Thank you, unsure. I think my list was very much a mental one but the cons definitely outweighed the pros.

I wouldn't be working without out pay when I go over 30 hours as it's an hourly rate. If I do work on the the apprenticeship outside of work hours, that wouldn't be paid though. That's even if I have the time for that, given my degree takes up most of my free time.

I don't have set classes for my degree as it's distance learning, but that means I have to structure the two days off I have to ensure I am able to go through the course material, discussions in the tutor group forum and prep assignments.

I was thinking that though - that my degree has to be the priority. It's what will get me further so I really don't want that work to suffer by taking on too many other projects when I'm struggling to balance this at the moment. As yet my grades have been really good, but I know that will change if I stretch myself any more.

You made a very strong response to a message that you had little to go off so: "good job!"

Best of luck and I hope you enjoy the exchange :D

Aw, I can imagine! At least he'll get used to how you are normally and know that he has nothing to worry about :D

I've always been a big believer in no dogs on the bed. But I can certainly see the appeal since an ex used to have his dog on the bed and it was mostly sweet, when he wasn't trying to sneak under the duvet with us. Little bugger. xP

There seems to be a lot of people on these forums who run off to Scotland. Do we smell? XD

I can imagine it is nice have a pretty solid group of people rallying around you and you'd not want to leave them behind.

And I bet he suits it too!

Aw, that's really great news though. I expect there'll be a fair bit of crying when he realises you've gone to bed...

Thank you for your feedback, Ouizee. I can see reasons for the team leadership qualification, but it isn't my only route to where I want to be. There are plenty of other options (most of which will open up to me after I finish my degree, such as graduate schemes).

I just know that the extra money would come in handy, but it'll be a token payment and I'm doubting, the more I think about it, that it'll be worth it.

I think the main reason for me not turning it down outright is the worry that I'm cutting off avenues. This whole fear that what if 'the plan' doesn't work out? What if I NEED it? Obviously, that's just silliness, because if I manage to get my degree completed (and to a far better standard if I'm not splitting my energies) then something will work out, even if it's not what I wanted initially.

If the hours were better, I'd probably have taken it. But, as it stands, I don't see anyone. I don't have time to see anyone. So I know I'm suffering for binding myself to this pattern as it is.

I think I knew the answer, I just needed to talk it out... Especially since managers are pretty darn pushy about these things. Even trying to broach the subject today didn't really work out - he looked a little taken aback when I mentioned about doing a degree and having to do that in my days off, so he's obviously clocked that I'm not a machine and am stretched pretty damn thin... but then he started waffling on about shirt colours and making notices for the staff to hear about "changes". Sigh.

My sister's always had staffies and they've been great dogs with her and the kids! They look like they'd do some damage as they're strong (and probably can) but they're so sweet and just love to be fussed over!

I hope the little guy is enjoying his new home. What's his name?

No change to better hours. If anything, I'll probably be expected to remain on the crappy shifts as they're the busier times. In terms of longer hours, I'll still be on a 30hour contract, though we always do more than that (around 35-40 hours) as standard anyway. The 30 hours is there for them to chop the hours if it goes quiet. What I will probably expected to do is complete some of the work for the apprenticeship in my own time.

New dog!! Do you have pictures, Jon? Please say you do and post them!

Ok. I've been working in hospitality (bar/restaurant) for about 4 weeks. I proved I'm not stupid and I can get a job done quick and well. I've also shown an aptitude for guiding and advising other staff members as well as setting a good example for others. As such, I have been pulled aside and offered a promotion and training for team leader/supervisor to start this coming week. It's a pay increase and the apprenticeship is an accredited course.

The problem is I am already doing a degree full time but in my own time (distance learning) and the hours at this workplace make it difficult to fit study in. Especially since we never have rotas ready more than a few days before the new weeks starts, and I'm always on the crap shifts which means my days off or times my shifts finish are ones that mean I can't meet friends or go for an evening class. Even things like dates - I've had one guy I got on with back off because my availability was pretty bad.

However, I'm struggling to find work of the 9-5 variety I want without experience, for example office-based experience.

Also, if I accept the promotion, I'm expected to stay with them for about 2 years as they're paying for the course. Whatever the case, I'm still applying for positions elsewhere with hours to suit me, however unlikely it may be that I'll get them, but I'm not so sure how bad it'd look if I've accepted a promotion but moved on so quickly.

What are your thoughts on the issue?

That may be what he meant... Were the characters wearing flasher macs?

Indeed! I know it's not the end of the world, and it doesn't even really surprise me. I suppose it's a good thing he hasn't actually approached me as such, so he's not a player. He's just got a wandering eye... Shame on him!

But I've vented... that's that. No more oogling the guy I don't really know.

Thanks, ladies. It's always the way! He turned up at my workplace which I was excited about until I saw he wasn't with a group, he was with a woman and they were coupley until he spotted me. Then he seemed to be paying more attention than necessary to what I was doing, even when he was talking to her, to the point I could tell that his female companion did not look impressed. Definitely a case of me running by and trying not to make things worse. :S

Finding out that the guy I was interested in/lusting after is actually in a relationship. Buddy typical.

It's no problem, Dave. I hope it serves you well x

Haha. Fabulous. So, I need to invest in builder's jeans, relocate to Scotland, learn what "tattie scones" are, then the rest is sorted?

That sounds like fun! Do you think it matters that I'm accident prone? XD

Maybe you're English? It's almost 10am here - you should totally be up and starting your day! XD

* * *

In terms of what I'm thinking about: I need to start job hunting again! I want one of those 9-5 jobs so I can meet people after work, actually attend those classes I've been interested in for a while or get coursework done before bedtime. As it stands, I'm lucky if I have any time to do anything on my two days off... Blurgh.

Square sausage! I wonder if it's the same stuff we used to have has kids... just basic sausage meat, without out the skin, formed into squares?

What are tattie scones though? I've heard the expression, but I'm unsure of what they are.

I don't have many of those tried and tested friends these days, so I know the relocating thing won't be an issue. I'd just have to return every once and a while to appease The Mothership and Stepdad.

Thank you for the advice though, I'll certainly take it on board :D