Question

Hi TBM fam, FYI I live in Australia - to give a little context. I’m in need of a little advice. I have the opportunity to pay for a diploma course. It is $5100. I have no debt, I have a savings account that would cover about 9 months of expenses, as well as decent sinking funds to cover all bills for a further 3-6 months. I am having an internal debate about whether I should do it for a number of reasons. 1) I have a history of starting and not seeing study through to the end. I don’t trust that this isn’t just another whim I will start, not finish and feel a failure for, & 2) It is just such a large chunk of money to part with. On the other hand it is in a field that I *think* I would enjoy, and given how the future looks because of Covid, I could be of help to others, although I don’t know how easy it would be to find a job after completing the diploma. It just feels like a complete leap of faith and given my history, I don’t know if I can trust myself. What would you do?  

Answer 1

Hard to answer, in the climate. I am also in Aus by the way. Right now I’m thinking about careers a lot and jobs, because I have a soon to be 18 yo. Very hard to know what’s going to be the go, career wise. I feel waiting is good. Can you work in that industry somehow before committing to study?  

Comments

They have volunteers who assist the financial counsellors.  

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Oh I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Any idea where to start to find somewhere to volunteer?  

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@hepplewhite find a charity who give free advice. Try Anglicare or CAP.  

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I don’t know if we have an LCA arm of Lutheran community care in Western Australia

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@himation Thank you

Answer 2

Do you know someone in the field? If so maybe ask if you can job shadow for a bit and see if this is truly something you can see yourself doing and enjoying. If you really enjoy it and want it better chance of successfully completing the diploma.  

Answer 3

I had similar problem in NZ I really wanted to a dental nurse, but you need a job to get the qualification and can't get a job without experience or qualification. Ahhh. What student loans are available? I am doing my new course using that, as it's interest free, so made since to pay once I have a job. Having the loan also makes sure I finish the course.  

Comments

I am reluctant to get a loan when I have the cash available. How is the Dental Nursing course going? I worked as a Dental Assistant for a little bit  

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@hepplewhite yeah i thought the same at first but then as interest free I thought why not. Oh did you funny small world no i kept on only finding jobs that wanted experience so I am studying something else now but it took some thinking. And just hope now I can find a job once it finishes in November. Good luck not an easy decision  

Answer 4

I would definitely talk with someone already working in the field and have a real heart to heart with yourself about it. It sounds like you are in a great position to do it but you have valid reasons not to. What are you doing now for work? Do you love it? Hate it? Would this new career put you closer to your goals while also making you happy?  

Comments

I am 37 working a part time minimum wage entry level job because that is all that would hire me. I am bored beyond tears and the best time of my week is friday evening when i get home. The staff treat me really well but I dont love my job. I have spent years trying to discover what I want to be 'when I grow up ' but nothing has ever lit that spark, I have grown unhappy in every job and study course at Uni. The only difference has been the length of time it takes me to get to unhappiness. I dont want to fork out more money and find myself unhappy with the direction I've chosen once again. But at the same time, I feel closer to finding what I want to do, with this Diploma. If that makes sense.  

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@hepplewhite I get where you are coming from. I'm 30 with $43k of student debt for a degree that I don't use. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in law to work as a paralegal but quit my law firm job to make more money in sales. I get a lot more enjoyment from my current job. I don't love it but I don't expect to love any job I have. My job sustains my hobbies and passions. It sounds like this new career path could give you a lot of purpose and meaning which seems important to you. I say start working towards getting this diploma

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@schaaf thank you  

Answer 5

Is this a limited time offer? Is it an online only program? How long does it run? Are you bored? I would wait until things start to turn around before taking up something that costs that much if you are already unsure you will finish it. I would wait and see if the desire to do the program is still there when things start to normalize. Its kinda like feeling bored, low, and you aren't doing anything so you date the only person hanging around even when you know you aren't particularly into them vs waiting until you are ready to get out there, are having fun, and meet someone great that you hit it off with or you figure out that yeah I really did like that person that was there back when I wasn't feeling so great.  

Comments

I have been working throughout the crisis, so I havent been home bored, but I am bored at work and feeling like I have taken 10 steps back in this role. Its not a limited time only course, but it will take 12 months to complete and early next year my oldest turns 18. I lose half of the child support payment and parenting payment I get for my kids which is a fair chunk of finances. I want to be earning more than minimum wage when this happens, or I wont be able to pay rent, bills, ect. It is an online course, which is how I study best.  

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@hepplewhite is it a well vetted program? In the states you have to be very careful and selective because not all programs are equal. There are several scammy ones out there. Will your plan be to continue working while doing the course work?  

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@sendal yes its Nationally Accredited. I work 3 days a week and will continue to do so as long as I can in these uncertain times, and do my practical hours at least 1 day a week over several months.  

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@hepplewhite its seems like you have put a lot of consideration into it. I would proceed with finding people in the field already to see how they like the work, job market, etc. Under normal situations I would say check online job postings etc to see what is open now but, you know. I think if you dig down deep and find your true "why" for doing the program you can get it done.  

Answer 6

Thank you everyone, it has helped to talk about it. I dont have anyone to talk to about it except my daughter who would support me 100% in anything, even if I told her I was going to find a way to walk on the moon next week  

Answer 7

I would start a sinking fund for it. When it comes time to pay you will have the money with out taking it from savings.