Need some structured advice from you nice people...

[arwenant]

hello,

i haven't posted for a while on here, not had time!

I am in my final year of a languages degree, I also hold down a part time accounts role for a charity. My question is that my work load is immense at university and I am struggling to maintain the two, is it wise to leave my job in this climate so as to get the best possible degree or should I put up with an average degree resulit and stay in a job which saps my time and energy which I will not continue with after graduation? Many thanks in asvance...

[murraymints]

If you can afford to give up the job..then I would say look at the big picture and long term benefits of the best possible education...but...we all have to eat and pay bills....

[NOX]

Contact your employers and ask for temporary leave until you've finished your degree, occasionally people will come through under circumstances like this and find a temporary replaecment.

[EDDIE51]

Explain the situation to the charity and ask if you can work fewer hours or 'take a break' until the exams are over. The degree has to come first, a poor degree is worse than none at all.

[buildersmate]

Pretty much as Eddie says. If they value you for what you do for them, may be willing to reduce your hours to retain you and be very flexible about when you undertake the work for them - if you commit to achieving the key deadlines of what outputs you produce for them.
A close relative who works for the charity, when he asked for a reduction in hours to go back to college to study for a part-time MSc., found that the charity were willing to provide some of the study commitment hours as paid for by them. There are charities and charities - some are well-managed and can see a bigger picture, some can't.

[Maydup]

As the others have said, if you can afford to, give up the job or reduce the hours. You'll only be in this position once and it won't be for much longer. Work hard at your degree, a poor result won't have been worth the effort or cost in the long run.

[arwenant]

Thank you all for your considered answers, helped me see the wood for the trees by hearing a few other people's views, ever so much appreciated. :)

[Maydup]

But don't forget to give yourself a few days off over Christmas!

In order to be a well rounded, successful graduate, you need to have enjoyed yourself too!

[arwenant]

Thanks Maidup, exmas finish this week then i can afford that rest!! :)

[murraymints]

The very best of luck with your finals...

[mrsmbird]

I did a languages degree and in my final year worked a 20 hour week at a local business doing admin and web design. I scraped a 2:1. In hindsight, I'm not sure of the value my degree has in terms of my career but the work experience was vital.

I guess it depends what you want to do next. If you wish to use your degree for example as a translator, you should focus on your studies. If you're looking at something less related, like a comms post then keep the job.

In the past few months I have recruited two junior level positions and when looking at candidates, their degree is of minor interest. It's generally a case of check to see if they have at least a 2:2 in any discipline.

Mostly I'm looking at their work experience, because actually your degree does nothing to prepare you for the workplace unless it's something highly specialised/vocational.