Career Conundrum.

I live and work in Edinburgh. I did a construction management apprenticeship years ago from level 5 up till SCQF level 9.

My work experience mostly centres around building inspection, fault diagnosis and contractor management for care homes and housing associations.

Back before the pandemic I was earning 34k which rose to 45k during the pandemic. I then took a job with Port of Leith Ha but didn’t understand what they wanted from me and was largely left alone before being shown the door.

Any way, by and large I have a good reputation outside of Port of Leith Housing but since then I have struggled to find a job that pays more than 29,000.

I contract temporarily in Glasgow as I can only do the commute temporarily. I often get offered permanent contracts at a decent wage through there but I have to turn them down.

I just can’t find a job in Edinburgh connected to my field that pays. I’ve recently started at a large government department doing what I enjoy with good people but only getting 29,400 a year for it.

I have the opportunity to do a business management degree apprenticeship and loose no money. My conundrum is that I am 43 and wondering if five years doing an apprenticeship on top of my normal work will be worth it or should I just keep looking for a job opening in Edinburgh that will pay me the wage I want?