Posted By Graham T Hi friendly IOSH community, I am after some considered and justfied advice. Don't worry about submitting a disclaimer stating "its your life, only you can make the decision"...if I had a pound for every time....! Seriously, I know, I just want your thoughts. The facts; 1. I'm 28 and bored. I'm neither in the job I want (though its fair and I'm not complaining) nor in the location or earning enough £££ to fund a less than boring life. 2. Currently, I am a Safety Audit & Compliance Manager for a Train Operating Company. I have held this position since Jan 08. 3. Previously, I worked as a Station Manager (London) -about four yrs and previous to that I was a Scientist for 1 yr (Biosciences). Quals; 1. BSc Biochemistry 2. DMS (Diploma Management Studies) 3. NEBOSH General Cert 4. ROSPA Accredited H&S Auditor The options and Issues; 1. Stick it out in London and gain more experience. However, I suspect the company will not offer further professional development in the short term. London is now grating on me, more so given my other options. Its near impossible to buy a house here and I need to consider the long term future, renting for life is not an option. 2. Start an MSc Health & Safety and Environment. This will take 1yr full time starting Sept (im really short on time). I was thinking of doing the course at Sunderland Uni, but a number of professionals have suggested it wouldnt enhance my career opportunities and that the best route is the NEBOSH Diploma. 3. Start the NEBOSH Diploma, though I may have to self finance and tied with the job currently it would be difficult. The other option would be to leave work, complete the course and start over. 4. Go to Austrailia, a friend is over there and is really pressing me to go over. Opportunities galore apparently. However, I understand the vetting company (vettass or something like that) doesnt recognise any NEBOSH quals. Long term I like this option and this may bring the NEBOSH Diploma option into question. I dont fancy funding a course in Oz, too expensive. 5. Start a Risk Management Diploma- a thought that has only recently come to life and I dont know much about it. Essentially, although I am grateful to have options, I find myself stuck in a rut and my indecision is zapping my confidence. There are a fair few obstacles in every direction! I am finding it difficult to address where I can take my career and whether a move to Oz will enhance my prospects. Should I stay in the UK I would like to study further but dont want to stay in the Railway. I've considered making use of my degree is some loose fashion, possibly as Laboratory H&S. Decisions, decisions! I would appreciate any thoughts and guidance. Thanks Gary

Posted By Jim T "I'm 28 and bored. I'm neither in the job I want (though its fair and I'm not complaining) nor in the location or earning enough £££ to fund a less than boring life" Have you considered a 5 year stint in the French Foreign Legion?..........;-) Jim

Posted By Anthony Edwards Graham, The Diploma, I believe is not recognised during the vetting process, (only degrees are). However once you've attained CMIOSH this is recognised (have a friend who has gone over as CMIOSH) but that would take you approx 18 months to do the diploma and a further 2 years on IPD before attaining CMIOSH. My advice, go to Aus, crash at your mates pad and job hunt out there. All the best Nutty

Posted By MR97 Also fed up of London and looking at Oz so have learnt that on going to Oz you can use a degree in anything (including the one you already have) so that doesn't stop you doing the NEBOSH diploma. Also dependent on where you mate is you could look at doing an OZ qualification like the cert 4 distance learning (from England) so you know the local laws when you get there. More choices sorry! Marie