Opinions on Using Employer TA

[futuremrsmlb]

This is a very common requirement for TA. Not sure if this is still the case, but many employers used to pay it off for you as a hiring bonus. My thought would be take it, with the intentions of staying, but if something better comes up, ask the new company to pay it off for you. In the meantime, start saving up so you can pay it off yourself if need be.

Also, you said that there is not a lot of advancement opportunities at the company, but I would look at it another way; they are giving you an advancement opportunity for your LIFE. Something you can take with you to the next job, and all future jobs. Assuming that they're going to be forking out $25k (?) for a graduate degree for you, that's a pretty great benefit and advancement.

And, you never know when a company will make changes to their structure, or get bought out, or buy another company, or spit, or add divisions...you get the picture. Just because it doesn't look like there are advancement opportunities NOW doesn't mean there won't be some LATER.

Take the TA and start piling up cash!

Excellent point!

[Prloko]

This may seem odd to some but I am weighing my options as I gear up to start graduate school.

I have two options for payment which include fed student loans and tuition assistance.
My employer will pay up to $2000 per class that I take as a grad student.
The only drawback (if you consider it that) is I will be required to sign a promise to remain employed with the company for two years beginning the day I graduate.
The online MBA program at University of Mount Olive is only 1 year so I would be done Summer 2017 (based on starting this summer).
That means I have to stay with the company until 2019 at least.

I am on the fence about it due to the lack of advancement opportunities within the company. I enjoy my job and the pay is good. The only thing I see my degrees being good for at this company is for pay increases. I am not complaining about that, I just want to be able to pursue other interests if I want...I guess 2 years is not so bad, right?
Please share your thought/opinions.

Thanks everyone!

Just food for thought, I received TA from my employer with a stipulation that I owe them 6 months at the end of the course. Shortly after, I received an offer that I couldn't take.

[futuremrsmlb]

Just food for thought, I received TA from my employer with a stipulation that I owe them 6 months at the end of the course. Shortly after, I received an offer that I couldn't take.

This is what I am afraid of! Something else to consider..thanks for the info!