A break in my employment

woolyhat

I work part time with HSE have a contract for 15 hours pw but for the past few months these hours have gone down to between 4 or 5 hours pw. I am paying into a pension scheme. The hours could go up again.
The position now is I want to take a break for a few months to do a course in college and this would not be local I would need to travel,(distance learning course is not a option)also I am planning a house move, I would be able to manage money wise for the few months. My organiser have said this would not be possable as my employment could be terminated. I am working for the last 12 years with first the Health Board and then HSE. My pension will not realy amount to much when I retire.In fact its realy small.
As I am middle aged there are things in life I want to do while I can and that time is now. Please give opinions. Is this a mad idea at my age? I still have dependants. Is it worth cutting my losses and just go for it? and hope I would be able to get a job in the new area.
I know this is the worst time to let a job go especialy at my age. I also do like my job. Although I get SW would still need some income.

ps I have been paying back years into the pension. Would I be entitled to get this back?

Victor

AFAIK there are career break / sbathical options in many public service contracts. You need to speak to your HR person or union.

woolyhat

Thank you for your reply. I will contact my union. Regards wh