Gambling on a year out to study

**cojak** · 14 October 2010, 06:52

How can we have thoughts if we have no idea if your assumptions are correct?

Good luck on your MBA/ SAP certification/Bronze swimming certificate though, if you can afford to take the time out go for it.

**DS23** · 14 October 2010, 08:06

if you haven't worked for a year or more how come you haven't already qualified?

**achilles** · 14 October 2010, 08:22

I think that taking a year out for study in the present climate is a good option. Cameron won't admit it but the UK is heading for double-dip recession in 2011 so it will be a very challenging year for the IT industry.

For IT contractors it might be worthwhile gaining more skills or working on their Plan Bs.

**northernladuk** · 14 October 2010, 08:34

Depends on what the course but I think your expectations of output are a bit far fetched. No one course will give you rises like that, particularly not in the first few years. There are not many roles around at that rate let alone to new qualifiers.

Re-set you expectations to something like reality then sum it up again.

**GillsMan** · 14 October 2010, 09:10

Can you not both study and work? If the commute time for the contract is 4 hours per day, can you travel by train and use the time to study? Qualifications are good, but I'd choose someone who's been working on a challenging project for the last 12 months over someone who'd been studying for the past year if I were a recruiter.

I have a full time contract, am studying for an OU degree (first two TMAs due shortly) and have two Microsoft exams booked for the next couple of months. I also have a wife and child (and even a semblance of a social life).

So in your position I think it's definitely possible to both study and work. I'd definitely be looking at the 12 month contract if I were you.

**contractor79** · 14 October 2010, 09:59

I find it very difficult to study and work as I'm tired when I get home, pursue my other interests, watch footie and generally enjoy getting drunk on weekends. This would mean it would take a few years to complete the qualifications rather than get done in a year. That means income lost as take longer to get the qualifications needed for the jobs with more pay.

Hearing about how graduates will soon be leaving uni with £32k+ debt for a bachelors degree... it seems my £20k investment would be cheap in comparison.

**BlasterBates** · 14 October 2010, 10:10

I doubt whether as a fresh graduate you'd walk into an £800 a day contract, you'd have to have a couple of years at least applying what you've learnt. My advice would be to do it part-time and as you get some knowledge get some experience at the same time. The other thing to remember is that a degree has more leverage when you're a youngster, i.e. will get your foot in the door at a top management consultancy or investment bank, that doesn't work as well for an experienced contractor, you'll end up more than likely going back in a job you've been doing before, but if your experience is relevant to the new field you might be able to get an expanded role and get a better rate.

**contractor79** · 14 October 2010, 10:22

Originally posted by BlasterBates View Post

you'll end up more than likely going back in a job you've been doing before, but if your experience is relevant to the new field you might be able to get an expanded role and get a better rate.

yes that sounds good to me

**northernladuk** · 14 October 2010, 11:10

Originally posted by contractor79 View Post

Hearing about how graduates will soon be leaving uni with £32k+ debt for a bachelors degree... it seems my £20k investment would be cheap in comparison.

Yet again, if you are going to plan anything please use realistic figures rather than best/worst case or numbers from thin air. Might be pedantic but can make a big difference to your plans and expectations.

Gambling on a year out to study