25 with no career prospects, feel like a waster
Discussion
Just looking for advice really.
I'm 25 with no qualifications other than CCD at A level (ICT, English Lang and Business Studies), taken in 2009.
Keep getting stuck in dead end retail jobs with nothing to show for it. They're not confidence building and i just feel out of place, working with people who go to uni or will be, or older people who's partner brings in the income.
I'm too old for an apprenticeship now so i'm totally at a loss of what to do and how to make decent money or to even get on a career ladder.
No career excites me massively, so if i went to uni i'd probably study a broad subject which would most likely result in a job. Such as business and marketing. This seems like the best step as it would make me more independent and work towards a goal. On the other hand with such poor A level grades i'd likely need to do an Access to HE course, totalling 4 years of study and 50k or more in debt, for a degree.
Feel like i'm getting older and running out of time. Before i know it ill be 30 in the same situation if i dont take action. Its making me depressed and unmotivated.
Has anyone been in the same situation and what did you do?
I'm 25 with no qualifications other than CCD at A level (ICT, English Lang and Business Studies), taken in 2009.
Keep getting stuck in dead end retail jobs with nothing to show for it. They're not confidence building and i just feel out of place, working with people who go to uni or will be, or older people who's partner brings in the income.
I'm too old for an apprenticeship now so i'm totally at a loss of what to do and how to make decent money or to even get on a career ladder.
No career excites me massively, so if i went to uni i'd probably study a broad subject which would most likely result in a job. Such as business and marketing. This seems like the best step as it would make me more independent and work towards a goal. On the other hand with such poor A level grades i'd likely need to do an Access to HE course, totalling 4 years of study and 50k or more in debt, for a degree.
Feel like i'm getting older and running out of time. Before i know it ill be 30 in the same situation if i dont take action. Its making me depressed and unmotivated.
Has anyone been in the same situation and what did you do?
I didn't finish my degree, as I dropped out to work in 'dead end retail jobs'.
I applied for every trainee manager role I could, then worked my way up the ladder - I've been store manager in smaller outlets (Iceland), assistant manager in big turnover stores (Safeway, Sainsbury's) - then found my way into an FMCG sales role. Ended up back with a supermarket in a field business development role and now work in the field (again, retail) for a big oil company.
Been in the field for 10 years now - I'm not hugely wealthy, but I do OK, have a great lifestyle and a great company car.
It's not easy - but if it's something you know, retail does have rewards and it can be worth looking at opportunities to progress.
I applied for every trainee manager role I could, then worked my way up the ladder - I've been store manager in smaller outlets (Iceland), assistant manager in big turnover stores (Safeway, Sainsbury's) - then found my way into an FMCG sales role. Ended up back with a supermarket in a field business development role and now work in the field (again, retail) for a big oil company.
Been in the field for 10 years now - I'm not hugely wealthy, but I do OK, have a great lifestyle and a great company car.
It's not easy - but if it's something you know, retail does have rewards and it can be worth looking at opportunities to progress.
Sheetmaself said:
Why are you to old for an apprenticeship?
I know of plenty of adult apprentices in official schemes.
After age 25 the government won't fund the business for the studies. There are some designed for older people but they are few and far between. Ive applied for BAE, an Engineering one and BT and got almost insta rejected despite passing all the online assessments. I know of plenty of adult apprentices in official schemes.
Funding for over 25's has to be paid by the business alone
EazyDuz said:
No career excites me massively
At 25 given a free reign I would like to think I'd be asking my past self "What do I enjoy doing enough that I could spend lots of time doing it in return for money?" and then pursue it assuming it's reasonably practical and you don't yearn to be a geologist or something that is essentially a sodding massive gamble.It's a cliche but if you can find something you enjoy and you get paid for it, you never really feel like you've done a days work.
b
hstewie said:
hstewie said: At 25 given a free reign I would like to think I'd be asking my past self "What do I enjoy doing enough that I could spend lots of time doing it in return for money?" and then pursue it assuming it's reasonably practical and you don't yearn to be a geologist or something that is essentially a sodding massive gamble.
It's a cliche but if you can find something you enjoy and you get paid for it, you never really feel like you've done a days work.
Well my hobbies are:It's a cliche but if you can find something you enjoy and you get paid for it, you never really feel like you've done a days work.
- Modifying and working on my car. Nothing too intense. Installing new lights inside and out, installing ICE, cosmetic changes (no painting). Servicing i do all the basics like oil changes etc. The reason i do it is because its satisfying improving my own car. Would i enjoy doing it day to day on a low salary (as most mechanics are, generally)? Not at all. Especially being under pressure by a manager to do things in time, being told to up sell and con customers, working in the cold etc. So ruled that out.
- Same as above but with my motorbike. Wouldn't pursue as a career for the same reasons.
- The gym. I go at least thrice a week. But that is limited to a gym instructor who typically earns minimum or slightly over. Or a personal trainer who is self employed, and everyone i've spoken to said its a very tough market to crack, with most having second jobs just to pay the rent.
- Video gaming. Enjoy playing, wouldn't enjoy slaving at a computer week in week out to make animations.
- Travelling. Not even been to many places but do enjoy the odd motorcycle camping trip.
And that is about it. I do like watching stuff like Dragons Den and the Apprentice, seeing in its most basic form how businesses are run.
Its so difficult growing up as one of the kids who just doesn't have a passion for anything. I knew people who knew from 12 years old what they wanted to be, and worked to get it.
EazyDuz said:
50k or more in debt, for a degree.
Ignore that for a start.Yes, you'll run up Student Loans whilst studying, but it's not like a personal loan where you have to start paying it at a predefined point in time whether you can afford it or not.
With a student loan, you don't start paying it off until you're earning more than £21k, and then you only pay 9% of earnings over that amount which is deducted by your employer, so it shouldn't ever cause you to struggle, and if you've not paid it all off after 30 years, then it gets wiped clean.
Of course, that's potentially bad news for the taxpayer, but it's utterly criminal that good people are put off going to Uni because they're scared of the debt they'll run up, given how the system actually works.
If I were you, I'd look for a degree subject in something I could be passionate about, regardless of whether I thought I could get a good career in that direct field. Of course there are always careers that require specific vocational qualifications, but for more general careers, employers will prefer a candidate with a rock-solid result in a general degree than a sketchy one in something that seems slightly relevant.
See if you can get on an NHS funded degree while they are still available. Nursing, OT, physiotherapy, podiatry, midwife (eurrgh) etc etc.... It's not exactly a route to infinite riches but it's enjoyable.
Also I think teaching is paying 30k salary to train up niw, but you need to meet th criteria, and want to be a teacher. My wife is a teacher, wouldn't wish it on anyone!
Also I think teaching is paying 30k salary to train up niw, but you need to meet th criteria, and want to be a teacher. My wife is a teacher, wouldn't wish it on anyone!
I have an idea, but what do you want? A blue chip big company career or your own business?
If I was you, young and fit, I'd become a gardener. 20 quid an hour in bucks, get a cheap van, cheap commercial mower etc
I have toyed with getting a gardener and they are like hens teeth.
Do some fencing and patios ( no that hard) for friends family at mates rates to learn. Get a lad on to help. Rinse and repeat.
5 years time, EzDuz landscaping services.
Maybe. Worth a go and needs little investment just hard work. It's what I'd do at your age. In fact if the next IT contract wasn't calling, I'd do now, almost prefer it.
Mike
If I was you, young and fit, I'd become a gardener. 20 quid an hour in bucks, get a cheap van, cheap commercial mower etc
I have toyed with getting a gardener and they are like hens teeth.
Do some fencing and patios ( no that hard) for friends family at mates rates to learn. Get a lad on to help. Rinse and repeat.
5 years time, EzDuz landscaping services.
Maybe. Worth a go and needs little investment just hard work. It's what I'd do at your age. In fact if the next IT contract wasn't calling, I'd do now, almost prefer it.
Mike
A decent company will offer an enthusiastic person an apprenticeship. Where are you based? Look for the big engineering companies.
What about gardening, small home improvement jobs that many builders won't be interested in.
In all cases You've put a pretty negative slant on the relationship between your interests and working, most jobs involve doing stuff you wouldn't want to for 8 hours a day, you will have to work behind a pc, you will have to chase jobs, that is why they give you money...
What about gardening, small home improvement jobs that many builders won't be interested in.
In all cases You've put a pretty negative slant on the relationship between your interests and working, most jobs involve doing stuff you wouldn't want to for 8 hours a day, you will have to work behind a pc, you will have to chase jobs, that is why they give you money...
Edited by CubanPete on Thursday 7th July 21:39
mikees said:
I have an idea, but what do you want? A blue chip big company career or your own business?
If I was you, young and fit, I'd become a gardener. 20 quid an hour in bucks, get a cheap van, cheap commercial mower etc
I have toyed with getting a gardener and they are like hens teeth.
Do some fencing and patios ( no that hard) for friends family at mates rates to learn. Get a lad on to help. Rinse and repeat.
5 years time, EzDuz landscaping services.
Maybe. Worth a go and needs little investment just hard work. It's what I'd do at your age. In fact if the next IT contract wasn't calling, I'd do now, almost prefer it.
Mike
I only know one person who does this and he earns £500 a week. In the summer. I think he also works in a bar. If I was you, young and fit, I'd become a gardener. 20 quid an hour in bucks, get a cheap van, cheap commercial mower etc
I have toyed with getting a gardener and they are like hens teeth.
Do some fencing and patios ( no that hard) for friends family at mates rates to learn. Get a lad on to help. Rinse and repeat.
5 years time, EzDuz landscaping services.
Maybe. Worth a go and needs little investment just hard work. It's what I'd do at your age. In fact if the next IT contract wasn't calling, I'd do now, almost prefer it.
Mike
sparks_E39 said:
mikees said:
I have an idea, but what do you want? A blue chip big company career or your own business?
If I was you, young and fit, I'd become a gardener. 20 quid an hour in bucks, get a cheap van, cheap commercial mower etc
I have toyed with getting a gardener and they are like hens teeth.
Do some fencing and patios ( no that hard) for friends family at mates rates to learn. Get a lad on to help. Rinse and repeat.
5 years time, EzDuz landscaping services.
Maybe. Worth a go and needs little investment just hard work. It's what I'd do at your age. In fact if the next IT contract wasn't calling, I'd do now, almost prefer it.
Mike
I only know one person who does this and he earns £500 a week. In the summer. I think he also works in a bar. If I was you, young and fit, I'd become a gardener. 20 quid an hour in bucks, get a cheap van, cheap commercial mower etc
I have toyed with getting a gardener and they are like hens teeth.
Do some fencing and patios ( no that hard) for friends family at mates rates to learn. Get a lad on to help. Rinse and repeat.
5 years time, EzDuz landscaping services.
Maybe. Worth a go and needs little investment just hard work. It's what I'd do at your age. In fact if the next IT contract wasn't calling, I'd do now, almost prefer it.
Mike
If you don't like the cold of a garage then it is unlikely being outside doing groundwork will suit you. I would have thought if you put your mind to it then you could shine in retail and there are loads of management jobs available as a lot of people in that work see it as dead end work, but wages are ok if you climb the ladder.
Hobbies are unlikely to develop into good paying careers sadly.
Hobbies are unlikely to develop into good paying careers sadly.
OP, the obvious question is would you consider the military? A minimum service and you could probably leave with a full HGV license as minimum. Even the Reserves could help you get that.
Otherwise, I think you need to try harder in your current role. I was offered fast track management when I was just a supermarket assistant because I showed the right mentality. I did 3 months as a Junior manager but took an engineering job instead.
Otherwise, you really need to find something that requires hard graft to achieve something. Take A-levels in evening, get a Junior role in an office as a Supply or project manager. But you'll have to work hard and constantly be chasing new experience and qualifications.
[quote]
Also I think teaching is paying 30k salary to train up niw, but you need to meet th criteria, and want to be a teacher. My wife is a teacher, wouldn't wish it on anyone!
And he'd need a degree for that, and a PGCE.Otherwise, I think you need to try harder in your current role. I was offered fast track management when I was just a supermarket assistant because I showed the right mentality. I did 3 months as a Junior manager but took an engineering job instead.
Otherwise, you really need to find something that requires hard graft to achieve something. Take A-levels in evening, get a Junior role in an office as a Supply or project manager. But you'll have to work hard and constantly be chasing new experience and qualifications.
dave_s13 said:
See if you can get on an NHS funded degree while they are still available. Nursing, OT, physiotherapy, podiatry, midwife (eurrgh) etc etc.... It's not exactly a route to infinite riches but it's enjoyable.
Not without a Biology A level.[quote]
Also I think teaching is paying 30k salary to train up niw, but you need to meet th criteria, and want to be a teacher. My wife is a teacher, wouldn't wish it on anyone!
You dont seem the most motivated of people.
If you want to run your own business you will need to be a really really motivated person. If you arent a self starter i wouldnt touch it.
With the turnover in staff in retail you should be getting a deputy manager role without too much difficulty. Manager, area manager, stores director.....its a way up a chain.
I, err, wasnt invited back for my second year of uni. I did a few jobs inc own business. Mid 20's I got off my ass sorted my CV and got a job as a logistics/distribution administrator for a 3PL working for a large retailer - i'm now an IT service delivery manager. I had no qualifications but have done some courses (now ITIL qualified), working in a decent sized business there were plenty of options.
I changed quite a bit in this period, I stopped going out drinking on a school night being one of the big ones. Nobody wants a hungover employee. Dont be sick either. People who call in sick all the time wont get opportunities. Getting flu and being out for a week is understandable, 5 instances of "food poisoning" isn't.
Physical work or desk work?
On own or in a team?
Shift work?
Working with the public?
Caring profession?
Importance of salary?
Amount of pressure?
If you want to run your own business you will need to be a really really motivated person. If you arent a self starter i wouldnt touch it.
With the turnover in staff in retail you should be getting a deputy manager role without too much difficulty. Manager, area manager, stores director.....its a way up a chain.
I, err, wasnt invited back for my second year of uni. I did a few jobs inc own business. Mid 20's I got off my ass sorted my CV and got a job as a logistics/distribution administrator for a 3PL working for a large retailer - i'm now an IT service delivery manager. I had no qualifications but have done some courses (now ITIL qualified), working in a decent sized business there were plenty of options.
I changed quite a bit in this period, I stopped going out drinking on a school night being one of the big ones. Nobody wants a hungover employee. Dont be sick either. People who call in sick all the time wont get opportunities. Getting flu and being out for a week is understandable, 5 instances of "food poisoning" isn't.
Physical work or desk work?
On own or in a team?
Shift work?
Working with the public?
Caring profession?
Importance of salary?
Amount of pressure?
Please don't spend 50k getting a degree in Marketing or Business Studies. If you want a degree do one that gets you towards a career, Mechanical Engineering or Accoutancy or A joint degree in Mandarin and Business studies
Think about the next ten years, do you want to travel with work, enjoys computers, want to be left alone in a independent role, can you sell ?
Loads of opportunities out there.
You work in retail now, so must have customer skills?
Think about what you enjoy, don't be hard on yourself, you aren't a waster at 25 it is certainly not too late.
Or do an open university degree?
Think about the next ten years, do you want to travel with work, enjoys computers, want to be left alone in a independent role, can you sell ?
Loads of opportunities out there.
You work in retail now, so must have customer skills?
Think about what you enjoy, don't be hard on yourself, you aren't a waster at 25 it is certainly not too late.
Or do an open university degree?
CubanPete said:
A decent company will offer an enthusiastic person an apprenticeship. Where are you based? Look for the big engineering companies.
The OP doesn't appear to be an enthusiastic person..........OP, you've ruled out the trade that I work in as being poorly paid and pressured, it doesn't have to be; you're also ignoring the straight forward opportunities where you are working now in retail.
If you want a career or even just a well paid and interesting job you don't need qualifications - just drive and commitment.
CubanPete said:
A decent company will offer an enthusiastic person an apprenticeship. Where are you based? Look for the big engineering companies.
What about gardening, small home improvement jobs that many builders won't be interested in.
In all cases You've put a pretty negative slant on the relationship between your interests and working, most jobs involve doing stuff you wouldn't want to for 8 hours a day, you will have to work behind a pc, you will have to chase jobs, that is why they give you money...
South Leicestershire.What about gardening, small home improvement jobs that many builders won't be interested in.
In all cases You've put a pretty negative slant on the relationship between your interests and working, most jobs involve doing stuff you wouldn't want to for 8 hours a day, you will have to work behind a pc, you will have to chase jobs, that is why they give you money...
Edited by CubanPete on Thursday 7th July 21:39
I guess a 2 or 3 years of feeling unfulfilled in life has given me the negative attitude.
What really made me feel this way is my gf has just graduated uni with a 2:1 in modern languages.
Leading up to her exams she applied for graduate jobs, and ended up scoring a job at Ford Finance with a starting salary of 30k which goes up 1k a month. She's currently doing a paid internship until October when she starts with Ford. Basically just helping other employees with their presentations etc.
She tells me she is a minority and a lot of graduates do nothing for a while until they get a job in their field. But i cant help but feel just having a degree opens you up to all these graduate opportunities which everyone else don't get, with higher starting salaries and better/faster progression.
I have no commitments where i live, no mortgage or anything which makes me think uni makes sense. But at the same time the thought of being 30 odd with no money and a degree isnt that appealing.
I have 20k saved because despite low pay, i'm good with saving.
Edited by EazyDuz on Friday 8th July 09:53
No initial qualifications isn't necessarily a barrier, but you need to have the drive to want to do something and go for it.
Two people I've worked with in past, who both left school I think with about 1 o-level each, by the time I worked with them one had a PhD in something to do with fuel injectors (via HNC, HND and a degree), and the other left the navy as a Lieutenant Commander (joined as an electrician, became a winchman, eventually commissioned and learned to fly Lynx).
Sounds like your main problem is you don't really know what you want to do, work that out first and you're well on your way.
Two people I've worked with in past, who both left school I think with about 1 o-level each, by the time I worked with them one had a PhD in something to do with fuel injectors (via HNC, HND and a degree), and the other left the navy as a Lieutenant Commander (joined as an electrician, became a winchman, eventually commissioned and learned to fly Lynx).
Sounds like your main problem is you don't really know what you want to do, work that out first and you're well on your way.
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