If you could go back and change the degree you studied at college, what would it be?

Richiepiano123 · 01-07-2020 9:58pm #1

Just finished my fourth year of Medicine. Was pushed into it from parental pressure but now I seriously regret it. Especially now with the coronavirus, I see what doctors have to go through and I don't think I'm capable or even passionate about it.

If I could go back I'd do Electronic/Computer Engineering in a heartbeat, because I've always liked maths and technology.

Interested to hear if anyone on here has similar stories

gmisk · 01-07-2020 10:00pm

I did a bsc hons in computer science.
I enjoyed it and still work in ICT I did a masters since in a related IT area, which was a bit of a slog.

I would definitely study architecture if I could go back in time. But a bit too late now.

screamer · 01-07-2020 10:01pm

Richiepiano123 wrote: »

Just finished my fourth year of Medicine. Was pushed into it from parental pressure but now I seriously regret it. Especially now with the coronavirus, I see what doctors have to go through and I don't think I'm capable or even passionate about it.

If I could go back I'd do Electronic/Computer Engineering in a heartbeat, because I've always liked maths and technology.

Interested to hear if anyone on here has similar stories

Congrats to you. I’ve a degree in computer science but always wanted to be a doctor, wish I’d have had the means to make that happen but wasn’t to be.
You can always move out of something, but do that before you have mortgages and other serious debts.

Ubbquittious · 01-07-2020 10:04pm

Did electronic engineering, wouldnt change it

buried · 01-07-2020 10:06pm

Richiepiano123 wrote: »

Just finished my fourth year of Medicine. Was pushed into it from parental pressure but now I seriously regret it. Especially now with the coronavirus, I see what doctors have to go through and I don't think I'm capable or even passionate about it.

If I could go back I'd do Electronic/Computer Engineering in a heartbeat, because I've always liked maths and technology.

Interested to hear if anyone on here has similar stories

You can always go and study it in your spare time as a hobby. If maths and tech is something you've always liked, there is literally nothing stopping you learning more about it, especially nowadays. Education should never stop no matter what you do.

01-07-2020 10:10pm

Richiepiano123 wrote: »

Just finished my fourth year of Medicine. Was pushed into it from parental pressure but now I seriously regret it. Especially now with the coronavirus, I see what doctors have to go through and I don't think I'm capable or even passionate about it.

If I could go back I'd do Electronic/Computer Engineering in a heartbeat, because I've always liked maths and technology.

Interested to hear if anyone on here has similar stories

Hi mate. I don't work with as a medic. I'm a pharmacist but potential to specialise in radiology? Has some engineering aspects you describe.

Potential-Monke · 01-07-2020 10:18pm

I would like to go back a bit further to 5th year in secondary school, and not take their sthye excuse that I couldn't continue with Technical Graphics because it was clashing with French, and I would simply refuse to do French so I could do TG. Because I didn't do that, I missed out on a potential career in something that I genuinely loved doing, and was my best subject in school (100% in all tests and the Honors JC) along with Maths (see where this is going?). Instead I had to do Business which I had, and still, absolutely no interest in.

If I could only go back go college times, I would do a game design course.

Gregor Samsa · 01-07-2020 11:08pm

I did Fine Art Painting. No regrets at all.

Never even attempted to work as an artist, ended up a web developer, got an MA in Digital Media Technology along the way, and now manage a mixed-discipline team in an e-commerce company. But I wouldn’t change my time in college for anything. And it wasn’t just the fun I had. The freedom of the Fine Art degree made me who I am, and taught me really, really valuable skills in problem solving. Technical knowledge aside, almost everything else I’ve ever had to do in my career has been problem solving in one way or another.

McGinniesta · 01-07-2020 11:35pm

I have three of them and I still struggle to find work sometimes.

Accounting

Mathematics and

Journalism

gogo · 01-07-2020 11:59pm

I am a knob and studied philosophy... cause I like to read and what better course than philosophy if you like to read. Absolutely messed with my head, didn’t know who I was, what I was and if I was only here because I though I was here. Also zero job potential outside of fast food.

I went back and got studied IT, back then they were screaming out for IT professionals, and there was a huge market for workers, worked my arse off and completed an accelerated course, did two years in 12 mths, got work in a finance company but somehow started studying finance in my own time, got a junior role and worked my way up, I’ve basically spent the last 8 years studying in my own time to make up for my awful college choice, graduates walk in to roles that it took me years of work to reach...

I do feel like I sold out though, I bought a watch, wear the suits, the heels... I sometimes think back to the philosophy days with a hippy attitude and dirty converse and spending the afternoons wondered why we are all here...

Richard Hillman · 02-07-2020 12:04am

I would do History. Something I like and would enjoy. I already did a so called Job Degree and got nothing from it so I may as well do something that I would like.

begbysback · 02-07-2020 12:18am

gogo wrote: »

I am a knob and studied philosophy... cause I like to read and what better course than philosophy if you like to read. Absolutely messed with my head, didn’t know who I was, what I was and if I was only here because I though I was here. Also zero job potential outside of fast food.

I went back and got studied IT, back then they were screaming out for IT professionals, and there was a huge market for workers, worked my arse off and completed an accelerated course, did two years in 12 mths, got work in a finance company but somehow started studying finance in my own time, got a junior role and worked my way up, I’ve basically spent the last 8 years studying in my own time to make up for my awful college choice, graduates walk in to roles that it took me years of work to reach...

I do feel like I sold out though, I bought a watch, wear the suits, the heels... I sometimes think back to the philosophy days with a hippy attitude and dirty converse and spending the afternoons wondered why we are all here...

I’m the opposite, have the IT stuff and a job that pays more than I’m worth. Would like to do the philosophy but I get what you mean by messing with your head, it seems that some end needs to be achieved in such areas but the only person I see who seems to have achieved a level of completion would be Jordan Peterson, and they do seem rare. I know he’s technically a psychologist but he seems to me to be one of the modern day philosophers too.

Although IT and philosophy seem worlds apart some of the ancient philosophers were also well known as logicians too, which is pretty much the basis of IT.

Airyfairy12 · 02-07-2020 1:02am

My undergrad degree requires a masters to gain any sort of non precarious employment, unless youre lucky/very well connected, masters courses are so expensive its just not really an option for me. Theres also now an updated version of the undergrad course I did that now includes extra modules and joint qualifications in technology, education and graphics which hugely outshines the old course as the masters is not needed to gain employment with the new one. Very frustrating. So for that reason alone id probably pursue either social care or something in marketing just for the jobs prospects, marketing would kill me but unemployment and precarious work is no fun.

jimmycrackcorm · 02-07-2020 1:08am

McGinniesta wrote: »

I have three of them and I still struggle to find work sometimes.

Accounting

Mathematics and

Journalism

What I like about IT is that you don't need a degree to become successful. The founders of Apple, Microsoft and Facebook amnogst others dropped out of college.

Vestiapx · 02-07-2020 1:13am

I started a electronic engineering degree in the 90s and straight away got trapped in the girlfriend and college drinking thing. Fell out by the end of the year went back a while later and studied chemistry, why , because it allowed me say " I wasn't interested in the electronic engineering so that's why I did chemistry "

That was a lie the truth is I should have done the engineering.
So with a chemistry degree I ended up doing the engineering and it roles in pharma plants and now I use only my engineering skills and none of my science stuff.

So my point is I literally did the wrong degree because it gave me an excuse why I drank and whored my way to failure the first time round.

I'm a big advocate of people doing a years work and paying bills etc before they go to college so they don't get caught by the girls an booze.

Higgins5473 · 02-07-2020 1:20am

Richiepiano123 wrote: »

Just finished my fourth year of Medicine. Was pushed into it from parental pressure but now I seriously regret it. Especially now with the coronavirus, I see what doctors have to go through and I don't think I'm capable or even passionate about it.

If I could go back I'd do Electronic/Computer Engineering in a heartbeat, because I've always liked maths and technology.

Interested to hear if anyone on here has similar stories

I qualified as a primary school teacher 20 years ago and set up a business 10 years in. That’s folded due to what has happened and am headed back into teaching..,,if i had my time back I would’ve gone into a trade, woodwork and fine cabinetry, it’s become a hobby and a passion but I am by no means skilled. Apparently a good course in Waterford but I think it’s too late.

Church on Tuesday · 02-07-2020 1:21am

Business.

CBear1993 · 02-07-2020 1:24am

McGinniesta wrote: »

I have three of them and I still struggle to find work sometimes.

Accounting

Mathematics and

Journalism

Ok journalism, but accounting? One of the most in demand jobs in 2020 even for grads!!!

Higgins5473 · 02-07-2020 1:28am

Vestiapx wrote: »

I started a electronic engineering degree in the 90s and straight away got trapped in the girlfriend and college drinking thing. Fell out by the end of the year went back a while later and studied chemistry, why , because it allowed me say " I wasn't interested in the electronic engineering so that's why I did chemistry "

That was a lie the truth is I should have done the engineering.
So with a chemistry degree I ended up doing the engineering and it roles in pharma plants and now I use only my engineering skills and none of my science stuff.

So my point is I literally did the wrong degree because it gave me an excuse why I drank and whored my way to failure the first time round.

I'm a big advocate of people doing a years work and paying bills etc before they go to college so they don't get caught by the girls an booze.

Sounds like you did alright in fairness. Booze, riding, engineering, chemistry. That’s what it’s all about no? An all round experience. Decent job at the end of it.

Youré on to something with the leap from the oppressive secondary system into a free for all in college though. It’s mentioned often that it’s a shock to the system and how much we lose the run of ourselves.

MrMiata · 02-07-2020 1:31am

Currently studying business.
I wouldn’t mind but I actually left part way through a business degree the first time round and I vowed I wouldn’t go back to it..
Spent awhile as an apprentice electrician and I’ve landed myself back into another business degree.

Still of no interest to me but it’s manageable and every time I pass an exam I feel a sense of ‘yes, a little closer to being done with this ****bag degree’

CBear1993 · 02-07-2020 1:34am

Did quantity surveying because all men on both sides of the family worked in construction, I spent my summers off school on sites.
Mix of parental influence and I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do leaving school at 18 - so I wandered into that course.

Even in my final year I absolutely detested it and questioned why I was doing it. I’m glad I have a degree now of some sort, but I honestly wouldn’t advise any young person to go into the construction industry, extremely toxic and thankless.

I’m approaching 27 soon and still trying to find my calling/passion. Going to take a leap of faith and do a postgrad in September to get the hell out of this crap I’m in. It pays well and that is literally the only reason I’m in it. I’m above what I’m worth salary wise and have jumped the ladder quicker than people my age. I know I am bright and I would excel in another industry if someone took a chance on me as I’ve loads of hunger and drive, but unfortunately that doesn’t get you in the door no matter how much tailoring of my CV and cover letter I do. QS’ing literally sent me on a Downward spiral of depression and going between numerous jobs in a short space of time, it got to the stage I couldn’t get myself out of bed in the morning to face the day for work.

I searched the “top 20 in demand career professions in Ireland” earlier and saw a few articles on what’s in demand from now to 2025.

I’ll pick one of those to do a 1 year postgrad in and see where it takes me. No way am I going back to college for any longer. They’re all money making institutions and if you can get away with experience only and not needing to go near them all the better. With the exception of medicine / doctors etc level 5 on a scale of 1-5 careers. Something you literally can’t do without having the qualification or accreditation / license of the regulating authority within that industry.

If I could tell people at school pre college - So basically - Don’t go to college and do what your parents advise you to do EVER or do something because it seems like the most logical progression as you know nothing else. Take some online personality tests, do 1 and 2 week work experiences in loads of different local firms in the summer.

Quantum Erasure · 02-07-2020 9:01am

I didn't study to any degree at all, so yeah, I'd change that

McGinniesta · 02-07-2020 9:03am

CBear1993 wrote: »

Ok journalism, but accounting? One of the most in demand jobs in 2020 even for grads!!!

Honestly, I've qualified nearly a year ago and cant get full time work.

CBear1993 · 02-07-2020 9:04am

McGinniesta wrote: »

Honestly, I've qualified nearly a year ago and cant get full time work.

Do you live in a remote area?

How many years in college have you spent on all of those, were they 4 year undergrads? That’s some slog!

Kylta · 02-07-2020 9:05am

Psychology

Gynecologist

McGinniesta · 02-07-2020 9:09am

CBear1993 wrote: »

Do you live in a remote area?

How many years in college have you spent on all of those, were they 4 year undergrads? That’s some slog!

2 of them were part time. I'm not married and have no kids so it wasnt really that bad

gailforecast · 02-07-2020 9:15am

I studied English literature to a masters level. I was all set to do a PhD but decided to travel. Whilst trying to find work, I realised how utterly useless it was, and that I’d basically wasted 4 years of my life. Went back, did a HDip in CS, and I’ve been a developer for years now. If I had a do over, I’d probably have studied CS

This is it · 02-07-2020 9:25am

Did an apprenticeship as an electrician straight from school. Loved it but when the arse fell out of construction there was feck all work. I was forced back to college and I'm delighted I was. Studied Computer Science as a mature student and absolutely love what I do now.

Echoes675 · 02-07-2020 9:48am

Richiepiano123 wrote: »

Just finished my fourth year of Medicine. Was pushed into it from parental pressure but now I seriously regret it. Especially now with the coronavirus, I see what doctors have to go through and I don't think I'm capable or even passionate about it.

If I could go back I'd do Electronic/Computer Engineering in a heartbeat, because I've always liked maths and technology.

Interested to hear if anyone on here has similar stories

I did an Undergraduate and then a Masters in Music and found a job in tech support. Played music in bands, recorded, did videos and all that but there was never any real income and I didn't want to be a teacher. Worked in similar kinds of IT roles for about 9 or so years but last year returned to Uni and did a conversion Masters in Software Development and am now working as a Software Engineer.

So glad there are such courses and that I was able to do that. I had looked into going back to uni previously but was told £9000 per year and no loan for a 2nd degree (didn't have one for my 1st either as I lived at home and didn't have the same costs as other students at the time).

The Software Engineering focus only really came about after working in IT systems jobs and realising that I really enjoyed writing scripts and doing web development and all that side of it. I did an online programming course in Udemy with Java and discovered something that I not only enjoyed but am good at too. That's when I came across the conversion course and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Like you, I was pushed to go to uni at 18 and in no way was ready to make the best choice or make the most of it. A few years working in the real world would have opened my eyes. Not that I wouldn't do music again but that I would make it more effective and make better use of the opportunities; probably study at a different Uni.

The other thing I will say is, when I completed my Undergraduate I had spent 3 years on my chosen subject and I felt totally burned out at the end. I put down my instruments and didn't play them for a couple of months. I just needed that time to mentally take a break from it all.

antimatterx · 03-07-2020 12:38am

I have a computer science degree and love working in tech, but if I had to change my course, I'd probably choose law and politics.

bilbot79 · 03-07-2020 12:46am

gogo wrote: »

I am a knob and studied philosophy... cause I like to read and what better course than philosophy if you like to read. Absolutely messed with my head, didn’t know who I was, what I was and if I was only here because I though I was here. Also zero job potential outside of fast food.

I went back and got studied IT, back then they were screaming out for IT professionals, and there was a huge market for workers, worked my arse off and completed an accelerated course, did two years in 12 mths, got work in a finance company but somehow started studying finance in my own time, got a junior role and worked my way up, I’ve basically spent the last 8 years studying in my own time to make up for my awful college choice, graduates walk in to roles that it took me years of work to reach...

I do feel like I sold out though, I bought a watch, wear the suits, the heels... I sometimes think back to the philosophy days with a hippy attitude and dirty converse and spending the afternoons wondered why we are all here...

Wrong choice if you want money and a regular life. Not otherwise though.

AllForIt · 03-07-2020 12:48am

Something a lot easier so I could have that 'great time at uni' I was promised.

Garzard · 03-07-2020 1:30am

Architecture, Geomatics / Geography, or anything aviation related. Lack of motivation in my LC year led to poor points and not enough for anything I truly wanted, but onto a PLC in Construction, which I enjoyed but then (stupidly) thought I'd give engineering a try after, even when I was always terrible at maths. Let myself become overwhelmed with the workload halfway through the second year, then dropped out and went into another PLC to keep occupied.

Then took a job in retail later the same year, next onto a good job in the Civil Service for the following two years, but then left to take an apprenticeship in accountancy, which looked brilliant on the application screen but sadly found I hated nearly every minute of it (wasn't receiving proper training in the company either) and couldn't bring myself to take it on as a career path. Left that in January this year and have since taken up an administration job in a hospital.

Mostly made my peace with it, but still have regrets that I didn't work hard enough to my potential in my LC and college years. Pretty happy all the same though - have a brilliant social life, many hobbies to keep me occupied and decent savings etc, but yet again searching for a proper career path - the pay is decent, but there's really not much room for career progression in what I'm doing now; many colleagues in the place have been stuck doing almost the exact same thing after years on the job, which doesn't appeal to me at all.

Work is just work at the end of the day I guess, but at 26, I'm not getting any younger, and I think at this point it'd be in my best interest to get qualified in something.

CBear1993 · 03-07-2020 8:59am

Garzard wrote: »

Architecture, Geomatics / Geography, or anything aviation related. Lack of motivation in my LC year led to poor points and not enough for anything I truly wanted, but onto a PLC in Construction, which I enjoyed but then (stupidly) thought I'd give engineering a try after, even when I was always terrible at maths. Let myself become overwhelmed with the workload halfway through the second year, then dropped out and went into another PLC to keep occupied.

Then took a job in retail later the same year, next onto a good job in the Civil Service for the following two years, but then left to take an apprenticeship in accountancy, which looked brilliant on the application screen but sadly found I hated nearly every minute of it (wasn't receiving proper training in the company either) and couldn't bring myself to take it on as a career path. Left that in January this year and have since taken up an administration job in a hospital.

Mostly made my peace with it, but still have regrets that I didn't work hard enough to my potential in my LC and college years. Pretty happy all the same though - have a brilliant social life, many hobbies to keep me occupied and decent savings etc, but yet again searching for a proper career path - the pay is decent, but there's really not much room for career progression in what I'm doing now; many colleagues in the place have been stuck doing almost the exact same thing after years on the job, which doesn't appeal to me at all.

Work is just work at the end of the day I guess, but at 26, I'm not getting any younger, and I think at this point it'd be in my best interest to get qualified in something.

Go back and do 1 year part time in September - May? Itll be worth it!

CBear1993 · 03-07-2020 8:59am

antimatterx wrote: »

I have a computer science degree and love working in tech, but if I had to change my course, I'd probably choose law and politics.

Would you day you need a high level of maths for computer science ? Is it very algebra / formula based etc?

This is it · 03-07-2020 9:09am

CBear1993 wrote: »

Would you day you need a high level of maths for computer science ? Is it very algebra / formula based etc?

I don't think you need a high level but but there's plenty of algebra and formulas, quadratic equations and the likes.

I wasn't great at maths in secondary, and got a kick in the arse when I did shocking in my first class test in maths in third level but with a bit more effort and study I breezed through.

CBear1993 · 03-07-2020 9:17am

This is it wrote: »

I don't think you need a high level but but there's plenty of algebra and formulas, quadratic equations and the likes.

I wasn't great at maths in secondary, and got a kick in the arse when I did shocking in my first class test in maths in third level but with a bit more effort and study I breezed through.

Yeah I was considering going to do it in September as a postgrad HDip but if it’s full of what you’ve just described I’d rather pass. That module would be hell for me. Don’t get me wrong there was an element in it of my own degree but I struggled big time

antimatterx · 03-07-2020 9:22am

CBear1993 wrote: »

Would you day you need a high level of maths for computer science ? Is it very algebra / formula based etc?

No not at all. Theres fields in programming where you need to be good at maths, but theres no need to to go in to it. I'm not amazing at maths, but I seem to be fairing ok.

Outkast_IRE · 03-07-2020 9:22am

I actually think i would not bother with college and bust my ass saving and get qualified as a pilot or should of pushed myself to actually get a really good leaving cert and try and get directly into one of the big airlines on a cadet course.

In reality i tried computing with IT in college , was not for me and i was too young and undisciplined to take full advantage of it. I was 17 taking the leaving and was just not mature at the time.

After i dropped out of that i got an apprenticeship in plumbing, working on big industrial and commercial jobs initially. The first few weeks were really tough going, incredibly physical work at times. I toughed it out and got qualified in that got saving and then went back to college full time on my own dollar to do Building Services Engineering which is a natural succession for a plumber.

I work at a global engineering consultancy company for the last 5 years, i am well recognised by my peers for my experience and hard working mentality but honestly the money is brutal for the stress levels. If i stayed plumbing i would probably be earning more money for a less stressful job.

theteal · 03-07-2020 9:27am

Someone mentioned QS above. It's a weird one as it's a job I never heard of growing up as there is zero building presence in the family. It was only when I moved to the UK and it turns out a bunch of my friends from the GAA club are all QSs. Good lads but none would be launching rockets and all making serious money. I remember, the first year I was here, one of them got a promotion which included a bump in pay that equalled my (admittedly crap but still. . .) entire IT salary.

Now thankfully a few years and job changes later I'm on a healthy salary but learning, complexity and new tech won't stop coming and I need to know lots of it if I want to keep/improve that salary. Thank fook I like my job.

Anyway, yeah QS seemed like easy money in the scheme of things.

CBear1993 · 03-07-2020 9:31am

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

I actually think i would not bother with college and bust my ass saving and get qualified as a pilot or should of pushed myself to actually get a really good leaving cert and try and get directly into one of the big airlines on a cadet course.

In reality i tried computing with IT in college , was not for me and i was too young and undisciplined to take full advantage of it. I was 17 taking the leaving and was just not mature at the time.

After i dropped out of that i got an apprenticeship in plumbing, working on big industrial and commercial jobs initially. The first few weeks were really tough going, incredibly physical work at times. I toughed it out and got qualified in that got saving and then went back to college full time on my own dollar to do Building Services Engineering which is a natural succession for a plumber.

I work at a global engineering consultancy company for the last 5 years, i am well recognised by my peers for my experience and hard working mentality but honestly the money is brutal for the stress levels. If i stayed plumbing i would probably be earning more money for a less stressful job.

Mech & Elec lads who leave the trade and go into the engineering role for a consultancy all seem to say the same. They’d be making more back out on the tools. The supposed “handier life in the office” isn’t true at all.

Sometimes from the site office in construction I look out at the lads on the tools, yes they’re working hard but having good craic and relatively stress free unless they’re the self employed boss. We’re the fools slaving for the big contractors who are making a mint . The whole no overtime in construction on a salary really rags me. But the minute someone on site does a half hour over their hours they’ll hit you for time and a half or double time.

CBear1993 · 03-07-2020 9:34am

theteal wrote: »

Someone mentioned QS above. It's a weird one as it's a job I never heard of growing up as there is zero building presence in the family. It was only when I moved to the UK and it turns out a bunch of my friends from the GAA club are all QSs. Good lads but none would be launching rockets and all making serious money. I remember, the first year I was here, one of them got a promotion which included a bump in pay that equalled my (admittedly crap but still. . .) entire IT salary.

Now thankfully a few years and job changes later I'm on a healthy salary but learning, complexity and new tech won't stop coming and I need to know lots of it if I want to keep/improve that salary. Thank fook I like my job.

Anyway, yeah QS seemed like easy money in the scheme of things.

Worst job in construction. Absolutely thankless. Would steer any young one away from it.

Someone else said - like standing at the door of a burning building with an extinguisher, and the fire is bursting out through the windows and every crevice. Your job to put it out.
Honestly, to try and keep the costs / contractual side of things in construction any way half organised is a sh*tshow. There is never one job (one in a blue moon) that goes to plan. Always something going wrong. And you’re all on your own.

This is it · 03-07-2020 9:36am

CBear1993 wrote: »

Mech & Elec lads who leave the trade and go into the engineering role for a consultancy all seem to say the same. They’d be making more back out on the tools. The supposed “handier life in the office” isn’t true at all.

Sometimes from the site office in construction I look out at the lads on the tools, yes they’re working hard but having good craic and relatively stress free unless they’re the self employed boss. We’re the fools slaving for the big contractors who are making a mint . The whole no overtime in construction on a salary really rags me. But the minute someone on site does a half hour over their hours they’ll hit you for time and a half or double time.

I worked as an electrician for 7 years, 4 as an apprentice, and a mixture of domestic,. commercial and industrial. Bar the first year it's anything but stress free. Grass is always greener and all that...

Outkast_IRE · 03-07-2020 9:53am

This is it wrote: »

I worked as an electrician for 7 years, 4 as an apprentice, and a mixture of domestic,. commercial and industrial. Bar the first year it's anything but stress free. Grass is always greener and all that...

Having been on both sides of the fence for significant periods, i would fully agree with CBear1993 on this.

If you are just an average Plumber or Electrician working for a top tier contractor on large sites, its good money + overtime + Lodge Money or Travel in some cases for a very manageable amount of stress. Its different if your foreman or running the job. Now if you are working for a small company , it can be tough they will grind their monies worth out of you.

Come back to me when you are on €30mil + jobs working on the consultancy side, or on a salaried position for a contractor and you will know stress from all sides from sub contractors, clients, your own colleagues etc. Some of the personalities you deal with in construction are like cavemen in hard hats.

This is it · 03-07-2020 10:01am

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

Having been on both sides of the fence for significant periods, i would fully agree with CBear1993 on this.

If you are just an average Plumber or Electrician working for a top tier contractor on large sites, its good money + overtime + Lodge Money or Travel in some cases for a very manageable amount of stress. Its different if your foreman or running the job. Now if you are working for a small company , it can be tough they will grind their monies worth out of you.

Come back to me when you are on €30mil + jobs working on the consultancy side, or on a salaried position for a contractor and you will know stress from all sides from sub contractors, clients, your own colleagues etc. Some of the personalities you deal with in construction are like cavemen in hard hats.

Fair enough. I was running small jobs from my second year, houses mainly, and then on to large commercial and small industrial from my 3rd year onwards. As much as I loved it, it was a life of stress for me. Domestic obviously less so but I was only a second year apprentice so it was the lack of experience that caused the stress.

ButtersSuki · 03-07-2020 10:04am

Did PE & Sports Science as my Primary Degree, taught for 2 years and was completely bored by it so went back a did a few Postgrads and Masters in Business whilst working my way up the corporate ladder. Biggest regret is not doing Medicine (I had the points), or perhaps Physiotherapy (sports angle). Was just too interested in sport at the time of my LC. It's really unfair to ask an 18 year old with f*ck all life experience to make a choice at that age that will in most cases mould the rest of their life, but I get that there's not many other options.

suicide_circus · 03-07-2020 10:34am

if i could have done it all again i would avoid university altogether

Hooked · 03-07-2020 10:48am

I'm in design/print, but... at the risk of sounding like a complete TOSS-BAG, I'm far too intelligent to be earning such a paltry wage! Despite being very good at my job, I wish I'd done the masters, then PHD (as my wife did) and have my pick of the highly-paid, public sector jobs...

Yes - my wife earns twice what I do and is doing half the work!

Why - Oh - why did I defer that masters to start "working"...

Hector Savage · 03-07-2020 10:52am

Computer Science was a bloody waste, I should have done womens studies and the art of interpreting feminist dance theory .... jobs would have been lined up!!

Hector Savage · 03-07-2020 10:54am

Hooked wrote: »

I'm in design/print, but... at the risk of sounding like a complete TOSS-BAG, I'm far too intelligent to be earning such a paltry wage! Despite being very good at my job, I wish I'd done the masters, then PHD (as my wife did) and have my pick of the highly-paid, public sector jobs...

Yes - my wife earns twice what I do and is doing half the work!

Why - Oh - why did I defer that masters to start "working"...

Plenty of people in public sector jobs that left education after the Leaving Cert and make stupid wages for basically data entry jobs, it;s a joke

- at least your wife has the pHd

GiftofGab · 03-07-2020 10:54am

Maths. Numbers rule the world so if you have a solid maths degree you won't have to worry about salary.
Working in finance atm and I still agree with this career choice even thou I didn't study finance as a degree.

If you could go back and change the degree you studied at college, what would it be?

Comments