School or Work?

Question

Recently laid off from the HVAC industry due to the restrictions of my gas fitter certificate, I am having troubles finding another company who'll hire me unless I go back to school to upgrade my license.

I'm over $1000 in debt with montly bills racking up and the employment ressource centre is not offering any help until i've "searched for jobs" for 6 months.

I am expecting a call tomorow to find out if I got a job or not with a company. But again its a starting position with low wage, same problem as before. If I take the job, employment ressources won't help me go back to school anymore.

So do I take the job and pay the $2500 for schooling myself going into further debt? Or would it be more financially logical to turn down the job and wait 4 more months for employment ressources to kick in?

I'm definitely going back to school no matter what. The question is whether to take the job and pay for it myself? or wait till employment assistance kicks in. I live alone in an apartment. Moving back home would be a last resort as my family is in more financial struggles then I am. And if I did that I would lose this amazing apartment. The course is only 12 weeks long.

Answer 1

The schooling will last you a lifetime, and if it is trade-specific and required for your occupation, you can deduct the fees off your taxes...

Going into debt to invest in yourself ( IE education).. is NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER a bad investment.... dont ever forget that...

Answer 2

If 2 months out of work put you $1000 in debt, 4 more will put you another $2000 in debt at minimum. I don't see how 'assistance' with a $2500 school bill is worth it. You could consider taking the job and putting off school until you can pay from you income and not go further in debt.

Answer 3

You are worried about short term debts. You should focus on what are your goals and where do you want for yourself and your family in 10 years. A schooling opportunity will allow you to be recognized as a valuable and motivated worker, helping you get the job you want, in consideration to your efforts and the skills you have acquired.
If you enjoy this work and it pays better than the other regular jobs, go for the school. If not, try to evaluate the opportunity costs over a long time period, of not getting through schooling early, in comparison to getting a new job immediately. Most likely, a $2,500 debt will disappear little by little.

Answer 4

I was in the same position and the best thing is to go back to school, even if it means finding a night job to cover your living expenses. Depending on who you live with, if you are married, maybe your significant other or partner can pick up the slack for awhile. If you are single, maybe moving in with a family member until you graduate would be smart. If you start at a new job, i would still continue your education, even if it takes 2-3 yrs going part time. Good Luck and there is all kinds of financial aide for those who REALLY need it!;)