The moral dilemma I'm having is as follow, I'm an Apprentice Mechanic, and I've spoken to my boss about making me a qualified Technician 6 months early (this means end of this year), he's happy to do it, though he asked if I'd stay around for a year, as he wants me on the team, I said I would.
As of yesterday, I've had a possibly very real job offer to work away, which is what I'm directly after long-term, this means significantly more money (double if not more) which means that I can set myself up for life earlier and only associate with this system when it suits me.
It also means that I go back on my word, and disregarding how un-important it is, I'm very inclined to live my life as a man of my word, and stay for a year then look at the possibility of job opportunities working away.

What would you do in my situation?
Thanks, stay safe

Well, perhaps this exact conversation might be best had at some point with your current boss? If you have a good relationship with him he'll understand this dilemma and talk it out with you. As long as you're open and honest and he's understanding, you can get with the new job and no bridges will burn behind you.

Certainly not an easy conversation to have - but they do come up, these "talks." It sounds to me like the way to go would be, if you really do want to take this job offer in a big way, to pursue it and open an honest dialogue with your employer.

Good luck with your awesome dilemma, and congrats on moving up in the world!

What do you WANT to do? Right now?

I want to work away, I also want to honour my word.
I think it's best I chat to my boss, tell him the way it is, and how things look in my view, if he doesn't want to hear it, guess he doesn't deserve my word.

Talk with your boss and ask what he thinks about it, and then do what feels right.

Hey man, I can relate to your situation. On one side, you are a honest person who wants to do right and keep your word, but on the other hand you don't want to hurt yourself and pass up opportunities to better your life. So, what I can say about this is, don't let external things hold you back. If you WANT this other job, and you KNOW it will be a step in the RIGHT direction for YOUR life, then do it. Don't not do it and 5 years later have a regret.

Your life is the most important life in your world. In your world, your at the center, and you can't let what other people want out of your life determine what you actually do with your life. You always, 100% have you know is right in your heart. Sure, your boss might be upset that he is going to loose out on the money you would make him, but its just that... Money.... Don't get money ruin your perception of life. This guy who is your boss if he is truly your friend, then he will understand. If he isn't your friend and doesn't understand, then that will give you the confirmation that this guy is only interested in the money you create for him.

Now, don't get me wrong, you shouldn't go against your word because in this world all we have is our word. But, people also have to understand that when you give your word for something like you did, you are creating an unrealistic situation. It would be the equivalent of saying that if someone offered you 100 million dollars for the next year you would not take it... I mean literally its the same type of agreement, it's unrealistic. Its a SELFISH and GREEDY type of agreement to make. NO ONE HAS OWNERSHIP OF YOU, NO ONE HAS THE POWER TO CONTROL YOU, NO ONE CAN TELL YOU NOT TO PROGRESS WITH LIFE AND ACCUMULATE MATERIALS.

So, don't feel bad, just understand that you made an ignorant agreement, which you only made in the first place because it was pressured onto you. It's bullshit, you wont do better than where your at now? Thats someone's insecurities coming out and their feeling of paranoia. A more proper agreement would have been something like you promise to work every other weekend, or you promise to do an extra 5 hours a week, or you promise to do an extra car a day or something tangible. Saying that you promise not to leave for a year is just unrealistic...

I find that if you are open and honest with people and approach your boss frma viewpoint of asking his advice. Then that will be better accepted then saying "hey I am off"

Things change, life changes, people understand this.

Your boss will feel happy that you came to them for advice on the matter. It shows that you respect their opinion and that you have nothing to hide. Just phrase it that way.

If there's anything I've learned from my failings in life... it would be that opportunities such as this are not something to be discarded lightly... having said that though I also understand the sentimental importance of sticking to your word.
In all honesty, (assuming he is of a kind/good nature) I'm sure your boss would understand perfectly if you choose to take the opportunity that has blown your way... Do what you feel works best for you, follow your instinct - it works well for me a lot of the time.

Its double the money and is what you WANT.

How is this a question

You Boss will understand. Be open and communicate with him.

The river gods say Go with the flow

Honesty is the best policy.

May you attain all that you seek.. yet harm none.

Best wishes,

-FF

I have been that boss many times.. imho i could never hold anyone back from a chance to better ones life.. be honest with him if it is a problem of the work load then offer to stay over if you can to help catch him up..but talk to him. if he is a man of honor then he will understand if not than you are nothing more than fodder.i have never had a problem rolling up my sleves to help or maintain a goal..i say this because in this life you need to understand if someone will hold you back from being all that you can. than that is not someone to stand shoulder to shoulder with... trust me in my work its a hellava lot harder to find someone to replace. he should have no problem.. but i am truly glad that breaking you word brings you pain.. it means you are a good person.. for that i thank i need all the help i can get bringing honor to the people we meet... best of luck in whatever you choose.... oden