25 with no career prospects, feel like a waster

25 with no career prospects, feel like a waster

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Penelope Stopit

11,209 posts

108 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
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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
This is the best advice I have read here although the military is also a good option
I once walked away from a highly skilled job and in already having a van started my advertising by printing and posting leaflets through letterboxes offering a DIY service fitting carpets, painting, the odd plumbing job etc
I really do believe that gardening, fencing and patio work will prove to be much better than what I did

I'm also having other thoughts here that are well away from the above
Tell me something, can you read and understand technical instruction, can you read and understand diagrams of a techy nature, are you ok with maths as in calculate simple multiplications in your head?

I will wait for a reply before I go any further

EazyDuz

Original Poster:

2,013 posts

107 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
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Penelope Stopit said:
This is the best advice I have read here although the military is also a good option
I once walked away from a highly skilled job and in already having a van started my advertising by printing and posting leaflets through letterboxes offering a DIY service fitting carpets, painting, the odd plumbing job etc
I really do believe that gardening, fencing and patio work will prove to be much better than what I did

I'm also having other thoughts here that are well away from the above
Tell me something, can you read and understand technical instruction, can you read and understand diagrams of a techy nature, are you ok with maths as in calculate simple multiplications in your head?

I will wait for a reply before I go any further
It sounds OK but somewhat lonely. Also cutting grass is quite seasonal and you're not using your brain for anything. I looked at being a postman which is good pay, keeps you fit etc, but again you dont use your brain at all. Just left on your own with your own thoughts.
I dont have much experience reading and understanding technical instruction unless you count a Haynes manual.
Maths is OK but only passed GCSE with a C. Though i didnt revise at all and didnt pay any attention in lessons. Somewhere a long the line at school i just didnt apply any effort. At the end of year 6 I got an award for being the most academic in my year. In high school I just plummeted, hung with the wrong crowd and came out with a poverty CCD at A Level.

I think if i apply myself uni could be a good path. It seems like my best option right now.
Plus living in a new area surrounded by new people would be an adventure and get me out of this rut.
Optometrists start on 25k once qualified which is alright for me, i'd rather have less pay and less stress than a high up marketing executive on good pay with no life outside of work and constant stress

shirt

22,508 posts

200 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
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TLandCruiser said:
Join the army and get a trade, the amount of opportunities that arise when you leave is amazing.
this was my first though, although other forces are available.

i have a few ex forces friends and colleagues. only one is an arse, the others seem to have had a great time learning a trade, seeing the world, having a laugh and working out what they wanted in life. to a man they are personable, team players, easy to work with and great company both in the office or pub.

Penelope Stopit

11,209 posts

108 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
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EazyDuz said:
Penelope Stopit said:
This is the best advice I have read here although the military is also a good option
I once walked away from a highly skilled job and in already having a van started my advertising by printing and posting leaflets through letterboxes offering a DIY service fitting carpets, painting, the odd plumbing job etc
I really do believe that gardening, fencing and patio work will prove to be much better than what I did

I'm also having other thoughts here that are well away from the above
Tell me something, can you read and understand technical instruction, can you read and understand diagrams of a techy nature, are you ok with maths as in calculate simple multiplications in your head?

I will wait for a reply before I go any further
It sounds OK but somewhat lonely. Also cutting grass is quite seasonal and you're not using your brain for anything. I looked at being a postman which is good pay, keeps you fit etc, but again you dont use your brain at all. Just left on your own with your own thoughts.
I dont have much experience reading and understanding technical instruction unless you count a Haynes manual.
Maths is OK but only passed GCSE with a C. Though i didnt revise at all and didnt pay any attention in lessons. Somewhere a long the line at school i just didnt apply any effort. At the end of year 6 I got an award for being the most academic in my year. In high school I just plummeted, hung with the wrong crowd and came out with a poverty CCD at A Level.

I think if i apply myself uni could be a good path. It seems like my best option right now.
Plus living in a new area surrounded by new people would be an adventure and get me out of this rut.
Optometrists start on 25k once qualified which is alright for me, i'd rather have less pay and less stress than a high up marketing executive on good pay with no life outside of work and constant stress
OK. have you considered learning how to build websites or how to diagnose and fix computers, you do seem to have the brain to be able to do this sort of job

I once knew nothing about computers or websites or servers etc and now I know much about all of them, I learnt everything I know from the internet and some logical thinking
You could do some diy or gardening while you educate yourself then the sky is the limit

In one of your posts you comment "minimal friends (they all went to uni and became something, and moved as a result)." That comment alone makes me think that you are down in confidence, i'm something, your something, we are all something.

With 25K savings you can afford to work for next to nothing to learn something new

CubanPete

3,630 posts

187 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
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EazyDuz said:
Snooze fest.
I'm interested in optometry but had mixed opinions on what kind of salary to expect.
My eyesight is quite bad and needs a lot of correction so I've spent a lot of time at optometrists and always found the eye quite interesting.
Correcting other peoples vision might make me care a bit more about others too
Snooze fest... Compared to what you're doing now?

Optometry will pay reasonably well, and there is plenty of scope to take on a practice in a few years. My uncle was an optometrist, he has done well for himself, and has had a pretty stress free life. The are lots of technician roles preparing lenses.

Since you wrote this reply, how much research have you done onto optometry? I'd be chasing round and seeing if you can either get into this years university intake, looking for a job in an optometry or looking at what qualifications I need to improve to do so. Unlike school, a career doesn't set you homework, give you a timetable it's something you have to self motivate and make up on your own.

Sparkzz

450 posts

135 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
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OP,

You came to this thread asking for 'career' prospects, developing a gardening business seems like a lucrative idea financially. I feel, however, you need a sense of purpose, rather than just money.

If I was you, I would certainly look into anything in the public sector. Forces, NHS, Police, Teaching. These jobs will always be around and they usually pay OK compared to shop work etc.

I work in Engineering myself, currently on the tools and study a distance learning degree. I don't advocate too much physical work, by the way. I'm the same age as you and my health took a downturn a couple of years ago. Your likely fit and healthy so have plenty of time to sit behind a desk, but it's something to consider.

EazyDuz

Original Poster:

2,013 posts

107 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
quotequote all
CubanPete said:
Snooze fest... Compared to what you're doing now?

Optometry will pay reasonably well, and there is plenty of scope to take on a practice in a few years. My uncle was an optometrist, he has done well for himself, and has had a pretty stress free life. The are lots of technician roles preparing lenses.

Since you wrote this reply, how much research have you done onto optometry? I'd be chasing round and seeing if you can either get into this years university intake, looking for a job in an optometry or looking at what qualifications I need to improve to do so. Unlike school, a career doesn't set you homework, give you a timetable it's something you have to self motivate and make up on your own.
I'd need to do an Access to HE course for 1 year at college if i want a chance of getting in. You need 5 GCSEs, i have 4 but i also have A levels which the Access course don't require so i should be OK at A university.
I cant say im massively passionate about it but i feel i just need to pick my poison. Nothing excites me much. Something like a park ranger i feel would be more suited to me. Being outdoors in a somewhat varied role instead of stuck at a desk attached to a ball and chain. But they don't pay too well. I actually know a guy at uni studying Forestry after doing a BTEC at college in something similar.
I've also considered just going travelling around Europe for 2 or 3 months but thats just running from my problems, and i'd miss the start date for any access course if i do go ahead with uni.
Very indecisive. When i was 18-20 I just assumed i'd naturally find a passion over time, 5 years later and nothing has changed


Edited by EazyDuz on Wednesday 13th July 15:45

Joey Ramone

2,150 posts

124 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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Every single reply of yours screams 'negativity'.

Honestly, join one of the services. Preferably the RAF because they treat their people well and you'll mostly stay out of harms way. Something like personnel or administration. While you're in you'll get decent pay and conditions, career prospects within the service, or the sort of skills-set to allow you to prosper outside.

The Moose

22,821 posts

208 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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Reading this thread is making me want to slit my own wrists hehe

Piersman2

6,596 posts

198 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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EazyDuz said:
When i was 18-20 I just assumed i'd naturally find a passion over time, 5 years later and nothing has changed
For me(and I suspect many, many others), nearly 30 years later, nothing has changed. smile

When I left school after 'o' levels I spent 2 years doing building/labouring work. One thing that taught me was that I didn't want to do that for ever! laugh

My parents sent me off down the careers ofice and the lady there had me sign up for HNC in E&E Engineering at a technical college for 2 years. Did that, got the qualification sorted.

Then out to work as I wanted to be earning money to pay for me and the then GF to buy a house and move out to our own place.

I used the qualification to get the first job, everything after that bore no relation to the E&E Engineering at all. Since then I've worked in office based roles, mainly as an IT contractor having turned contract at age 22. Can't say I've ever really enjoyed it, some roles have been good, most of it downright boring and stressful, but they do pay well for it.

But like you, I've never had a 'vocation', other than playing with cars or doing DIY (heavy duty at times) - unfortunately neither of these pay as much as the IT consulting work, so I continue to do a job I increasingly dislike, but view the monthly invoice as the justification, it allows me to buy and play with nice cars and motorbikes.

What I'm trying to say is that if you go through life waiting for 'something' to come along as a passion, you are likely to become increasingly disappointed. Get yourself into work and take the opportunities that come along to move and gain more experiences. You might find something your really do enjoy, but I doubt it. If I was your age again, and with your experience, I'd consider the RAF. Not the army, they just seem to run around a lot. Get a technical role in the RAF and send the pilots away to risk life and limb whilst you stay safe at base smoking and drinking coffee! That was always my plan B. biggrin

I'm heading for 50 in a few years and I've still not sussed out what I'd like to do as a career. smile

Muzzer79

9,806 posts

186 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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Joey Ramone said:
Every single reply of yours screams 'negativity'.
This.

Other notes from your posts.

1. Not everyone finds a 'passion' Those that work in a field they are 'passionate' about are few and far between. Most people end up in a job and find their passions within it, be that talking to people, selling, travelling, building, admin, etc, etc.
I wouldn't even say I've found a 'passion' in that way. All I did was find a job that I (mostly) enjoy and happen to be pretty good at. My passions are outside of work.


2. You're far, far, far too focused on money. Choose a career that you believe you will enjoy and get the most out of. If it pays £15k a year, then so be it but at least you'll be happy person on £15k rather than a miserable one on, say, £30k.

Semi-relevant anecdote:

I interviewed a 26 year old guy the other day who was insistent that this was the job for him and he really develop and build a career in our company. I offered him the job and he came back asking for £500 more per year, insistent he couldn't survive on less. I offered to start him on the salary I originally offered but with a review in a few months at which point, if he'd done well, I'd give him the extra or even more.

He turned that job down for the sake of £500 a year. £9 a week.

So, he's either a bullstter and didn't want the job in the first place or he's a dick who turned down a good job for £9 a week. Either way, don't be that guy.


Chainsaw Rebuild

1,997 posts

101 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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robemcdonald said:
If I were your age and in your situation I'd be looking at the armed forces.
You've said you like fitness (big tick), you can expand on your engineering skills in any of the forces. If you do it right they will pay for your further education and you will be highly employable when you come out. I work with plenty of ex forces guys in their 40's who are earning pretty decent salaries.
I agree with this chap! Plus they all seem to have great stories!

dabofoppo

681 posts

170 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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Op as above really dont focus on salary im on £7.80per hour but in the last year iv been to 3 rounds of the btcc the British gran prix and been to 3 different countries on holidays with clients. I could easily earn more but then I wouldnt be having as much fun or meeting the people I have met.

Evanivitch

19,803 posts

121 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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Muzzer79 said:
I offered to start him on the salary I originally offered but with a review in a few months at which point, if he'd done well, I'd give him the extra or even more.
Or perhaps he was testing whether you actually wanted him? If he was the man for the job, out of those that you interviewed him, why did you turn him down for 9 quid a week? An enthusiastic and qualified worker could return that multiple times in productivity.

Instead you offered him the corporate carrot of bullst, the empty promise of a pay review.

johnwilliams77

8,308 posts

102 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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Evanivitch said:
Or perhaps he was testing whether you actually wanted him? If he was the man for the job, out of those that you interviewed him, why did you turn him down for 9 quid a week? An enthusiastic and qualified worker could return that multiple times in productivity.

Instead you offered him the corporate carrot of bullst, the empty promise of a pay review.
This
What a waste of time from both parties to break a bear deal for that amount

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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EazyDuz said:
Well my hobbies are:

- 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.
Join the army as a vehicle mechanic.

Free gym and all the opportunities to achieve virtually limitless sports/fitness levels.

Video gaming - plenty of time for that in your room.

Travelling - speaks for itself.

It will definitely build your confidence and get you some decent mates.

Money isn't great during training, but promotion is fairly quick as a VM - as a general rule you'd be on £40k with an HNC/D after 11 or 12 years.

Worth thinking about I'd say. Yes you'll be one of the older ones during training, but you will get treated a bit differently (as long as you're not a knob)

DoubleSix

11,691 posts

175 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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Nezquick said:
You need some "get up and go" OP.

I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was 18 after college and left with a C, D and an N from my A-levels - I basically flunked them all. I didn't want to go to Uni and dismissed that as I wanted to get a job.

I found an office junior job in a solicitors office. I liked it and approached them after a few months to ask if they'd fund me to do my ILEX exams, which they did as I seemed enthusiastic. 4 years later I qualified as a Legal Executive and I've now worked my way to become a Senior Associate at a top 15 law firm.

I'm not writing this to blow my own trumpet; i'm writing it to show that by starting at the bottom and with some hard work and enthusiasm, anything is possible.

As said above, if you're in sales there's nothing stopping you reaching management level with some hard work and the right attitude. Good luck OP!
The top IFA in my office, earning in excess of 200k, started as the post boy 14 years ago...

OP, nothing stopping you getting some of the RO exams under your belt in your spare time and then approaching some firms for paraplanning or admin roles with a view to adviser in the longer term...

Edited by DoubleSix on Wednesday 13th July 19:39

jan8p

1,722 posts

227 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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AlasdairMc said:
My point is that you don't necessarily go into a job knowing what your career is going to be; if you work hard you end up just finding one.
Bingo.

Join a big organisation and work hard (at anything) and naturally you'll develop yourself a career path.

EazyDuz

Original Poster:

2,013 posts

107 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
quotequote all
To top it off ive discussed it with my gf (who is moving away due to her grad job soon) and all she has done is told me that the social side of uni wears off, the workload is huge and very stressful (knew all this already, never said id be going for the social side other than a boost in confidence and self esteem).
I had also mentioned to her that i might travel which she took great offence to, as previously i was upset that she was moving a way herself, yet now i have the audacity to say i might go travelling for a few months in the hope that it makes me decide what i want in life.

Maybe its time to just accept that i'll never 'make it'. Dunno, a bit drunk currently after celebrating her 2.1 degree and career via a meal out with her family (the whole night just rubbed in my face how she is something and i have no quals to my name and no career, she's 22 and starting on 30 something grand)

m3jappa

6,391 posts

217 months

Wednesday 13th July 2016
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I have no qualifications and am 36 and still don't know what to do, at your age I had given up smoking an ounce of week a week for a year after 8 years of it dominating my life. I was pretty depressed with it all.

However I have always worked hard, when I say worked hard I mean like a dog, I once had an old man say to me 'fk me,i thought we worked hard when we were lads but then I saw you boys working'

Long hours, st weather, dry cracked hands, put back out several times, now have two damaged discs. I've driven all sorts of st heaps, been so skint I've had to sell things I've worked hard to get.

Got myself a brilliant mrs who works equally as hard (but in an office).

Never do we take days off because we fancy it, always do we moan about how we want more (mind you she's stopped that now we have a baby haha).

Now I am very confident for my future, I'm worried about a form of pension but am trying to address that. Do I like my job? It's ok, I don't do bad, can always do better, I actually don't mind working, do I like the freezing fking cold? The pissing rain? The blistering heat (it's rare I know). The worry about having not enough work or the worry of having too much?

Truth is I don't think any adult really does a job that they envisioned themselves doing later on. It's called life, what falls into place falls into place.

If I were you I'd be working my way up the retail store route now, trying to become a manager. Then area manager etc etc. I understand six figure salary with benefits are achievable. Or you sack that off and do some life style job but pays fk all.

Qualifications don't mean a lot IMO, of course some jobs you won't get a look in. IMO manners, being able to string a sentence together and confidence are far far more valuable.