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Unsure what to do now..

  • 04-08-2012 1:38am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026
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    I've worked in a factory since I was 17. I'm now 26. The place closed down last month and Im now unemployed.
    Im feeling very insecure now, as I don't know what the future holds for me. I have no skills or qualifications which would be of any use abroad.

    I sat a very average leaving certificate (220 points) so I can't see myself getting onto any worthwhile degree course. Considering I would be 30 by the time I completed it, I would probably be too old to be considered ahead of some 22 year old with similar qualifications?

    I just like to ask for suggestions as to how I can drag myself out of this slump and turn my life around before it's too late.

    Thanks in advance.


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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,095 looksee
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    You have just suggested, and shot down, one solution.

    Do you want to do a college course? Is there any particular subject you would feel you could usefully study? Do you feel that you could make a better fist of studying now than you did then?

    The only totally irrelevant point in your post was your age. You can study at any age and 30 is not old. It is never too late, and while you are thinking about it you can have signed on and done something.

    Unfortunately it is probably too late for this year. It is too late for university but you might be able to do a one year fetac course and see how you feel about studying. You will have to work pretty fast to get on one this year, there are probably not many places left, and if you are limited to an area near where you live this might be a non-starter.

    Think about it for next year, you have a computer, do some serious research on what is out there. Otherwise you need to be looking for an interest to fill in your time, alongside job-hunting. Think about what you might be interested in, look at the possibilities for jobs in that area, and see if you can find some sort of hobby level group or class.

    Sit down with a pen and paper and write down all the jobs you can possibly find. Then go through them and only cross out what you absolutely could not do - jobs that need a Phd (you probably don't have time for that!), teaching if you don't like kids :p etc. Then tick any that you might be remotely interested in or good at. Actual hobbies are not always the best direction to go in a job, but if you enjoy physical work consider gardening, for example. If you are good at fixing things, look at what training you might need to turn that skill into a job. Are you good at organising (office work), or talking (sales?). Was there any aspect of your previous job that you particularly enjoyed or were good at?

    Meantime do some voluntary work, take up a hobby - running, five a side, mending everything around the house. It is all useful, and will stand to you when you are job hunting. Achieving something,whether it is fixing a fence or running a half marathon will make you feel good about yourself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,572 Canard
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    You say you can't see yourself getting into a worthwhile degree with 220 points, but what about applying to college as a mature student? I'm not sure how it works exactly but I know that people who miss out on their points sometimes wait to do that instead of repeating. It might be a good option. :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,091 dearg lady
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    26 is definitely not too old to be going to college! I know plenty of people in their 30's doing degrees. Anyway, it doesn't have to be a full on 4 year degree. There are so many different courses, in different areas, ranging from a few months to a few years.
    Please don't be put off by the idea that you're too old, you're still young, and anyway life experience can count for a lot. Have a think about what areas interest you. If you have a clear idea, make some applications, if not, maybe attend a few night courses to see what interests you. Best of luck with whatever you decide :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,411 woodchuck
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    Points mean nothing now; you can apply as a mature student.

    22 year old fresh out of college vs 30 year old fresh out of the same course AND 9 years work experience... I'd think you'd be at the advantage there!

    It's up to you whether you want to look for work or start a course (or even do both together), but try to be positive. You didn't mention what your work involved, but it would definitely be worth while working up your CV (get advice from a profession if you need to... you'd be surprised how the little things can be made to sound fantastic!)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,816 skooterblue2
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    Hi OP,
    The world is always changing. You have to be willing to change with it. You are still very young in the greater plan of things. If you want to you can go back to college where they assess you on your aptitiude and expectations.

    Dont go getting into a sweat to see what course you can get into before September. Take a year out.
    As before think what you can see your self doing. eg. I want a degree in computer Programming.
    Go to FAS asap or some sort of local college. see what courses are available.
    You should try to get you ECDL (European Computer Driving licence) done.
    then do some sort of Electronic engineering / networking / hardwear / applications / Programming course done in the year. This will give you skills ease you back into learning and increase your confidence.

    Dont worry you wont be the only big boy in the class. Half the country is out of work. 40% of the population were working in construction at one stage. Alot of these have the "old man attitude" I am too old to retrain. There is a mature students society and extra free grinds for maths if you seek them out.

    Then Around Christmas you should have some idea of what you want to. If you are finding the course hard that is only natural if you are finding it completely unnatural then thats a warning signal. Remember to check out college open days. Any college lecturer will tell you his course is absolutely booming and everyone of his graduate got a job. Trust personal contacts on this one. See what guys are doing 3 years after the course is a good indicator. If you want to go do hotel mgt, go work in a hotel. Dont just look the young guys, if there are hardly any old boys in the business or there is a huge drop out rate then get out. Look at accountancy its consistent age profile, look at hotel work very few old boys there, either burnt out or moved on.

    Go to FÁS they have loads of courses on esp at night, if you live in a city. Do your research. Dont go to night classes more than once a week. I think the welding gets done in two weeks.

    By March you should be full sure of what to do. Also local jobs clubs are great resources but you have to ask for specific help. I would be aiming to be on a short course before September. Next week is important because Leaving results come out. you have a week before them to apply to local colleges/FAS courses.

    You are probably going to get a payout. Keep that safe. There are very few course in this country worth paying that kind of money for. Make sure your qualification is one that is respected and you can travel with. My friend did diploma courses in accountancy validated by a university in the UK but run in Ireland and an IATTI course. After two years study the local accountants told her it was a very nice course but what they wanted was a 4 year degree from an Irish university.

    This is your second chance at life. Be cautious get proper advice from real people who know. Good luck


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,175 hoodwinked
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    as a 26 year old who has just finished their 1st year out of 4 years if you want to do college do NOT let age stop you,


    im the youngest out of all the mature students.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,863 seachto7
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    a 22 year old fresh out of college has very little real world/common sense in the workplace/dealing with bosses/work politics experience (the majority of them anyhow...), so you having actual life experience, and going back to college to get yourself in a position for a job would be the selling point over some green 22 year old graduate any day....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 283 validusername1
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    colleges don't take your LC results into account when applying as a mature student. sounds like you're making excuses to write yourself off. apply to the CAO next year for a course that you want to do. if anything employers would rather a 30 year old.. more maturity, experience etc..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,445 jd83
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    I forgot what I got in the leaving cert. I failed it anyway and it was less than 200 points. Like you I went straight in the work force working low level jobs. I went back to college in 2006 and now have an honours degree from Trinity College. Like you I was hesitant about going back thinking I was too old for college. All of these faded away the first week of class.

    There a lots of options available. Your over 23 so you can apply as a mature student to most full time college course through the CAO. You can also apply directly to college for part time course, if you want to continue working. Then there is lots of online course you can do. If you unemployed you can register for free online courses through fas.

    Get on the internet do some research on what you would like to do. MOst colleges have a forum on boards so if you have any questions ask there?

    Good luck op.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,816 skooterblue2
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    apply to the CAO next year for a course that you want to do.

    Check this part somewhere else. Mature students need to apply directly to the college of their choice, CAO form is not the way to apply as a mature student. Please check this somewhere else, Jobs club, FÁS, VEC office, career guidance. You may have to submit essays, do aptitude tests and/or attend interviews.

    I was in college this year and at the start of the summer the calls were crammed with people lining up to do interviews to get back to education. You will be far from alone when you arrive the first day. Now is the time to start preparing.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,494 Sala
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    I work in a University and for here anyway mature students do need to apply through the CAO. (Supplementary information such as examination results, a CV and a personal statement must be sent to CAO with the completed application form). OP afriend of mine aged 26 is starting her first degree now. You are not too old, plenty of people start studying, change careers etc at all stages in life. If you remain unemployed you could get back to education allowance which would be a godsend when in college. Think about something you would like to do and start to research the routes in, attend the open days, call the colleges, post back on boards if neccessary but do not leave it until the last minute if it is something you want to do.


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