[usernametaken573]

Hi,

I'm having an issue and I don't know where to turn for advice or help.

I'm an adult in my 30s, who recently went back to school to obtain my Bachelor's in hopes of moving on to medical school. I take a full course load and I'm overall immensely enjoying my time at school. I feel good learning new things and moving towards a goal or purpose in life.

The problem is that my employers are not on board. I've been with this company for nearly a decade. I'm in a salaried position, and I continue to work 40+ hours per week despite my school schedule. The only drawback to my schedule is that I'm not ALWAYS available at certain times of the day....mainly in the evenings and in the early mornings. For the most part, I've kept my school schedule out of business hours to the best of my ability. I don't ask them to give me less work, I don't work any less harder than I did before, and I continue to do everything in my power to be an exemplary employee.

Yet, I'm essentially being told that I must choose between going to work or going to school. In choosing to go back to school, I'm being told that I'm now sending the message to them that my job is just a "paycheck" to me, that I'm "replaceable" and that they could easily find someone else to take my position. The trouble is...I need my job. But I need to go to school as well...I feel it's my only chance to grow beyond my current position, even if I remain with the company.

This has been a constant battle since I started school two semesters ago, and as a result of this, I've been extremely unhappy and feel anxious all the time. I can't concentrate on anything and I'm beginning to feel rather hopeless. I feel like both my job and school have equal priority and it's deeply depressing me that I'm now being forced to choose one or the other. I've had numerous discussions with my employers explaining how I feel and asking what exactly the issue is, and while they acknowledge I'm a great employee and I work hard, the end result generally always come down to that my going to school is an inconvenience and I'm going to have to choose.

I just to want to be happy. I really don't know what to do. If you've taken the time to read this....what would you do if you were put in this position?

[shezbut]

In my experience, I find it strange that your employer is discouraging you from furthering your education. I have worked with many different companies and employers over the years and not a single one has NOT appreciated and/or encouraged me to go onto further education.

What it means that your employer is being a yahoo, I have no idea. But, it is strange. I would keep on working hard in school, and it wouldn't hurt to look into working similar jobs in the meantime either.

Best wishes to you!!

[Raindropvampire]

I don't know about your state but here you cannot be fired for going to school as long as it does not interfere with your work. It would be like your job telling you how you can spend your free time.

Here if they were to fire you then you could get unemployment benefits. If you can get by on unemployment while you attend school then I'd just continue what you've been doing. All I can say is document EVERYTHING. That way if they fire you you can prove it's retaliation for not quitting school. That should entitle you to unemployment. Good luck.

[Little Lulu]

It sounds like you have done everything you can to make this change palatable to your employer and to yourself. The only thing I see that your employer not liking that seems reasonable is your not being at work during your 'designated' work hours, even if that is a small amount of time. Like you say, what you do on your own time is your business.

Following a dream sometimes means giving something up to allow room for the new passion to grow. If your employer continues to be disgruntled, it will put a damper on your school efforts and you might end up not happy in either the new place (school) or work.

Is is possible to find work that would better suit your school situation? Maybe your current employer has other positions that might work or even give you reduced hours in your current job.

Best wishes - it is a tough spot to be in but you sound like the sort of person who will find a way to work this out.