Are you thinking about resigning from your job to pursue a postgraduate degree?
The decision to leave the security of full time employment is a huge one. So, you should not make it without thinking it through thoroughly.
Here are some things that you will have to consider before you hand in that resignation letter.
First of all think about why you want to leave your job, are you leaving because you are unhappy with the job that you are doing or you want to change careers.
If you are simply unhappy at your current job, would your decision change if you were offered work somewhere else? Now, If this is the case then why not simply find another job where you will be happier?
Also, if feel that you need to study towards a certain degree to secure a promotion at your current job then discuss this with your manager and find out for sure that you need the degree for the promotion. If there is another way to get the promotion other than leaving to study further may not be the solution that you are looking for.
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But if you are looking to pursue a different career or a career in research or academia, then you definitely need a post graduate degree. Find out exactly what you need to secure that job, I mean if you are going to risk this much, then you may as well be super prepared.
Also think about why you want to resign from your job and study full time rather than studying part time. Is this really necessary? Some ladies have been able to work 9-5 and work on a side hustle at the same time.
Resigning means that you do not have an income, so think about this:
- How will you pay for your studies?
- How long is your degree? Reality is that studying can be expensive.
- What happens if you do not get a job straight after you finish studies?
- If you have been saving for it then GREAT but if you are thinking of getting a loan, then how will you pay it back?
You really need to plan for it. There is also the issue of maintaining your current lifestyle, truth be told sister… shopping for you may be a thing of the past without an income. And yes….it could also be goodbye to ladies night drinks with the girls.
So be ready to cut down on some of your favorite past time activities. Be REALISTIC with yourself about what this means for you.
If you plan on job hunting after you graduate, it will not hurt to volunteer where you would like to work on a part time bases while you study, this will increase your chances of getting a job there when you graduate.
Quitting a 9-5 job to study will not work for everyone. But this being said, you should not be discouraged if you are sure that this is what you want to do.
Just be prepared for what this will mean for you. Now go out there and get it done, hun!
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