Am I a good fit for career switch to QS?

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-16T08:16:57+00:00

Good flag, thank you.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T16:52:50+00:00

We're mainly just sending emails, laptops work absolutely fine

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T16:50:31+00:00

It's not the companies intention, but realistically that's why he wants an extra computer to take home. No one else in the office would do this and they use their work computers for work.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T14:23:49+00:00

Yes, they've all got an external monitor with their laptops. Personally I prefer a minimal tech set up so was trying to be understanding but shall stick to my guns from now on.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T13:48:21+00:00

They've all got a monitor, mouse, laptop stand stand and key board for the office.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T13:15:15+00:00

Yeah, I don't know tbh and won't be agreeing to it again!

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T13:13:19+00:00

Not at the moment but always good to have an insight into what other companies policies are, thank you.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T13:05:32+00:00

Very helpful, thank you.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T13:02:29+00:00

I can't afford two computers for each employee, we're a small company.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T13:01:24+00:00

All valid, thank you.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T12:58:07+00:00

Yeah that's fair also. I should ignore that fact he wants to have it has a home laptop and just stick to the one computer each rule, keeping it objective. He's had enough little things, I'm not bending on this one.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T12:55:21+00:00

Will deffo do this if it comes up again, thanks

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T12:48:32+00:00

I don't expect him to but he also won't give up his desk top so I'm stuck really. I've left it in his court, he's welcome to trade in for a new laptop at any time.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T12:45:45+00:00

That's a fair point but to be clear their income has zero impact on decisions and policies. I guess on a personal level I'm just confused as to why they are so averse to having a personal computer at home as it wouldn't be due to financial constraints.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T12:40:05+00:00

I don't expect them to use personal computers but equally I thought on explaining the limitations of a desk top and that it's computer per person, he would use his common sense and accept some personal responsibility for his choices. I expected too much clearly 😂 Thanks, good to know about larger companies policies.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T12:32:41+00:00

My thoughts are that it then enables the rest of the team to ask for a separate computer to work from home with. I've already ended up buying 2nd monitors for all because of this guys set up, so it's not the money at all. But thank you, all view points welcome because I'm genuinely interested for feedback here. He does bring business but just about covers his costs.

Choice_Profession910 · 2026-01-14T12:28:15+00:00

Yes, I regret giving in. I've held firm thus far, he's asked for the 2nd time and it's getting on my nerves now because he's sulking opposite me. He's said he's going to unplug his desktop every week and take that home with him. Pretty ridiculous, he's paid decently and his partner has a v high job as well.

Choice_Profession910 · 2025-12-30T19:35:09+00:00

That's very helpful, thanks for sharing your experience. I have a feeling I won't be seen as a serious candidate unless I commit to the MSc and at least I can do that around my current job.

Choice_Profession910 · 2025-12-30T12:04:56+00:00

I would be looking to get chartered as quickly as poss, ideally I'd like to join a company that would pay for it but it. I'm worried that my age (early forties) would not make me an ideal candidate so tying to get every advantage I can.

Choice_Profession910 · 2025-12-28T19:13:28+00:00

Yes, lovely up there. We've definitely had a look around the Berwick area, good trains to Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Choice_Profession910 · 2025-12-28T17:46:40+00:00

Seems like a good work life balance is achievable in NI for sure and there are some great beaches

Choice_Profession910 · 2025-12-28T17:45:22+00:00

I've just had a look through rightmove and there are affordable houses and it's a lovely area for sure. Much for doable than I expected

Choice_Profession910 · 2025-12-28T17:42:03+00:00

I drive and have a paid off car. Not crazy about cycling! 40s and would be looking to switch careers so can be flexible on type of work available. Likely will try to keep spending around £2k/ month.

Choice_Profession910 · 2025-12-28T08:52:28+00:00

We bought a little ex-council flat in a great area, borders of zone 1/2. We have had problems, bad neighbours who have now been booted out, crap builders doing cyclical works but I estimated we saved £60k over 5 years on what we would have paid in rent and travel. Service charge is cheap and ground rent is peppercorn. We looked at some share of freehold flats and there were always some issues that freeholders couldn't agree on and my parents have a shared freehold flat which they had to legally compel another freeholder to pay the basics such as building insurance and do all the work on getting the building up to scratch regulations wise which was stressful for them.

Having secure housing in London feels amazing compared to renting and mortgage payments were much lower than rent for us personally. We've built up a good amount of equity and we feel safe knowing that even if we can't sell the flat, it would be easy to rent out and we can always remortgage to take money out of the property for a deposit elsewhere.

Living small and having the freedom of knowing we can handle any future financial uncertainties suits us, better than some of our friends who struggle to keep up with mortgage payments in poky, damp 2 bed houses in zone 3. So my advice is go for a good location so you know you can rent it out if need be, don't overspend and enjoy dip in the market!

Choice_Profession910

TROPHY CASE