JOB

[debsinenglish]

so I just got a very exciting offer to travel on a funded scholarship, but in accepting, I would have to quit my job. I am in the middle of applications, and wrote in all of my SOPs that I was working at this job; moreover, I wrote about how the work was important to the research I intended to pursue as a graduate student. Can I quit my job without

Comments

[crossroads_lore]

Wow, tough one. So the travel/funded scholarship has nothing to do with what you want to do/your career?

I don't know what to suggest, but if I were in your shoes and the job was an important aspect of my career/application, I would probably stick with the job...but I am really a stickler for sticking to my word (like obsessively).

Trust your gut instinct; it's usually right. (but don't be afraid to listen to suggestions other than mine!)

[debsinenglish]

I guess my question is- will I now I have to go back to the schools I applied to and explain myself? Will they follow up on my application to see whether it checks out? I haven't told my employer that I am applying (for obvious reasons, at least I think the reasons would be obvious), but I certainly would not want to have my admission or potential admission rescinded because they see a discrepancy.

[crossroads_lore]

You know, I don't know the proceedure on that. But if I had to decide/make an opinion on the spot, I would say that I wouldn't mention it. When did you sent in your applications? Perhaps the department is looking at applications right now (which is really stressful for them as well) and by giving more information about this now might make a negative impression. Besides, things happen/you change. If you could map everything out now, there wouldn't be this entire process to begin with. I am sure that they would understand and it might end up coming up in an interview. So I would think it out and explain the situation rationally (like how the funded scholarship also benefited you and how you still want to work in the field you are working). I guess you could treat it as a sabatical-like opportunity to further enhance what you have to offer the university.

I really don't know. You should ask more people/wait for more responses in this community from the older/more experienced members who might know the actual selection process.

[ryckmonster]

hmm this is a bit of a toughy

[obsoletechild]

I have no idea about an official answer but here is what I would do:

1. Figure out which will ultimately benefit your career more - the travel or the job. If its the job, turn down the travel and you have no problem. If its the travel...

2. I'd talk to my boss about what is going on. Explain that you have applied to grad school and that you have the excellent opportunity. See if you can get some kind of leave of absence so that you aren't officially quitting.

3. After doing this, you'll either have quit or you'll be on a leave of absence. Either way, I'd write a supplementary letter to the ad-coms explaining the new turn of events. If the travel opportunity is too important to your career to pass up, then the ad-coms will recognize this and it may in fact improve your application chances. So you'll either be writing with some explanation of how the travel was the better opportunity, or with an explanation of how you employer agreed that the travel would make you a better employee and thus gave you a leave of absence to do

[chaostheory635]

I second this! Go for a leave of absence.