Hello to all forumers.
Right now i'm in a major dilemma and i'm hoping you guys could help me with some insight and advices.

Right now i'm just started working in a small software development company. I'm in a training period currently and what can i say is i really like my job. But this has changed since i got a letter from SPA last week.

The letter imformed me that i've just passed my PTD entry test and i'm required to undergo an assessment starting this friday. This is where the problem comes. I just requested a day off for that day from my boss. My boss questioned me what my true career interest. Then he give me ultimatum, choose my current job or go to the assessment.

Right now i'm reallt in dilemma coz i seem can't make up my my on what to choose, what to do for my life to come. I have a degree in Environmental Science but i took up short programming course thus i become a programmer right now.

Should I choose staying on coz i really like doing programming or should i go to the assessment test?
Hope you guyz can help me decide on this

First thing, ask yourselves whether you can see programming as the path you going to choose for your future. Can you be a programmer for a year? What your plan for in 5 years.

When you have a goal then you have the answer which path you need to take.
















p/s: Take the red pill and you wake up next week as a programmer, take the blue pill and see how how deep the hole goes.

if u ask me i will say better stay with the current company coz i dont like working with government (due to my streotyping and prejudice on government servent) which i find its not appropriate to discuss anyway

I also don't like working with government but this post is different. It's PTD, the most sought after job position in the government (some sort of elitist). Furthermore working with government provide you with job security you couldn't find anywhere else.
But the problem is i just pass the 1st hurdle for this position. Still have 2 more hurdles (PAC and final interview) before i get the job.
On the othernote, this company i currently working in is indeed i very² tiny company. Only 5 workers including the boss but the boss have decided to give me a project to handle once i finish up my training and familiarisation. That's why he gives me the ultimatum, wehter you're in or out.
That's why i'm in dilemma now

Ultimatum.. Sounds scary . Since there are 2 more hurdles to go, and it is not guranteed that you will pass those 2 hurdles (and please, I'm not trying to say you won't get it at all), might as well take this opportunity and stay with the company. You are learning new things as in not those you are majoring in. Take this chance and make full use of it.

Well, do love your job but not your company. From your statement, it seems like more to your boss and your company. But you have no idea when your boss and company stop loving.

Your job bring you future but not your boss nor your company.

Hence, go for the PTD

like crynobone says "take the red or blue pill"(wtf!!!1... this is matrix lol)

if u kind of person who seek job security then your answer is be a government servant
if u kind of person who seek for adventurous/competetive enviroment, 5 digit income(of course with your work experiance),big car, big house like castle then private company can provide this kind of lifestyle to you

p/s: a bit bias on the example but i guess u can think bout it

IMO You shouldn't tell the exact situation to you boss in the first place. Try to find a good excuse for a day off to attend the interview/test is the best solution. I did that many times. But then it's already too late, your boss already knew your current situation (i'm referring to your post). As for me, working in gov. is a good opportunity if you are offered a good position in JKR, JPA or other important departments. In your case you only passed the 1st stage and there are 2 more stages to go on. Putting a high hope will make you dissappointed if you fail as PTDs is so-called the most sought after position. For the time being, you should consult your boss and request him to give you a lenient break to attend those tests. This however will only work if you are willing to finish all the the tasks given by him within time. Win-win situation is the only solution i can see now. This is a self-improvement, no one should stop you including your boss.

This post has been edited by igor_is300: Apr 12 2006, 06:40 PM

it's too late now coz i've already burst the bubble to my boss. I couldn't even think any good excuse to tell him for my day off.
Look like I have to make a decision that could haunt me for the rest of my life.

thanks everyone for sharing with me your input and thoughts.
i will tender my resignation in one week time.

hmmm...make sure in ptd interview you'll say that you've stop working now to go for the PTD job. Besides, do your best and once you take a decision, never regret it. Good luck!!