new zealand

cee_jay

Australia and New Zealand will still be there in a year or two. Why not stick out the job and the part time course until you have your qualification? You can be saving for your year out for the next year - you will have a goal to work to as well.
Personally I would wait until you finish your course and then leave your job - if you have that qualification behind you when you get back you might find it easier to get a job then.
Also have you asked at work would it be possible to take a career break? Then your job would be there when you got back.

cafecolour

Well, travelling abroad for a few months and living/working abroad are two very different experiences. I'd get the impression that you'd rather do the later.

In that case, I'd stick it out til you finish your degree (and the world economy has recovered more), get a working holiday visa, and head to Oz. In the meantime, to give yourself a break and something to lookforward to, book off a two week holiday with work and go somewhere.

If you didn't like your current career, I'd tell you just to quit and try something else (ie TEFL is a good one to travel on). But given that you do, I'd recommend sticking it out.

banjaxx

Excuse my naivety but why do you feel the need to work long hours?

If your employer is getting more out of you than your contracted hours, then good luck to him... he is taking advantage of you, and you are allowing it.