Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights.
I’m studying towards my AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) level three qualification, having previously been put through level two and an NVQ level two in business administration.
I’m grateful to my employer for allowing me to get my foot in the door of the world of accountancy, having previously struggled to get a proper job. But, increasingly, I’m feeling the itch to leave home and there’s no way I can afford to even think about that on my current salary. However, prospective employers in my town and nearby cities are offering around £3,000-£4,000 more for virtually the same or similar jobs.
My problem lies in what to do from here. I don’t finish my course until July and won’t get the result until mid-August. I don’t want my employer to think I’ve just used them and was always going to jump ship at the first opportunity (I have only been considering this since early December 2016).
I’m aware that leaving immediately after completing my studies would perhaps reflect badly. I also have been informed of an opportunity to take my manager’s role at the end of the year as he is retiring. I would like this, but the plan was for me to be given this opportunity a few years down the line – I don’t feel I’ll be ready come the end of this year.
I would prefer to move on, but I’m unsure how to go about it without potentially leaving a bad taste in the mouth of my employer and a feeling of guilt on my part.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
