Don't know what to do with my life (return to college or a trade)

MrMiata · 28-07-2019 12:12PM #1

Short and sweet - 2 years studying business, hated the maths, stats, accounting and economics modules.. so 50% of the programme.

Went into an electrician apprenticeship with a large industrial firm.. Didn't enjoy that, had lads constantly telling me to go back and get a degree, that they regret going into it etc etc.
I don't think I'm cut out for pulling big cables.

I'm 22, currently working in a warehouse and hating it, because it's so damn boring.

I don't know what to do.
I don't think college is for me, but I wasn't suited for the electrician apprenticeship.

I've notions of going back to college to study business because nothing interests me.

I'd be changing colleges from an NUI to an IT, starting in as a 2nd year (work placement 3rd year too), and studying something like marketing or management.
It just seems like I'm doing it for the sake of it in all honesty.

But I have no idea what to do.

People are probably bored of hearing this crap, and I apologise to the mods but friends, family and career guidance counsellors have been no help.

Lotus Flower · 28-07-2019 12:26PM

I sympathise OP- many people much older still don't know what they want to be when they grow up!

Are there any hobbies you enjoy that could potentially be something to study, I.e music, drama, film, etc?

shesty · 28-07-2019 12:30PM

If the warehouse isn't for you, the trades aren't for you and college isn't for you, then quite frankly OP, nobody can solve this except you.
I can say go see a career counsellor, which is about your best bet at this point.But honestly nobody is going to hand you the solution on a plate.Nobody loves every second of all the courses of their college life.Or every minute of the job they do.College is a long term investment in yourself.Those lads telling you to go back to college are telling you that for a reason.They have learned from experience.They have seen what happens when things go to crap, and you have an education vs when you don't have one.

You are only 22, personally I would say go find a course you are interested in-even if only some way interested in, and stick it out. But maybe my thinking is coloured by the fact that I was working as an engineer in construction when things went crash and I saw exactly how bad it can get and how hard it is to recover yourself.

The idea of having your dream job or the job you love is great but honestly, most people don't get that straight away.There is a lot of slogging, a lot education, a lot of trying and failing and trying again.And bills to pay.So try and narrow down what you might be interested in, go for it and stick it out-view it as a long term investment in yourself.

MrMiata · 28-07-2019 12:33PM

Lotus Flower wrote: »

I sympathise OP- many people much older still don't know what they want to be when they grow up!

Are there any hobbies you enjoy that could potentially be something to study, I.e music, drama, film, etc?

I know.. and to be honest I really hope I'm not in that position in years to come.
I hate the thought of just working at something I tolerate.

There's nothing really.. I like music, I play guitar and sing but I don't want to pursue it.

Another issue is if I'm going back to college I'm liable for the fees of first and second year, right not 2nd year is costing me €3800.
I can't go to college outside of commuting distance because I can't afford it.

I got on alright in my Leaving with 425 points but there's nothing I want to study regardless of points..
I had notions of studying medicine but that's not for me.

ste · 28-07-2019 12:34PM

shesty wrote: »

If the warehouse isn't for you, the trades aren't for you and college isn't for you, then quite frankly OP, nobody can solve this except you.
I can say go see a career counsellor, which is about your best bet at this point.But honestly nobody is going to hand you the solution on a plate.Nobody loves every second of all the courses of their college life.Or every minute of the job they do.College is a long term investment in yourself.Those lads telling you to go back to college are telling you that for a reason.They have learned from experience.They have seen what happens when things go to crap, and you have an education vs when you don't have one.

You are only 22, personally I would say go find a course you are interested in-even if only some way interested in, and stick it out. But maybe my thinking is coloured by the fact that I was working as an engineer in construction when things went crash and I saw exactly how bad it can get and how hard it is to recover yourself.

The idea of having your dream job or the job you love is great but honestly, most people don't get that straight away.There is a lot of slogging, a lot education, a lot of trying and failing and trying again.And bills to pay.So try and narrow down what you might be interested in, go for it and stick it out-view it as a long term investment in yourself.

OP, what job do you want to work in? Do you see family, friends, neighbours, others & think Oh yes I'd like to do that?

Presumably you do, so do what needs to be done to get that job. You may never get exactly where you planned (life's like that) but at least you'll have some direction.

FWIW I did this & did a course I never expected & got roughly where I wanted to career wise

MrMiata · 28-07-2019 12:45PM

ste wrote: »

OP, what job do you want to work in? Do you see family, friends, neighbours, others & think Oh yes I'd like to do that?

Presumably you do, so do what needs to be done to get that job. You may never get exactly where you planned (life's like that) but at least you'll have some direction.

FWIW I did this & did a course I never expected & got roughly where I wanted to career wise

There's nothing I can point to and say 'I want to do that'.. beyond being self employed.. Not just owning a corner shop, I'd like to be involved in different areas.
I respect what the Comer brothers have done as well as the likes of JP McManus.. but that's not a career.
Basically I'd like to be rich, but I'm willing to work, I'd rather build businesses than win the lotto.

But again, that's not a plan and it's a fairly childish answer.

0byme75341jo28 · 28-07-2019 12:54PM

You remind me a lot of myself.

I spent 4 years after my leaving cert f*cking around. Started an IT course the year of the leaving and dropped out before Christmas - I knew it wasn't for me. Then did three years of a science degree and qualified with a level 7. I could've done a final year for the level 8
I but had no interest whatsoever in working in that area so said what's the point. At this stage I was lost, unmotivated and hopeless

I took a year out to focus on myself, did a lot of personal development - learned a lot about myself and what is really important to me. I did a PLC during the day to keep myself busy, I made some great friends and did some writing, which I always really enjoyed doing but was put off by being told my whole life it was a waste of time essentially. I also took up running and more recently strength training and the difference I feel in myself is indescribable. If you told me two years ago I'd have lost 5 stone, be able to run 20k and feel great about it I'd have told you you're crazy.

Basically what I'm saying is that it might be no harm to step away for a year from the idea of going to college. Explore your interests and try new things. Pick up a sport or a new hobby. You could very well end up feeling better in yourself and be in a much better position if/when you decide to return to college.

I think it's also important to remember that you're not alone in this. I've friends ranging from their early 20s to their late 30s and they're all experiencing the same feelings you are. It's easy to feel like you're 22 and everyone else is finishing their degrees or working decent jobs and have their entire lives in order but that's not the case. A massive amount of them are just as confused as you are. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Best of luck.

MrMiata · 28-07-2019 01:04PM

Angelina Attractive Stud wrote: »

You remind me a lot of myself.

I spent 4 years after my leaving cert f*cking around. Started an IT course the year of the leaving and dropped out before Christmas - I knew it wasn't for me. Then did three years of a science degree and qualified with a level 7. I could've done a final year for the level 8
I but had no interest whatsoever in working in that area so said what's the point. At this stage I was lost, unmotivated and hopeless

I took a year out to focus on myself, did a lot of personal development - learned a lot about myself and what is really important to me. I did a PLC during the day to keep myself busy, I made some great friends and did some writing, which I always really enjoyed doing but was put off by being told my whole life it was a waste of time essentially. I also took up running and more recently strength training and the difference I feel in myself is indescribable. If you told me two years ago I'd have lost 5 stone, be able to run 20k and feel great about it I'd have told you you're crazy.

Basically what I'm saying is that it might be no harm to step away for a year from the idea of going to college. Explore your interests and try new things. Pick up a sport or a new hobby. You could very well end up feeling better in yourself and be in a much better position if/when you decide to return to college.

I think it's also important to remember that you're not alone in this. I've friends ranging from their early 20s to their late 30s and they're all experiencing the same feelings you are. It's easy to feel like you're 22 and everyone else is finishing their degrees or working decent jobs and have their entire lives in order but that's not the case. A massive amount of them are just as confused as you are. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the input.

A huge problem of mine is I jump into things that interest me and I get obsessive.
If I start playing a game I'm at it for 12 hours.
If I get interested in a certain topic, I'm up all night 'researching it'..
But I also drop these interests very quickly..
It's hard to do anything when I think 'oh yeah I could get into cycling and I start researching bikes and gears, what I need, how much to train etc. etc.

A year out for me would mean working 9-5..
I hate it, I hate feeling like I've no time to do anything I want.
But my parents wouldn't let me just work part time because if I can work part time I can work full-time.
Let alone not working, because they know well I'd just spend all day on the xbox, which is a fair point.

A lot of my friends have already graduated and started into their first jobs, I don't want to be any further behind than I already am..

28-07-2019 01:06PM

College wasn't for me. I wasn't terrible at it but the structure, the tests, homework/CA just felt like such a waste of time. Once I got through it I was glad I did, and it's definitely done me good to have a degree to my name.

My degree is in NO way relevant to my job, but it was critical to me getting the job.

Maybe it would be worth sticking out the final year/years of that business degree just to get it under your belt? I know it doesn't sound like it makes sense, but getting the business degree could be your gateway to a good job, which doesn't require any of the stuff from college that you didn't like.

The value of a degree is starting to fall, and new ways to enter the workforce are opening up. But for the near future I think getting a degree (of any sort) will stand to you in a big way when job hunting.

Unless you want a very technical role (medicine, scientific research, data analysis), you can apply for a huge amount of entry level jobs with a 2.1 in anything.

Here's a job currently on LinkedIn with Heineken: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=1373393120&keywords=heineken
They only mention a degree in a 'relevant discipline', which could be anything from business to marketing to social science, or I'd suspect they'd accept something unrelated if you were able to show your abilities suited the role.

LillySV · 28-07-2019 01:14PM

I did the degree in business.... waste of time... as regards the electrician option... you either take pride in that kind of work or u don’t....if u don’t...not for u! The way to make money in that is through self employment but a lot to risk down that road too...

Ps don’t mind all the lads saying they’re sorry they did it... majority of people say they hate their job!!!

If u like money then engineering and construction seems to be the way to go in Ireland.... particularly engineering...anyone I know that went down that route are loaded.... and as regards the builders... making doctors money in Ireland at moment!! I’ll have afew here come and criticise me for saying that in a min.... and al I’ll have to do is say... give me full quote for building house...

If it’s not money that inspires u... then u have to think and decide for yourself what u like... do some of those personality Briggs tests... works for some

MrMiata · 28-07-2019 01:48PM

LillySV wrote: »

I did the degree in business.... waste of time... as regards the electrician option... you either take pride in that kind of work or u don’t....if u don’t...not for u! The way to make money in that is through self employment but a lot to risk down that road too...

Ps don’t mind all the lads saying they’re sorry they did it... majority of people say they hate their job!!!

If u like money then engineering and construction seems to be the way to go in Ireland.... particularly engineering...anyone I know that went down that route are loaded.... and as regards the builders... making doctors money in Ireland at moment!! I’ll have afew here come and criticise me for saying that in a min.... and al I’ll have to do is say... give me full quote for building house...

If it’s not money that inspires u... then u have to think and decide for yourself what u like... do some of those personality Briggs tests... works for some

I've heard that from a few people and that's why I'm not sure on going back..

I wouldn't go back sparking, I've no real interest in it.

I don't like maths so I can't see engineering working out too well for me.

I worked with my uncle who's a carpenter (fitting flatpack kitchens and wardrobes, some flooring too). I didn't mind that.
But I was very interested in the guy who was paying him, he owned a few slaughter houses and he's since got into property development, and then there was the builder who priced, sorted and ran the whole job..
I'd like to get to that level, I've no interest in just working along for the rest of my life.. I'd want to run the job.

MrMiata · 28-07-2019 02:37PM

true-or-false wrote: »

College wasn't for me. I wasn't terrible at it but the structure, the tests, homework/CA just felt like such a waste of time. Once I got through it I was glad I did, and it's definitely done me good to have a degree to my name.

My degree is in NO way relevant to my job, but it was critical to me getting the job.

Maybe it would be worth sticking out the final year/years of that business degree just to get it under your belt? I know it doesn't sound like it makes sense, but getting the business degree could be your gateway to a good job, which doesn't require any of the stuff from college that you didn't like.

The value of a degree is starting to fall, and new ways to enter the workforce are opening up. But for the near future I think getting a degree (of any sort) will stand to you in a big way when job hunting.

Unless you want a very technical role (medicine, scientific research, data analysis), you can apply for a huge amount of entry level jobs with a 2.1 in anything.

Here's a job currently on LinkedIn with Heineken: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=1373393120&keywords=heineken
They only mention a degree in a 'relevant discipline', which could be anything from business to marketing to social science, or I'd suspect they'd accept something unrelated if you were able to show your abilities suited the role.

That's my parents logic too, and what I've been going with too because it just seems like an easy route to take.
I could just go back and get a degree that'd allow me to apply to basic entry level jobs but I don't know how much I fancy working a 9-5 in an office every day.

I know people will say that's not always the case, so take sales.. I've no interest in trying to convince people to buy some nonsense product.
The old cog in a machine issue that people bring up rings true for me.. I've no real interest in just sitting at my desk, doing my bit as I look forward to what ever is on telly that evening..

28-07-2019 02:42PM

I know that feeling. I did electronic engineering after school, hated it and dropped out. Drifted around for a few years, then went to college at a mature student studying economics, got a BA and MA. Got a job as an analyst in banking. I've been doing that since 2010 and I honestly I don't like it. So this September I'm starting a part time Hdip in Software Development and see where it takes me.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is even if you commit to a career path, you can always change later on. The experience you pick up along the way will be valuable so long as you are learning.

The Undecided One · 28-07-2019 03:04PM

MrMiata wrote: »

There's nothing I can point to and say 'I want to do that'.. beyond being self employed.. Not just owning a corner shop, I'd like to be involved in different areas.
I respect what the Comer brothers have done as well as the likes of JP McManus.. but that's not a career.
Basically I'd like to be rich, but I'm willing to work, I'd rather build businesses than win the lotto.

But again, that's not a plan and it's a fairly childish answer.

I think you haven’t tried enough things to be able to say what you really like. You need to test more.
Try starting a side business in your spare time, even if it’s just listing stuff for sale on adverts, ebay, FB marketplace, etc. at least it will give you an idea if it’s something you like to do.
If you find it’s not for you move on onto the next thing.
Eventually you will try enough things to be able to say that ‘this’ is what you want to do.
If it’s any consolation I’m 40 with 2 kids and I’m still trying to find the ‘right path’.

29-07-2019 01:23AM

MrMiata wrote: »

That's my parents logic too, and what I've been going with too because it just seems like an easy route to take.
I could just go back and get a degree that'd allow me to apply to basic entry level jobs but I don't know how much I fancy working a 9-5 in an office every day.

I know people will say that's not always the case, so take sales.. I've no interest in trying to convince people to buy some nonsense product.
The old cog in a machine issue that people bring up rings true for me.. I've no real interest in just sitting at my desk, doing my bit as I look forward to what ever is on telly that evening..

When I say 'entry level' jobs, I don't necessarily mean office work. I just mean your first job on a particular career path, whichever career it is that you choose. There are plenty of jobs out there where you don't have to work 9-5 in an office.

But you have slowly started to describe some of the things you're looking for - project management, responsibility, outdoor work or work that requires travel, changing environment (so something contract-based or project-based), not part of a large company. Do a bit of introspection, pick out stuff like this and use it to search for job positions - not jobs to apply for, but jobs to aspire to. Then it might be easier to decide on your next move.

MrMiata · 29-07-2019 09:10PM

true-or-false wrote: »

When I say 'entry level' jobs, I don't necessarily mean office work. I just mean your first job on a particular career path, whichever career it is that you choose. There are plenty of jobs out there where you don't have to work 9-5 in an office.

But you have slowly started to describe some of the things you're looking for - project management, responsibility, outdoor work or work that requires travel, changing environment (so something contract-based or project-based), not part of a large company. Do a bit of introspection, pick out stuff like this and use it to search for job positions - not jobs to apply for, but jobs to aspire to. Then it might be easier to decide on your next move.

So to begin with it's basically just get a business degree, see what you like and go from there?

Honestly, I'ms saying this now but tomorrow I might fancy being a hairdresser or a welder.
I have no consistency in what I want to do

MrMiata · 29-07-2019 09:24PM

The Undecided One wrote: »

I think you haven’t tried enough things to be able to say what you really like. You need to test more.
Try starting a side business in your spare time, even if it’s just listing stuff for sale on adverts, ebay, FB marketplace, etc. at least it will give you an idea if it’s something you like to do.
If you find it’s not for you move on onto the next thing.
Eventually you will try enough things to be able to say that ‘this’ is what you want to do.
If it’s any consolation I’m 40 with 2 kids and I’m still trying to find the ‘right path’.

Here's a list of the stuff I've tried.
Business 2 years,
Business Information Systems 2 weeks,
Software Development 2 weeks,
Carpentry on and off with a relative,
Electrician 4 months.

I've probably looked at every career under the sun..

Lawyer, Engineer, Doctor, Nurse, management consultant, teacher, barber, hairdresser, tattoo artist, stylist, welder, carpenter, electrician, plumber, marketing, HR, Rescue Swimmer, Winchman, Paramedic, pro gamer and that's just what popped into my head.

If I do that I'll be months at it.
Most of those careers are not things you can test out either, so I might turn around and say 'you know what? I'll have a look at law again'...'No Pilot!, that's the job for me'

Part of me just wants to get some basic part time job, live at home and play video games because I'm fed up of looking and trying on so many hats.

hedzball · 31-07-2019 12:08AM

MrMiata wrote: »

Honestly, I'ms saying this now but tomorrow I might fancy being a hairdresser or a welder.
I have no consistency in what I want to do

Then stop searching.

Honestly I'm not old enough to give advice (31) but what I will say is this..

I started a trade at 18.. became an electrician. Gave 3 years after working abroad.. came home went back and did electrical engineering. Got my degree.. gave 6 months working at that and hated it. I missed the tools and I was also down about 30k on what I was used to.

I'm still looking at other options for down the road. But by now I get by.. like 99.9% of folks I've met. I'm young but I've never met a single person absolutely content in their chosen path. I dont I ever will.. we all like to be living the dream but truth is you need to wake up.

That guy you idolise has his fair share of woes too. With power comes responsibility and other pains in the ass too believe it or not..

Sit back.. play xbox.. figure out the next step.

I dont mean to piss on your parade but openly no matter what you do wont make you happy overnight.

'Hdz

MrMiata · 31-07-2019 11:38AM

hedzball wrote: »

Then stop searching.

Honestly I'm not old enough to give advice (31) but what I will say is this..

I started a trade at 18.. became an electrician. Gave 3 years after working abroad.. came home went back and did electrical engineering. Got my degree.. gave 6 months working at that and hated it. I missed the tools and I was also down about 30k on what I was used to.

I'm still looking at other options for down the road. But by now I get by.. like 99.9% of folks I've met. I'm young but I've never met a single person absolutely content in their chosen path. I dont I ever will.. we all like to be living the dream but truth is you need to wake up.

That guy you idolise has his fair share of woes too. With power comes responsibility and other pains in the ass too believe it or not..

Sit back.. play xbox.. figure out the next step.

I dont mean to piss on your parade but openly no matter what you do wont make you happy overnight.

'Hdz

I may as well try and make a career from video games.
Work part time to pay for the car and what not, pay my parents rent (or build a tiny home, I’ve always wanted to).
And try to start a twitch stream/YouTube channel.

I can’t think of anything better than playing games for a living.
Even if I’m not like the kid winning 50k for just competing in the Fortnite World Cup, there’s a lot people making a living playing video games.
A lot who try and fail too but if I don’t know what I want to do bar play video games all day I may as well try..

ILoveYourVibes · 31-07-2019 11:46AM

MrMiata wrote: »

I may as well try and make a career from video games.
Work part time to pay for the car and what not, pay my parents rent (or build a tiny home, I’ve always wanted to).
And try to start a twitch stream/YouTube channel.

I can’t think of anything better than playing games for a living.
Even if I’m not like the kid winning 50k for just competing in the Fortnite World Cup, there’s a lot people making a living playing video games.
A lot who try and fail too but if I don’t know what I want to do bar play video games all day I may as well try..

Maybe stop focusing on the activity you want to do and start focusing on the results you want.

How much you want to be earning in 10 yrs. When you want to be able to retire. How much security in your job you might need.

Even if you do go down the gaming route at least then you have a goal.

I think a lot of youtube channels are aimless it seems. Inconsistent posting etc.

I would say even though people do earn money it would be easy to fall into aimlessness.

It will help you be more driven with it.

Good luck with your channel.

we'll all sub you!

Fol20 · 31-07-2019 12:10PM

I personally would not go down the route of gaming. It’s still viewed negatively in the business world when you mention gaming unless your in that industry.

If you do decide to do it, I would check the figures you need to generate to get any meaningful return on this as I’m sure 99pc of people that do this don’t earn any meaningful money.

Go to a career guidance councilor to see what they advise on.

Go for a year break and travel. You really get to know yourself and certain things you like/dislike.

Don't know what to do with my life (return to college or a trade)

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