Career Advice

[NohalfMeasures]

Hi guys,

Its kind of an idea i m having these days to like quit my job and then give FRM level one. Like i work as a credit analyst in a bank here. Job is okayish(helps me pay for my exam fees).

But, thing is i m unable to study like on a regular basis.Exams are fast approaching in May 15. Last time i gave level 1..i failed badly..please help on like should one quit job n attempt FRM? Cuz my co. doesnt give sabbaticals.

Regards,
DebbieM

 

[ShaktiRathore]

Hi
If there are no financial problems then u can quit job and focus on ur Frm studies,i think u should get a lot of time studying and concentrate on one thing and shall help u a lot. If u are doing a job that requires lot of energy and time leaving it shall save u these things and u can apply them in ur studies instead. I would advise to quit the job.
Thanks

 

[brian.field]

The fact of the matter is that most of us have to find time to work and study. If you cannot do so, then it suggests to me that it is not a high enough priority. (I am sorry if that sounds harsh.)

I would never recommend quitting a job to study - there is no guarantee that you will be able to find another job nor is there a guarantee that you would pass the exam. Further, you have to pass two exams to get the FRM, so I would suggest you make studying a higher priority. As difficult as this sounds, no one can do it for you....and you have to find a way to put in the time.

Brian

 

[NohalfMeasures]

@brianhfield yup i'll try my best mate. thanks

 

[brian.field]

My recommendation is based on the assumption that you need to work (like most of us). If you don't need to work, then go ahead and quit! (Why are you working in the first place?)

 

[NohalfMeasures]

Actually @brianhfield I hv tried quitting job once before during my cpa days. but it kinda drew me to frustration. Plus once i passed i realised it had made me a lil less relevant as a professional. Reason i m working is money ofcourse n work ex on my cv..

 

[frm_risk]

I don't know if this reply is too late, but let me re-iterate what @brianhfield has told earlier and add my two cents:

I would not recommend quitting your job just to study for the FRM exam part 1. It is just part 1 of the exam.

Besides a possible financial problem with not having a job, it is very difficult to explain gaps in your career when applying for new jobs. We recruit a lot at my company and a candidate having the FRM certification is a plus, but that is not enough. We (and all companies) always look at what work the person has done in the past and how well the person can manage workload (which, if you study for the exams while working shows that you can do good work, plus dedicate time for studying and pass it). If you do not have work experience to back up your FRM designation, then it becomes a bit of a challenge. If you say that you quit your job to study for the exam and they have other employees who passed the exam while working, it shows up negatively that you could not manage work + study while many others could.

Of course, it is possible to get a great job after leaving work for a year, but definitely not something I would feel comfortable recommending...

A lot of us have gone through this and have had to work and then study till late every day. But it is possible. So, good luck!

 

[NohalfMeasures]

@frm_risk thanks a lot!

 

[Arka Bose]

Hi @DebbieM , so how did you manage? (I know from a post that u cleared part 1)
Since you are from India, I am even keen to know the same.
Thing is, I was doing CA and the current job i do (related to audit) has no role in FRM, i am perplexed at this point.

 

[Akash chopra]

I can understand in India we people don't get that much benefits from our employers. If you will not face any financial problems after leaving your job then quit it asap. Right now your priority is FRM so pull up your socks study practice and conquer the exam

 

[alexandrin]

Hi guys,

Its kind of an idea i m having these days to like quit my job and then give FRM level one. Like i work as a credit analyst in a bank here. Job is okayish(helps me pay for my exam fees).

But, thing is i m unable to study like on a regular basis.Exams are fast approaching in May 15. Last time i gave level 1..i failed badly..please help on like should one quit job n attempt FRM? Cuz my co. doesnt give sabbaticals.

Regards,
DebbieM

I suggest you focus on FRM exam and quit your job if you are can’t manage time for study

 

[Manjula]

Sometimes too many degrees can make you over-qualified for the job. Finding the right balance is the key.

 

[NohalfMeasures]

I think there is no such thing as overqualified. God always is looking and noting when one makes efforts and efforts never get wasted. thats what i feel.
Anyways thank you all for your replies.

Regards.

 

[Ricardo_01]

Sorry but FRM its not everything. In my humble opinion your experience "in the field" its the most valuable think that you can reach. FRM its a very nice plus, but what the market is looking for is someone that is able to solve problems. Your background is everything. Dont run out the problems, face them instead. Try to manager your time in a most efficient way. You can do it!

 

[Mkaim]

What's interesting is that there is a great diversity of opinions here, and perhaps that's the key, there is no right answer. I've worked under several managers and everyone had their own take on degrees and certification or success in general; and IMO, that's how the market tends to be. I also see that most feedback is related to the role of degrees and certifications in "getting" a job with minimal attention being given to their role in doing "better" at your current job.

It is true that experience is valuable, but I don't think anyone should stop adding to their skill set (resume not being the primary motive). I've seen some very accomplished people going for additional charters and designations to keep challenging themselves and gain new perspectives.

Another thing to keep in mind is family planning. Most people don't bring this up but if your focus is to get your education out of the way so you can pay more focus on your family , or start one for that matter, and work then it's perfectly ok to quit your job and accomplish this IMO; it's a perfectly justifiable explanation. This is where you may see that what's reasonable varies whether you're a female or male; cultural differences can play a role here as well.