I thnk we all are, and if you arent then you should, using GM's fantastic tuition reimbursement program. Is this benefit safe going forward?
One of the more appealing things about GM was that they would pay me to go learn more skills as I worked for them. I have completed a masters and am part way through a PHD program. Would be a shame if this benefit disappeared.
Remember that getting an advanced degree or certification or participating in special projects isn’t so much about improving your skills or contributions to the organization because in this corporate environment, people only really make a difference when they are chosen to make a difference.
How those added credentials actually serve you is to help you become deselected when they are deciding who to let go. Seriously - leadership doesn’t talk about someone’s unique qualifications until they are trying to decide who is to be let go and who should be allowed to stay.
Maybe that’s reason enough to pursue these things. But don’t do it on the premise that you will be identified as any kind of superstar because all it takes is to have worked for the wrong manager in the wrong department for your career development to be sidelined regardless of your capabilities.
In what way is it abused? By people using it and then leaving the company?
These programs are heavily abused by many.
I have very good time management skills.
I have a great boss who allows me to be flexible with work hours also. On a normal day I get in at 6, handle my tasks, and am out by 2. Where I have an evening class and time set aside for my research. I check emails and do a little more work before bed, which is roughly 9:30-10.
How the hell are you doing a PhD while working fulltime
Of course it’s safe. Gotta grease the wheels of the educational institutions. “Learning”, lol, everyone I know who got masters/phd simply worked less hours, oftentimes even working on their classwork -during- work hours. They did not gain any appreciable skills which helped them in their role. They’re the ones who need titles to look appealing- can’t get by on the merits of their work.