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?

Question

Lai Wei Jie · Accepted Answer

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.

Geraldine Mark · Answer

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.

Daniel Ling · Answer

Agree with the rest.

Adding a suggestion.

Ask the boss to pay for your studies.

Yong Kah Hwee · Answer

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.

HC Tang · Answer

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.  :)

Daniel Lee · Answer

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.

Gabriel Lee · Answer

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.

Xinyi Lum · Answer

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.

Jason Sin · Answer

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.

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?

Answers (9)

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