Expert: Torski Dobson-Arnold - 12/29/2008

Question
I recently have been offered a job from a fortune 500 company. It seems like a great opportunity but I am still currently completing my bachelors degree. I was hired based on my technical skills and previous employment history and they know that I am not yet completed but are under the impression that I am willing to put off my studies or complete it without it interfering with my job position.

I am torn between accepting the offer which also means relocating or to stay and complete my degree. The salary is also pretty bleak and half of what I could get if I received a position based on my degree. From the information they gave me and considering the schedule of my incomplete classes, it will not be possible to complete it in conjunction with working.  The recruiter was pretty concerned about whether the classes will interfere with my work and even then the work site is 3 hours away from school. I could consider transferring to college nearby which does not hold the same merit as the one I am attending now.Also I am married with 2 children and getting a good job is a priority. Does anyone think that I should not have dragged this out and refused the offer on hearing the details instead of going through with the interviews? Does anyone have any sound advice?  

Answer
Joseph:

Congratulations on your job offer.  As a working parent of a dual-earner income family myself, I do understand your financial obligations to your family.  However, I am concerned about your impossibility of completing your college degree.  In this "here today, gone tomorrow" type of economy and workplace we live in today, your degree is ABSOLUTELY imperative to obtain. Here's what I do know for sure.  Jobs  come and go...education is YOURS and is FOREVER YOURS.  I am not sure HOW, but you need to find a way to continue in your studies even if it is on a part-time basis IF it is the case that financially, you cannot pass up this job offer.  Think about it..."What if you are laid off from this company in 3 months? 6 months? 1 month?"  These are all commonplace elements in today's workplace and you've got to be prepared to take care you "You, Inc."  You are your own company and brand.  You need to make decisions in the best interest of you because companies have and will continue to make the best business decisions for them regardless of whether or not you have to pay your bills or NOT.

Also, I wonder what you have been doing up to this point financially to sustain your family and needs?  If what you have been doing can continue to work, then maybe the option is to pass on the job offer, as it didn't come across as if it was your dream job anyway, and hit the books hard on a full-time basis to get that degree.

If you opt to continue in school even after accepting this role, it may be worth your while to consider online schools and colleges with the understanding that many if not all of your current college credits could transfer.  I completed my graduate degree studies primarily online and it worked wonders for managing my family time with my study and classroom time.

Claiming nothing but success in your career endeavors,

-Torski