My oldest daughter is 20 years old this year. She stayed on in school after doing her GCSEs to study for her A levels.
She will admit that she did not settle in sixth form college very easily and probably took off more time from college than she should have, but fortunately by Christmas she started to settle and get on with her studies.
Leading up to her first year exams she actually achieved really good grades to enable her to go on to her second year and pass with good grades and on to university.
The subjects she was studying were Art, IT and Georgraphy. She had a good year study very hard for her exams and achieved two A’s and a B and her IT result was the best mark achieved in Wales that year.
So, she was going to Cardiff university to study IT, all accepted, no looking back now!
I think I realised there was doubt in her mind about university and then I got a phone call from her to say that she didn’t want to go university.
I have to admit I wasn’t disappointed at all. I just wanted her to be happy. I asked why and her answer did surprise me, but I understood where she was coming from. She said that she didn’t want all the debt from university. The sad part is that the government is stopping very capable young people of getting a university education because of the cost and debt.
I told her that she needed a job which is exactly what she wanted too. My wife helped her get an interview with an insurance company where my wife also works and she passed all the interviews with flying colours.
In eighteen months she has gone from a trainee to a senior earning really good money. She paid for and bought her own car in cash and has been on a few holidays too.
The good thing is that she identified that earning money and getting a job was more important than university.
I think without a doubt it was the right decision for her and I am so very proud of her achievements.
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10 Comments
Ashley Beolens
June 22, 2015 at 5:21 am
Way too much pressure is put on kids to go to university, which is sad as it really isn't right for everyone. Oh and she dodged a bullet IT sucks as a profession 🙂
Mrs Tubbs
June 22, 2015 at 11:38 am
When I went you got a grant and you didn't have to pay fees. There were loads of different people there from all walks of life. Now it's an expensive luxury. (That's not saying that everyone should go, more that fear of the size of debt you'll come out with shouldn't be a deciding factor!)
AliceMegan
June 23, 2015 at 12:32 pm
I think it's a very personal decision and she's fell lucky to get such a great job! It just shows that university isn't everything
AliceMegan
orana velarde
June 24, 2015 at 6:18 am
I think that´s great. Now if she really wants to go to college, she can pay with her job! I have no idea what my 16 year old will want in two years time but I won´t be pushy about college thats for sure. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Cheers from #bestandworst
Sarah Howe – Run Jump Scrap
June 24, 2015 at 10:13 am
I think University really isn't what it used to be! It's expensive and although you get the independence and learn to look after yourself I think so many people have degrees now, getting a job can be harder! It sounds like your daughter has made the right choice for her and is doing well! Thanks for linking up to #bestandworst and please pop back next time xx
Mary Smith
June 24, 2015 at 5:39 pm
Good choice – Looking back I dont think I was very academic but "followed the crowd" to 6th form. In hindsight, being the organised, confident person I am, I think more success would have been found in a job where I could have worked up to management. Wishing her every success – nowt like some cash in ya pocket 😉 #bestandworst
Helen Gandy – Beautiful Things
June 24, 2015 at 8:41 pm
I opted not to go to University when I left school and took a route down animal management which I loved, I was an Assistant Manager of a large pet superstore by 17 and manager of a small pet store from 20, I don't think you need to go to Uni to achieve your dreams or career. That been said I did go to Uni 5 years ago to study to be a Nurse after wanting a career change so you never know what the future holds! Sounds like she is doing brilliantly! Thanks for linking up to the #bestandworst
Janine Woods – Unhinged Mummy
June 25, 2015 at 1:05 pm
My daughter dropped out of college after just three months and is now working. She earns very good money for her age, is debt free and is so much happier. Your daughter sounds very bright and sounds like she is climbing the ladder already without a university degree. Good for her and good for you for supporting her in what makes her happy. Sounds like she made the right choice.
#bestandworst
Mummy Fever
June 26, 2015 at 8:46 pm
It isn't for everyone – the important thing is that it was her decision – great post #TheList
john adams
June 27, 2015 at 5:02 am
Interesting, very interesting indeed. I'm a good few years away from dealing with this scenario but it may happen. I once worked out that if my wife and I were to put aside enough money to pay our kids tuition fees (at current levels) AND provide them with a nest egg to buy a property we'd need to set aside £94K for them. It isn't going to happen and you daughter's comment about debt is very, very telling. Higher Education isn't for everyone and she seems ot be doing well. Nice to hear an alternative from the "you must stay in education" stories. #BrilliantBlogPosts