At a loose end after college

LegacyUser

Apologies if this is a bit rambly or whiny in advance.

I'm 21 and have just finished college.Graduated with really good results, and really want to pursue a career in law.I'm finding it really difficult to psyche myself up for the FE1s (entrance exams for solicitors) and I'm considering postponing them until the next session (which would be March 2013). Aside from being a bit burnt out from college,part of me is worrying that it's pointless studying for these exams since it's incredibly hard to get a training contract anyway.

I'm worried about jobs and the future in general.I've been studying for the past 4 years,and part of me wants to just get stuck into a job and stop sponging off my parents.Now,they're happy for me to live at home for however long it takes,but I don't want to be a burden.

I guess I just don't know what to do for the next year or so.I know I need to sit these exams at some stage, and hopefully I'll get something!But sometimes,when I see all these unemployment figures in the media,I feel like it's pointless even trying to find work and I'm beginning to wonder if my good results are going to be worth anything.My parents think they will but I'm not so sure.I feel pretty lousy even writing this out,since going back through it,it sounds fairly pitiful and woe is me.I guess it is too.I just hate not having a plan in life,not knowing what to do with myself between now and March and beyond.

This is being worse by the fact that I'm losing touch with friends I made in college.I was really upset leaving.I make an effort to keep in touch with them through Skype and that,but it's not the same as meeting face-to-face.Plus,it feels a bit one-sided,like I'm always the one who has to initiate contact.I hate hearing about meet ups they've had when I'm not there,to the point where I don't want to hear from them any more at all.

I guess this is mostly a rant,but I'd appreciate any advice on readjusting to moving home and losing touch with friends too.

Lorna123

First of all congratulations on graduating with really good results. That is something to be proud of. I can understand you are having withdrawal symptoms now after all the effort you put in and now the prospect of losing the friends you made. This is what happens to us all at this stage.

I really think that you should keep on going with your FE1s now. Postponing them will just be giving you time from now until March to maybe do nothing and then feel worse. It is better to get focused now and have something worthwhile to do. It is not pointless doing these exams, they will stand to you and look good on your CV especially when you are up against others who have them.

I can understand you worrying about jobs and the future. The situation at present isn't great but that will change. You need to be ready for that change. You are so lucky to have your parents' support.

If you don't plan on doing these FE1s then you have no plan and as you say yourself you hate not having a plan. Dont waste your time from now until March. Have a little break until September and then get going.

Don't worry about it feeling one-sided getting in touch with your friends. It always feels like this, so many people feel like this but at the end of the day if your efforts work then just keep on making the effort. Nothing wrong with that at all.

For what it's worth I think you are great, going through the normal withdrawal that students go through when they have graduated. Get going on the next plan, your FE1s and you will never look back. You will meet new friends along the way. You have a bright future ahead of you and I wish you the best of luck.;)

vwtsi140

Hi Ya - graduated from college myself back on 2001 and can understand how you feel. i reckon it took me almost a year to adjust to leaving college - like you, i enjoyed every day of college

I think the big thing to tell yourself is that it takes time to ADJUST to having left college - you may need to take up new hobbies, interests to fill the void in your social life left by college

As for work, FE 1 exams and all that, try not to heap pressure on yourself - yes employment prospects at the moment arent as good as they are

So you could take a year out maybe or just take up a part time job so you can get clear on what you want to do and how you will achieve it - remember assuming you are 20/21/22 you have plenty of time for working and earning money - so take your time

You have most likely been at school since you were 5. Is it any wonder that you feel unmotivated. Take a break for a year and go to NZ and Australia and live a little. NZ is easier to find work. Might even get a law receptionist type role that would help you in your future career/applications. PM me if you need help applying for visas/agencies.
You'll grow up alot in a year and know what you want. You also will appreciate the good salary in law once you do less-skilled work

Dellnum

bitlost wrote: »

Apologies if this is a bit rambly or whiny in advance.

I'm 21 and have just finished college.Graduated with really good results, and really want to pursue a career in law.I'm finding it really difficult to psyche myself up for the FE1s (entrance exams for solicitors) and I'm considering postponing them until the next session (which would be March 2013). Aside from being a bit burnt out from college,part of me is worrying that it's pointless studying for these exams since it's incredibly hard to get a training contract anyway.

I'm worried about jobs and the future in general.I've been studying for the past 4 years,and part of me wants to just get stuck into a job and stop sponging off my parents.Now,they're happy for me to live at home for however long it takes,but I don't want to be a burden.

I guess I just don't know what to do for the next year or so.I know I need to sit these exams at some stage, and hopefully I'll get something!But sometimes,when I see all these unemployment figures in the media,I feel like it's pointless even trying to find work and I'm beginning to wonder if my good results are going to be worth anything.My parents think they will but I'm not so sure.I feel pretty lousy even writing this out,since going back through it,it sounds fairly pitiful and woe is me.I guess it is too.I just hate not having a plan in life,not knowing what to do with myself between now and March and beyond.

This is being worse by the fact that I'm losing touch with friends I made in college.I was really upset leaving.I make an effort to keep in touch with them through Skype and that,but it's not the same as meeting face-to-face.Plus,it feels a bit one-sided,like I'm always the one who has to initiate contact.I hate hearing about meet ups they've had when I'm not there,to the point where I don't want to hear from them any more at all.

I guess this is mostly a rant,but I'd appreciate any advice on readjusting to moving home and losing touch with friends too.

You don't need a break to make up your mind what you want to do. You really want a career in law. The next step to achieving that is to go for the FE1s. So go for it. No point in waiting until March 2013. You could end up achieving nothing in the interim. You have choices when you pass these exams but your choices are limited if you don't. I would be giving myself the best chance if I were you. You have it made, you graduated from college with flying colours, you have your parent's support. They want you to go on so don't worry about sponging off them.

What makes you think you will get a job now but won't get one in the future? You will have a better chance of getting a better job in the future if you go for these exams.

Go and do the FE1s and don't postpone them, let that be your plan. You can travel where you like when you have your finals under your belt.

We all lose touch with friends we make at school and college, that is just the reality of it. It is not like they are not into you anymore, it is just that it is easier when you are all together. Summer holidays can be boring and lonely. By all means keep in touch with your friends and it doesn't matter who makes the first move. Some people are good at initiating contact and others aren't. You will make new friends along the way.

Put it before you now to make arrangements to do your FE1s and you will feel a lot better. Let that be your goal. Hope it works out for you.