Stay in work for education?

LegacyUser

I am in a job I hate - I've posted here about it before and little has changed. I can't see the value in anything we do, I don't like the people, it's a long commute and the salary isn't great. Im a single mum with 2 kids and need to work to pay my mortgage. I made a decision earlier in the year to actively look for a new job - and have had 1 interview to date, despite applying for about 50 vacancies. My problem is my education I imagine - I have my LC but no college after that - 15yrs of experience however - I imagine I am up against people with degrees coming out of their ears (on paper anyway). I have done various upskilling in my job (accounts courses etc) and am very highly skilled in what I do.

Anyway..I decided to keep plugging away at the CVS and applications and it was the only thing keeping me going in a job I deplore. However, I have recently been offered training through work - it's diploma level and would take 18mths and my job have offered to pay for 75% of it.

I know that at my age (late thirties) going back to education is something I've always wanted to do...however, I'm not sure that I could cope in here for another 3yrs as I would have to commit to staying on here for at least 18 months after I receive my qualification.

I appreciate that I have a job, I really do. And I appreciate this offer by my job. But there is a huge part of me that had decided I would definitely be out of here by December - and yet now, this amazing offer lands of my lap.

On a daily basis, there are times when I cry coming into this job - I have tried all the tricks - brightened up my desk with plants/photo - tried to be more friendly with other staff myself - tried to engage more with colleagues etc - but I'm three years here now and Im not sure I can manage another three in a job I hate so much, to get a diploma that may not help me get out of here in 3yrs either....what would your advice be? Thanks

LegacyUser

Is the diploma in the same field of work you are already doing? If it is, and you hate this type of work then I don't see the point in doing a 3 year diploma in an area you already know you hate.
If the diploma course is in a new area of work that you think you might enjoy then absolutely go for it.
Have you looked into mature student grants to study a subject that you do have an interest in? You might be able to get some allowances for childcare.

JJJJNR

OP I would stay put, doing your course will open new relationships with new people and suddenly your job will become second place and less important, which is a good thing think means to an end..

I was in the very similar situation to you and paid my own way through night classes and it was a great distraction from the mundane work and people I worked with day to day.

Your very lucky to have this option and you sound like a real gem of a person who deserves a break.

LegacyUser

I wouldn't do it. I was in a job I hated a few years back and I will never forget the misery of it. I got so depressed that it had a knock on affect with my relationships and all other aspects of my life. Life is too short to do something you hate. If you dislike it and it's working you towards something better then yes, but if you genuinely hate it then I don't think it's worth it. If I were you I would hold out for a more enjoyable job even if it meant paying for the course yourself or doing it at home in the evenings through open university.

You'll get advice both ways, only you can figure it out. I genuinely hope a better opportunity comes your way.