Should you do a course for the sake of it to see if you like it, or nothing at all?

irishbarb

I'm 21, been trying to get into Vet nursing since I left school. Did FETAC level 5 in animal care hoping to get in, wasn't accepted after that. Decided might as well do the level 6 too, wasn't accepted after that. I've decided to give up on it because it's not working out and I've wasted three years of my life.

I got accepted into a software development course. I am semi interested in computers. No clue whether I'd like this kind of course or not, but I'm just so desperate at this point I just want to do it. My family are so worked up about me being "so old" and needing to get a degree that they are pushing me to do it.

The past three years have destroyed me and I've no interest in anything anymore and no ambition. I have started to avoid people and rarely leave the house because it has destroyed my self confidence and made me feel like everyone is judging me for being such a **** up. I'd rather just work and not bother with college but I only got one job interview over the Summer, and I don't think I'd be able to survive going on the dole and being at home. ls it better to chance it and try a course you might not like and drop out, or not try it at all?

LegacyUser

Hi, personally I would probably try out the course anyway, as degree courses are fairly vast, so even if you don't like the main subjects there may be a secondary subject that will interest you, that you could end up making a career out of....Regarding jobs, as silly as it sounds a lot of places just prefer you to have a degree, and often don't even seem to mind what it's in. Also in the course you'd meet a lot of people, and its always useful to have them as contacts. Worth a go, I'd say......

Ave Sodalis

First of all, 21 is not old to be going to college. Far from it. You aren't even considered a mature student until you're 23. At this stage, you have a higher chance of getting somewhere, so you have two choices. You can either give this one a go, or you can wait until you're 23 and try again. Personally, I would wait but that's just me. Nobody here can tell you what to choose but my advice is to go with what you really want to do.

JeffKenna

Have you looked at the modules of the course or talked to anyone in the college about it? Normally I would say go for it but a software development course could be very tough if you have no interest or past experience?

cloudatlas

Do you know anyone who works in /has studied software development?
Can you contact the college and ask for the contact details of a class rep so you can talk about the course.?

You're not a failure. A lot of people are struggling with plan A and looking for plan B and C in this life. You showed a lot of initiative to do what you did.

Veterinary medicine is so difficult to get into that Irish students are going abroad, central Europe etc. to do the course. If it's a passion of yours can you still volunteer in this area?

You should force yourself to leave the house for a walk each evening. Don't let your parents sway you, tell them if you're going to commit something you want to be sure.

IlmoNT4

Heres my thoughts on software developers and working in that industry (I know a lot of people who do this)

you either
1. really love it, and its a passion , in which case you'll love your job, have a career and make a good living out of it.
2. you'll struggle with it, and it'll become at best an ok-ish pay check with a good career which you dont like

Thats mostly in a nutshell my experience of software developers. It takes a certain type of brain, one that likes problem solving, logic, patience, learning languages, people skills, understand abstract concepts.... If you really enjoyed maths and puzzles you'll probably like it..... Most of the time you'll be working in a team, but on your own. Generally unless you are a mega amazing programmer, you'll have to work on other peoples ideas, which seems to be a sticking point for most people I know in software programming. They dont like being told what to do. Also you should be able to deal with criticism and office politics. While writing this, I'm reminded of a friend I know who did a degree in computer programming, struggled through it, got a job, hated it but desperately wanted to make it work and to be "smart enough" (his words) to be able to program. In the end he gave it up after 5 miserable years.... I have a whole other bunch of friends who program for a living, and then come home in the evening to work on their own programming projects and they love it, making good money and are super happy.

If I was you, I'd go and buy a learn C++ or pearl in 24 hours, or one of those dummy guides and work though the book, if you love it and are picking things up then go for the course...A qualification in IT can let you travel the world, and there are many different streams you could go into....if programming doesnt suit, maybe look at going down the IT support route which is just as engaging but a little different

IlmoNT4

I forgot my main point.... you want to be a vet, dont give up on that dream. 21 is really young, keep trying.
I went to college at 31.....now is the time, in your early 20's before houses, jobs, mortgages, weddings come along to really go for what you want to do. If thats a Vet, then have another swing at it.... IT isnt going any where.

SimonTemplar

OP, I work in IT and I did a nighttime four year development course. Feel free to ask any questions. Also, let us know what course and college you'll be doing and I'll walk though the modules for you.

diograis

pretty sure the OP meant vet nursing FYI guys, it is NOT = a veterinary surgeon or simply vet. Just saying

average hero

Hi OP,

Frankly, having been in a situation not dissimilar to yours in a way, I would NOT do it unless YOU wanted to take a stab at it.

When you are 23, a lot of mature entry courses will open up to you. If you are doing something you don't like, you may not stick with it. I moved courses twice. A lot of this was due to pressure my parents were putting on me to do 'something' to just get a degree. That is the wrong mentality in my opinion and experience.

Then again it may be something you love, so perhaps look into software development. Just don't go in blind or do it for the wrong reasons.

Also, please go for a walk during the day, or set fitness goals like trying to be able to do 10 press ups. It will help your mentality greatly!

Things will work out, they generally do - so keep the head up and your chin down!

Rubberchikken

I would never recommend someone do a course just for the sake of it.
If you really want to do vet nursing then pursue that no matter what.
If you have a full fetac 5 & 6 try to see if there are any relevant positions on job bridge.
Getting an internship might open doors.

In the meantime chat with your gp if you feel it would help. Keep busy, exercise and relax.
Take care