I have a diploma and I'm working in a good company. I have secured a place in NUS. My boss thinks I am performing very well, and is offering me a raise to stay. Should I give up my place in Uni?

About a 1% chance you will stay with this company till you retire, your degree gives you options outside of this job, your field/ major not withstanding.

You can consider deferring your studies for a year if that's an option. Gain that working experience so you enter Uni with a focused perspective on the specific skills and knowledge you want to grow. A degree is to get your foot in the industry you want to enter, after all.

If the job doesn't work out or you find some aspects of it undesirable, at least you gave it a shot and you still hold your spot in Uni.

Work part-time. It depends on whaat the role is.

Agree with the rest.

Adding a suggestion.

Ask the boss to pay for your studies.

I'd say stick to getting a degree. If your boss really values you, he'll want you back after you get your degree - and offer you a higher pay.

Suggestion is: NO. Don't give up Uni for a job.

Because educations = With you whole life once you've learned! Especially degree is basic in Singapore.

Work / Job = This is only your first few job, you'll need to move on some day! Without a degree, it is harder to find better job.

No matter what others may say, there's always a MNC that does first level discripmination that requires a degree. Without a degree won't even pass thru the HR screening system.

I have a better suggestions for your considerations:

Talk to your boss. Discuss to arrange work part time. since you won't be having class everyday. Try to arrange it such that you can continue.

It might be more tiring but you'll gain experience, able to save $ and do more than your peers and when you've completed your degree course. You're no longer a fresh graduate but an experience degree holder that will have higher chance of getting into a better company or getting a better deal in current company.

All the best. :)

It depends on which stage of life you are at now and what kind of experience do you wish to gain at this age.

If you still young and fresh, I think this is the time for you to explore and pick up new opportunities and university is a good place to do so! Personally, I have met so many great people and mentors in uni and expanded my horizons quite a bit :) If you feel like having a career is more important at this point and you can see yourself doing great things in this line, then feel free to pursue it!

I feel like a person's youth is the most important and defining time of your life, so spend it wisely on what you truly want to do and develop yourself.

It depends on what do you actually want to do in life right now!

Think about it - if you are focused on building a career now then maybe staying in the job is the right path for you. In your job, you can also learn many skills and even more, than you would do in attending university like others. You may always attend university in the future if you wish to, with the support of your employer.

If you are looking to improve yourself and your skills and explore more options, then you should go to university. Uni is a place where many people meet new people, expand their horizons and take up new opportunities. It is a place of opportunities. If you are enticed by this instead, then go to uni!

No. Do not give up your place at the Uni for a job. The university cert and learning will be with you when you move to another job. If there’s anything I’ve learnt, it’s that job prospects is something that is a variable. People change quickly and even if you remain fast friends forever, your HR, boss’s boss they’re another factor.

Continue your studies and if you really like the company, ask if they have a job after you graduate.

Hi Anon, sorry abit late answer but better late than never haha. Essentially if your boss is really good, he will understand your reason for wanting to leaving to further your education and he should not be stopping you, though he may not bear it. But it is important to explain to him your reasons properly and that you appreciate the opportunities given to you before you leave so that you leave on a good note and not burn any bridges. Who knows after your education, you can return to the company through this good ties and add value to the organisation with this increased skills.

Nonetheless, all the best for your studies!

An education degree will follow you forever, but your boss will not follow you forever.

Go for the degree. Study hard. You can also consider checking with your boss if he can arrange a part time working arrangement, internship or a future working arrangement. If you are indeed an asset to your boss, I'm sure he wants the best for you and will do anything to have you too.

From my perspective, getting the University degree would be much more beneficial in the long term. I would pursue the degree and maintain a good relationship with the boss, you never know if he/she might still want to hire you when you're graduated.

Hi Anon,

Good that your boss likes you.

And now, it is time to go get that degree.

Cheers,

Pascal

Try and think 5, 10, 15 years ahead. Right now, you have a diploma and you're working on your first job. If you really like the job and it offers great prospect for the next 10 years, you can stay.

This is important: get some idea from glassdoor, linkedin, payscale to get a feel of what job you really want to do.

But if you think you will be able to get better jobs with a degree (better pay, better promotion prospect) then you should go for it.

And like what others mentioned, explore company sponsorship, scholarship, or even part time study (night classes) to get your degree.

Education is your priority at this stage of your life. You should grab this opportunity to study while you can and you might not even stay in the company forever.

Best investments are in education, think for the future and try the NUS pathway

I agree with the other answerers here as well. Please do not give up your place in uni! It is important to have a degree as a fall back plan in case.

Things are good now, but you'll never know what will happen to the industry or the market at any time in the future. When everything is rosy, career security and progression can always be promised. But when poo hits the fan, it's always important to have your educational qualifications that you can at least fall back on.

That's an opportunity cost and I'd suggest going for a degree as it potentially opens more doors of opportunities for you and also serves as a safety net in the long run.

Ah, the perennial struggle of any undergrad/fresh grad with first jobs. Good on you for performing well at such an early stage of your career!

I'd say stick to uni and finish your degree. You never know what sort of doors are open - or shut - just because you have or don't have that cert at the end of the day.

Yes, you should stay provided you have a good boss and you are remunerated fairly based on market rates. Otherwise, it is not worth it. At the same time, you should also go for your studies, preferably part time in NUS, if it is feasible.