University Degree versus Real Life
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Just curious for those of you that went to uni or did any training/further education did you 'grow up' to do that job or are you doing something different?
I went to uni and I have a BA with honours in History and RMPS and a PGDE in education. I'm an RMPS teacher, so I definitely used my degree for what I got it for.
Like MrsCraig I too have a BA hons in history and its been as much use as a chocolate teapot. the plan was do my BA degree, then MA, then PHd and be a history lecturer but thanks to Labour (tony blair) introducing tution fees, I couldn't go straight from my 1st degree to my 2nd, then I had a broken engagement, health problems, bought a house, etc and just couldn't afford to go back to uni. It was 20 years ago now that I graduated. Thankfully, I never paid a penny for my BA degree as I was already there when fees came in as it has been no use job wise. If was 18 now, I would want to study psychology instead, although I do still retain some interest in certain historial areas.
MrsCraig Yes, I was told by scottish gentlemen not so long ago there no fees in Scotland. I couldn't save up to buy a house, pay the mortgage and bills and pay for tuition; yes, I know there is loans but a mortgage is enough debt for me. I ended up as a secretary for 17 years and I hated every minute of it. Most of my jobs were minimum wage as well. Really not me at all.
ShellyAnn it definitely helped not having to pay tuition fees. I still have a student loan that gets paid back every year but it isn't that much. I was very lucky to be able to do both my degrees. I know money doesn't buy happiness but it certainly makes things easier! I'm hopwfully planning to go back to soon, looked into sending our son to nursery and it is £870 a month. It is so much money, that is half my wages. It certainly makes me think twice!
MrsCraig I personally think that here in England we should follow Scotlands example and scrap uni fees everyone should have the right to a higher education which a lot of us unfortunately cant afford
chelseaturpin I totally agree. A number of my friends wouldn't have been able to go to uni if we had had to pay tuition fees. Then there is accomodation costs, travel expenses, textbooks, it is so expensive.
I got a degree in psychology, but without any relevant work experience, I couldn’t get onto a post grad course.. can’t afford to work voluntarily, so I’m stuck working in retail... have been for the past 4 years..
I'm in a job that needs very specific qualifications so definitely using my degree. Wouldn't have had it any other way.
I'm qualified in a job I no longer have the passion or the family lifestyle for. I have had a change of career from a chef to a cleaner. I much prefer the hours and the lack of stress my new job entails. I probably will go back to it at some point, but for now I'm happy as is
Doing something different. Some stuff from uni has definitely helped me, but it's mostly a completely different thing.
I left school at 16 but had wanted to be a teacher since I was 5. Did various jobs throughout the years that I hated then went to Uni at 35, got a degree in Advanced Early Years and followed up with a PGCE to teach. I loved the job every bit as much as I thought I would. It amazes me the capacity children have for learning and absorbing new things at such young ages. However, I found the politics, funding and 'teaching to test' attitudes absolutely soul destroying. So sadly left teaching and went back to working in an office where I have no emotional connection.
Let's say: You can be the best in your class, but if you have no actual experience then you can't do the task.
It's also like folks who pass the driving theory test, but then have a hard time driving on the road. At first you may let the automobile go down and the likes, but that improves with experience.
I think having a uni degree looks good but majority of people I know with degrees have a completely different job to their degree
I didnt go to uni, i was all set to go then decided not to that was because i was already working as a dancer and wanted to pursue this as a career and id never been to an audition where they even asked about a degree in performing arts they watched you dance so i decided not to waste my time. Gave up the drean anyway when my kids came along and i had a mortgage needed more regular secure work.
I went straight to work and didn't start any university until I was nearly 40 (and then went with Open University so I could still work and stop and start as I needed to). Then again I've gone with English Lit which doesn't have any particular career choices attached to it.
Im glad i did the degree I did, but as it was hard finding paid work in that field after I graduated, I ended up working and drifting further away from it
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