I have a career decision to make, please help.?

First off, I love that doing right by your boss and his family is important to you. That's commendable. But the fact is, this is your job and not your family and certainly not your life. You can quit, and you can do so in a way calculated to cause minimum ripples in the workplace. Give more than two weeks notice. Offer to help train your replacement. Tell all your friendsd you're quitting, and promise them a great recommendation if they apply. Just don't stay at a job because you feel guilty leaving.

I think you should begin looking elsewhere for a job that allows you to have time to focus on your schooling. First, the Radioshack corporation has had some substantial layoffs on the corporate side recently. I don't know what that means for the company's outlook generally, but I would personally be a little reluctant to build a career there. As far as the management training program is concerned, I do think it sounds promising. You haven't mentioned whether or not you see yourself working retail long term. If this field is one that really and truly interests you, then that's something to consider. But overall, I think the sort of credibilty a degree offers is worth the time and trouble.

If I were you, I'd consider waiting tables or bartending. I've done both and averaged 15-20 dollars an hour. Many people do a lot better, depending on the type of establishment. That sort of schedule would be less likely to conflict with classes, and that sort of money could allow you to work fewer hours.

Good luck.

Hello Jennifer:

8-9 dollars for two years service is an insult. I've worked my fair share of dead-end retail (I've done it before, and sadly, I'm doing it now) and trust me when I tell you that companies like Radio Shack love to make promises to employees just to keep you in line. In other words, if you stay, don't be surprised when something "happens" this summer, and you are told that you can't be admitted into the training program. I've had empty promises made to me, and I've seen it happen to others.

You have to ask yourself this, too: even if you are promoted to a manager, is that what you want to do with the rest of your life? Is the few extra dollars worth the added responsibility and headaches?

Don't worry about your boss or his wife...will they cover your bills? You have to look out for yourself, nobody else will.

Moving back with your folks wouldn't be the worst idea, if you can do it. If you can handle it, get your 4 year degree. It should open some new possibilities for you.

Check out this site for reviews of Radio Shack:

http://www.jobvent.com/companyBrowse.php?CompanyID...

I hope I don't sound snotty, but this sounds like a time for you to get tough, and make some important decisions.

#1 stick w/ school. go beyond the 2 yr degree, at bare minimum get a ba or bs.

#2 quit radioshack. get a job waiting tables or bartending somewhere trendy and/or upscale. you will make good money, good connections, and have fun.

#3 wish your boss the best but don't stay there for him. you don't want to be 30 and still making minimum wage plus commission. keep your apartment and have fun.

Explain to your boss, as much as you want to be loyal to him, that your level of income is just not sufficient to keep you there on a long term basis. Why can't you start on a management training program immediately? You should not be made to feel guilty because you want to improve your situation, and it is unfair for your boss to lay this guilt trip on you. If your boss cannot offer something to you right now, then my advice is to start looking immediately. It should not be difficult to replace and improve upon what they are paying you.

I am 39 and let me tell you GET ALL THE SCHOOLING YOU CAN!!!!! That is what I am looking at right now. I have been promised management posistions for 5 years and now with my back being damaged in those years. I am looking at getting back in school to get out of the job I am in now. These so called "sympethetic""can't live without you" bosses are B-S-ing they don't CARE except for THEMSELVES. GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!!!! GET your DEGREE and don't ever look back this is for your future.