10 hot things to consider when the company won't fund a course.
So you've sat down with the boss and for one reason or another, he says no, we can't fund your training. Having got over any disappointment, there are two things to do:
First, don't take it personally. Things being as they are, the boss may simply not have the money. What compromise could you reach? For example, the company may not be able to pay for the course; but could they give you the time you need to attend it or would they part fund it? Try to work out a compromise which leaves you, your boss and the company feeling as though everyone has won. You could get more than you expect, especially if you show your boss that you're still committed to increasing your skills and knowledge.
Second, if that doesn't work, take a different approach. If your reason to do it was strong enough, what's stopping you from doing the course anyway? Here are 10 things to consider:
- What will you get out of it? List everything, including the hidden benefits such as networking with other students, personal focus on your future etc.
- What will the course mean for your future career? Where does it fit into your own career plans? If it will move you closer to them, then why shouldn't you go ahead?
- What will it do for your employability in the market place? Will it boost your chances of finding another job tomorrow?
- What will it do for you as a person? How much personal growth will you get out of it? Will that be in a direction you want to go?
- What will it do for your own self-worth? Will it boost your self-belief, confidence, motivation, capabilities, pride, satisfaction, authority, sense of achievement?
- What will it cost you in terms of a) money and b) time? Sit down and work out how many hours you'll need to put into the course, when you'll be doing it, how much every single thing will cost?
- How does the financial cost weigh up against all the answers to questions above? - Is it worth the money and time?
- If you could do the course tomorrow, no questions asked, would you do it? If the answer is yes, go for it!
- What does your gut instinct tell you? If you still want to go for it, then GO FOR IT!
- Put yourself first! Focus squarely on yourself. At the end of the day, self-care needs to be at the top of your list. If this course will really steer you in the direction you want to go, do it. Your boss would in the same circumstances!
Check out http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/ for information on a career development loan.
Visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk and check out the pages for Adult Learners and on Student support.
