Balancing MBA Studies and Job: Was Quitting During a Recession the Right Move?

Hi all,

I am pursuing a full-time MBA degree in HR, currently in my 3rd semester. Alongside my studies, I am working with one of the top BPOs, where I have gained two and a half years of experience.

I have recently resigned from my job to focus on my studies and perform well in the 3rd and 4th semesters. Although both my manager and the management team advised me against resigning during this recession period, I found it challenging to balance work and studies effectively, leading to my decision to quit.

My exams will conclude in May 2009, and I am concerned about the job placements at my college not being favorable. I am unsure if I will be able to secure a job post my exams, especially considering the impact of the recession on the job market.

I am feeling anxious and would appreciate advice from seniors on whether quitting was the right decision and how my career prospects might be affected by the recession.

Thank you for your suggestions.

Regards,
Nirbhay Singh

Dear Mr. Singh,

Greetings!

I don't think you have made the right decision :(. How much can you score in your exams after leaving the company? Maybe 8 to 10 more percentage... right? But will that gained percentage get you a job is a very big question?

Moreover, you said you are working for a BPO, but as what? If that is technical support or customer executive, then you have made the right choice, because I guess your career interest is in HR... :-D But if you are a part of HR in the BPO, then you made a big mistake. It's very difficult to get a job in HR these days... :idea:

If you want, you can get into any BPO's; that will not have much effect with the recession. So don't worry...

But let us know, what you worked as? So that we can guide you in a proper direction.

Thanks,
Kiran Kumar

Dear Nirbhay,

Good morning. I think you should consider quitting your job because this slowdown is expected to continue beyond the end of June and into July 2009. You are pursuing an MBA, so there are more opportunities available for you. It would be better for you to concentrate on your studies.

Best regards,
Sudhir

Hi Nirbhay,

If you were working on a profile other than HR, then dude you made the right decision. Secondly, since you already quit your job, be NIRBHAY like your name and don't feel depressed. Focus on your studies and try to score a high percentage in your MBA. Wish you all the best! :-P

Vrocks

Hi Nirbhay,

Don't be an idiot thinking about jobs. Concentrate on your studies. You did the right thing if you feel you cannot manage a job and studies together. Now that you have already gained experience, your future is bright. But don't forget to collect your experience certificate from the company you are leaving, along with your salary and other documents.

Tell me, do you want to continue in a BPO for your whole life? There are other sectors that also require HR personnel. So, be brave and work well for your exams as you have decided.

Indu

Nirbhay Singh,

Hi,

You have taken the right decision to quit because studies are more important if money is not a priority. If you want to make a career in HR, you need relevant experience. If you are capable and confident, you will get a job even during a recession.

Trupti

Mr. Singh,

Go ahead with your education and try to get into a field of your interest. You can get these kinds of jobs in the future, similar to what you were doing before. So, don't worry, be happy.

Cheers,
Kiran

Hello, Mr. Singh,

What has happened has happened... things keep changing. What I would suggest is first, you concentrate on your studies, forget everything, be positive, dear. When it comes to your career, by the time you pass out, everything will be fine. You need to score good marks in 3rd and 4th sem. OK, keep this in mind... All the Best For Your Exams.

Hi,

I don't think that your decision is wrong. Your interest lies in HR, and your previous experience would not be of any value addition. So just relax and concentrate on your studies.

Regards,
Zuber

Hi friend,

This is regarding your query. I think you should quit the job if you really want to get into the field of HR. However, if you just want to finish your exams with a good percentage and still later work in a field that is not related to HR, then I think that quitting the job is not appropriate.

The job you are doing now is entirely different from that of HR. Now that you have over 2 years of experience, you can try for internal placements in the field of HR. Or please concentrate on the present job and make it a point to finish your exams at any cost.

Wishing you all the very best.

Goodbye...

Hi Nirbhay,

You have taken the right decision. These days, many big companies don't allow students with low scores even to enter for an interview. The first selection criteria is getting at least 60%. You have already gained good experience of 2.5 years, which will add to your resume. You can always search for a good job, but once you score low, you can never do anything to change your mark sheet. So without any fear, concentrate on your studies; you will definitely get a good job after your post-graduation.

Regards, Alka

Hi Nirbhay,

I don't think, but actually, I'm sure that you have made the right decision. Clear your exams first, and what's the tension for? You have the experience, right? You have already removed the "freshers" tag from yourself, so you need not worry at all. Go for it and best of luck for your exams.

Hi Nirbhay,

You have done the right thing in resigning. Please concentrate on your studies now that you have more time. Getting a distinction in your MBA will do a lot of good, and you will be getting offers from good companies. Be focused on your studies at this point in time. Best of luck!!!!

Regards,
Dr. Srikanth

For a person with a never-say-die attitude, a lot of options are always available. Maybe you gotta try harder due to recession, but that doesn't mean if this job goes, you have reached a dead end. Education and your scores will last longer than the number of years you work in a company, so put that on top priority if you are not in a position to look after your family, etc. According to me, you made a good decision.

If you have worked in, say, a field of the BPO industry which is currently not doing well due to recession, highlight the transferrable skills gained from the BPO on your resume instead of the usual 2.5 years of customer/tech support in BPO, etc. Transferrable Skills = skills that can be used in other jobs.

According to me, you have taken the right decision. Focus on studies, and you will get the best.

Wishes,
Ila

You have already quit. It is a decision made by you and it is taken only for your career growth. Once you have taken a decision, be firm and stick to it. If you feel whatever decision you have made is correct, then go ahead. Concentrate on your studies, aim for high scores, and job opportunities will come knocking at your door. Keep your attitude always positive, and best of luck for your exams.

Nirbhay,

Your name says it all. Why are you worrying about the slowdown? It may reduce slowly, but studies are the road that will take you closer to your aim. Although, if you think you can manage both a job and studies at the same time, go for it. But if you have a firm decision to prioritize studies, it is much appreciated.

I don't think you should quit your job. What's your goal after education? Most people would say a good job. You already have one! We don't know how long the recession will last; it is not easy to find a job during the crisis. Anyway, it is only my opinion.

Dear Sir,

I am working in the education sector, specifically in training and placements. I have an MBA in HR and almost 2 years of experience. Can you suggest if there is any growth in this sector? Should I consider changing my job? Please guide me; I would be grateful to you.

Regards,
Annu