Appreciation post: Choosing a $500 online cert over a second part-time job

I was stuck between grinding for extra cash at a retail gig or investing in a project management course. I went with the course, and it helped me land a promotion within six months. Anyone else had a similar choice between immediate money and a long-term skill?

3 comments

3 Comments

kellymurphy2mo ago

That's a huge gamble though. A second job gives you real money right now to pay rent or bills. A course is just a promise that might not pay off. What if the promotion never comes? You're out five hundred bucks and all that time. Sometimes you just need cash in hand, not a piece of paper.

robinmason11d agoMost Upvoted

And is a second job really a sure thing either? Most places that hire fast start cutting hours the second you need stability, and then you're stuck with no time to even look for something better. A course at least builds a foundation that stays with you no matter where you work.

morgan.cameron2mo ago

That course could be the exact skill that finally gets you the raise.