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Quit Graduate School or Risk Homelessness?
Hi. I am a military veteran who works for an almost all male maintenance department at the VA. I have been attending graduate school for my MSW/MBA, as I am
receiving a scholarship from my state for books and tuition. I am holding a 3 9 GPA. I am supposed to be working on my practicum (four unpaid semesters of 20 hours a week work, during daytime hours). I have been putting it off because my supervisor will not allow me to take any time off to work it, not even the 'use or lose' leave that I always have. I had one incident in thirteen years that put a reprimand on my record and they will hold it against me forever (before that incident, and after, I still had, and have, good performance evaluations - but they are angry I hired a lawyer and dared to fight back). I will have 20 federal years at the end of February. I am single, no family or spouse so I am my sole support.
The federal government no longer has part time jobs, and I have not kept up with the technology and other changes in the civilian world (the VA is years behind the civilian sector). At age 55, with physical limitations, and living in the poorest state in the union (New Mexico), I don't see myself getting hired for part time work for two years while I work on completing my degree. I don't qualify for graduate financial aid at this point due to my salary and years of work. I don't have two years of salary saved though I have savings. I am not a homeowner, and have an 11 year old car. I get about $600 in VA disability a month. I am not sure what to do; quit work and take my chances that I won't end up homeless to earn the degree, give up on the degree, or hope to change majors. I really feel stumped.
LEANNE TOBIASInvestment real estate/sustainability
4.05k
10/21/19 at 7:44PM UTC
1. As you are 55, is retirement an option?
2. I don’t see how you can be prevented from using many years of accumulated leave. Does the VA have an employee union (as many federal agencies do) and, if yes, would consulting the union rep be a possibility? Otherwise, consulting an employment lawyer (ideally, with federal government expertise) might be an option.
3. Another option is contacting your U.S. Congressperson and/or Senators’ about your need to use your accumulated leave. A call or letter to the VA from your Congressperson’s and/or Senators’ offices may help to get your issue resolved.
New Mexico’s Senators are Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich (contact both.) Your member of Congress depends on where you live. NM Members of Congress are Xochitl Torres Small, Deb Haaland and Ben Lujan.
NOTE: All Senate and Congressional offices have constituent services staffs to deal with constituent concerns with federal agencies, so it is appropriate to contact them.
4. Have you explained this situation to your practicing? Might you be able to schedule a practicum outside of normal working hours (evenings or weekends?)
Ann SchulteStrategy Consultant | Team Leader | Mentor
186
09/21/19 at 4:47PM UTC
Would your 20 year pension and disability be adequate to support you during the practicum? Is it possible to double down on your practicum, doing 40 hours/week for one year (basically make it a full time job)?
I would talk to you academic counselor and financial aid about taking a leave from school while you get your 20, and then return to finish it up. Also look into other benefits for the disabled and veterans (and disabled veterans) that may be available from organizations outside of the VA.
Nancie ShumanHippy dippy Princess out to change the world!
803
09/21/19 at 6:51PM UTC (Edited)
I agree with Ann. Explore additional avenues for financing. A friend of mine recently attended school with a full ride due to a combination of his military service and his disability. He was at Las Cruses, and had been a practicing MFT before he applied. There is money out there. Once you pass the 20 year mark, would it be possible to take a LOA, and is there anything part time available for work through your school? These are all questions for your financial aid people, who have years of experience in solving these problems. Good luck!
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
1.31k
09/21/19 at 3:57AM UTC
Hi chrysiarose,
Are you working full-time on first shift (e.g., 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.) and going to school in the evening Mon to Fri?
Christine Brush, MSW, MBANewly graduated social worker
298
09/21/19 at 2:13PM UTC
Yes I am working 7:30 to 4, some classes are mandatory on campus, others are online.
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
1.31k
09/22/19 at 4:06AM UTC
Thanks for sharing additional information and answering my question.
Before you make a decision, there are things you should investigate.
1) You will have 20 years of service in Feb which is 5 months. What benefits, pension, health car would you receive then that you don't have now? Potentially if you qualify for a pension could that money be used to cover living expenses while you complete the practicum.
2) Talk with your school guidence and understand your options. Others may be familiar with an unpaid practicum. If you need a specific type of work experience that is provided by the practicum can you find a equivalent job that could count?
3) Is it possible to complete the practicum working second shift or weekends? Can you find a government job where you can work second shift to complete the practicum during the day?
4) Given your current job, is it permissible for you to work another job? I am aware that some employment contracts don't allow for a second job.
5) Can you complete your degree without the practicum? Could your credits transfer to another degree and if so what degree? Or could your credits transfer to another school that doesn't require a practicum?
I hope these questions help you investigate your options.
For other that are reading this post and considering an evening or weekend degree program while working full-time during the day, please make sure you are aware of all of the degree requirements and know that you can complete them. I completed by MBA degree in the evenings. In addition to course work, I need ed to pass a comprehensive exam that covered the material covered in the first year and have two years work experience. The requirements for different schools vary, explore all options and make sure the program fits your life.
Tammy Hager Admin Professional in corporate finance
594
09/21/19 at 12:20AM UTC
First congratulations on pursuing your degree and a career at the same time. And thank you for serving!
It sounds to me like you're still being held accountable for your one right up and also the fact that you secured an attorney to fight for you about this. That alone should cause them to treat you more fairly.
I hate to even suggest this but it sounds like you are being discriminated against in a male dominant workplace. Do you have an HR department that you can discuss these issues with?
Don't give up on your degree you have work too hard for it. But maybe put it on hold for a while until you can figure it out or maybe find a new job? Good luck to you I'm sorry you're going through this
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