No Direction in Life

ondarack

Hi, I didnt know where to post this so I hope im in the right place. Story so far is, im 24, only education is leaving cert. Got as far as phase 4 in apprenticeship about 2 yrs ago but never went to college so repeating is not really an option because I have the notes but they look like double dutch to me now. I subsequently lost my job. I am currently on a panel for the Gardai and I have all the tests done so im just waiting for the call. To be honest its my dream job but I constantly worry something will happen and I wont get accepted anymore. I applied may 08 and due to the current climate I still havent been called and theres no sign of it happening anytime soon!! What worries me is if I dont get it what do I do then? I'm 24, umemployed, no qualifications, 14000 in debt so I cant travel to find a job. Basically i'm stuck here and stuck on the dole which sickens me, I cant even go back to education because I wont be able to pay back my loan. My girlfriend is finishing her honours degree now next month and I just feel like the best I can hope for is a job at a local tesco for the rest of my life, and I cant even get a job there!! I know there are people in alot worse situations eg: I dont have any responsibilities only to myself but it still gets me down

eleven

Go to Mabs and sort some way to pay your debts manageably. You might have to declare yourself bankrupt or something, I'm not sure how it works, but there are means to enable you to pay off debts at a slower pace and therefor lower rate.

Get on a fas course, they have a great array of subjects, and you'll keep your social welfare payment. Make sure its one longer than 6 months because if you go to college directly after the fas allowance you'll be eligible for a higher rate of back to education grant. Currently around 6 grand. Three years after you start you too will have a degree. Your girlfriend may be impressed with your ambition and ability to make a fresh start, but you will definitely feel impressed with yourself.

So, go to the fas.ie website, check out the courses/training section, do research. Walk into your local fas office, tell them you want to sign up for a couse, bring a list of all that you were interested in.

I'm 25 and I'm doing it. Still got a few years left. I was in the same position you were. It'll be hard, but so worth it.

ondarack

thanks for the advice, will do that. Dont think i'll go about declaring myself bankrupt, that'll surely hav negitive consecences next time i need a loan or apply for a mortgage. My problem with fas all along was apprenticeship was still open so that stopped me from applying from any other courses but I think at this stage I might aswell give up on it and try and get into ssomething else

eleven

Good for you. Do go to Mabs and Fas though, even if they don't tell you anything you don't know already, you know what they say: A problem shared is a problem halved.

Just taking steps to sort something out is often enough to make you feel capable of taking on the world.

tenchi-fan

ondarack wrote: »

thanks for the advice, will do that. Dont think i'll go about declaring myself bankrupt, that'll surely hav negitive consecences next time i need a loan or apply for a mortgage. My problem with fas all along was apprenticeship was still open so that stopped me from applying from any other courses but I think at this stage I might aswell give up on it and try and get into ssomething else

Declaring yourself bankrupt may also have consequences for a career with the gardai.

also if you're applying for jobs don't rely on the fas website. apply anywhere and everywhere, cold call potential employers and offer to send in your cv, ask family and friends whether they know anyone in the business who could give you more practical experience. afaik once you're over a certain age you can get your papers based on experience alone rather than the apprenticeship route - could be wrong about this! city and gilds in the north may also be an option instead of fas.

cafecolour

I was 16,000 in debt and unemployed. I found a job, it took about 4 years to completely pay it off, but I did (and still enjoyed myself during those 4 years as well - it wasn't all work and scrimping). It certainly can be done.

And I've never had credit cards again.