A low point (Student looking for advice)
Discussion
Hey folks.
I preface this with: I have been drinking... a lot, and, I am posting on my 'main' account. I will likely delete this by Monday as I do know how aggressive this community can be, and I do like to save some face as I am often proud of my positions and the advice I can offer. (I love driving, I love offroading, I love 'touring' and, strangely, I love logistics. I do like offering advice based on my passions).
So I have hit a low point, I do not know of an absolute solution going forward.
Basically. I am a current engineering student, I think I am falling out of love with the subject I am studying. I will admit, I have never been fantastic academically, I passed my standard grades (English GSCEs?, I am Scottish) with moderate grades, mainly 3s(C)s, going on to study my highers (A levels?) at a low level, passing only 2 of my subjects at B & C levels (Computing and Physics). after that I study numerous minimum wage professions, I have spent my past 3 years achieving a HNC at systems engineering (A grade) and a HNC at Mechanical Engineering (A grade), and am currently studying towards my HND of mechanical engineering. I am also currently working as a delivery driver, and have numerous years experience driving <3.5ton vehicles professionally, and a few months driving rigid HGVs (have yet to graduate to my C+E, and I do have a medical condition mandating annual revisions of this licence)
Basically I think I have hit my limit academically. My hope was to achieve a b-eng at mechanical engineering, but after my HND level year I think I am 'just' passing, and really am considering whether or not progressing on to a degree level is really best for me. I currently have 2 offers, both at an OK-ish uni (Glasgow Strathclyde & Aberdeen Robert Gordon) to achieve my B-eng as a condition I pass my HND at a B-level.
However I think I really am struggling to achieve the above level, the content of the course is just going over my head, my days off (Sun & Thurs) are filled with stress where I get nothing achieved. My passion is driving, my dream, is to work in heavy (STGO cat3) haulage as a driver or a load engineer, ultimately I'd love to work overseas.
I know this will sound stupid to most, but my one pleasure in life is taking my track modified MX5 out after work (11PMish) for a good hoon around the local b-roads (I am in Scotland just north of Glasgow, there is plenty). I went to go out after work tonight to find the battery is flat!. My one joy in life, I have not utilised in over 6 weeks... I know how stupid this is going to sound to many readers, but going out and finding my one joy in life, is under utilised, it really struck a cord with me. And as a result, I have gone to the pub instead.
I am just looking for somewhere to vent. And if, possible, some advice going forward. My ultimate dream in life, is to make an above average (£30-50k?) wage,and too be able to spend my time on my passions. I am really struggling to see my career going forward, I love driving a lot more than I love 'engineering', is it really worth another year of trying to figure out more bloody maths, when I could spend a few weeks getting my C+E and spending my time doing what I enjoy, building experience and repute to get into my dream career.
Sorry for the venting, just going through a low point considering that my career (multi drop delivery) is hitting a ceiling where I am struggling to go further, and my education as an engineer I am really feeling I am hitting my own limit on.
CAElite.
I preface this with: I have been drinking... a lot, and, I am posting on my 'main' account. I will likely delete this by Monday as I do know how aggressive this community can be, and I do like to save some face as I am often proud of my positions and the advice I can offer. (I love driving, I love offroading, I love 'touring' and, strangely, I love logistics. I do like offering advice based on my passions).
So I have hit a low point, I do not know of an absolute solution going forward.
Basically. I am a current engineering student, I think I am falling out of love with the subject I am studying. I will admit, I have never been fantastic academically, I passed my standard grades (English GSCEs?, I am Scottish) with moderate grades, mainly 3s(C)s, going on to study my highers (A levels?) at a low level, passing only 2 of my subjects at B & C levels (Computing and Physics). after that I study numerous minimum wage professions, I have spent my past 3 years achieving a HNC at systems engineering (A grade) and a HNC at Mechanical Engineering (A grade), and am currently studying towards my HND of mechanical engineering. I am also currently working as a delivery driver, and have numerous years experience driving <3.5ton vehicles professionally, and a few months driving rigid HGVs (have yet to graduate to my C+E, and I do have a medical condition mandating annual revisions of this licence)
Basically I think I have hit my limit academically. My hope was to achieve a b-eng at mechanical engineering, but after my HND level year I think I am 'just' passing, and really am considering whether or not progressing on to a degree level is really best for me. I currently have 2 offers, both at an OK-ish uni (Glasgow Strathclyde & Aberdeen Robert Gordon) to achieve my B-eng as a condition I pass my HND at a B-level.
However I think I really am struggling to achieve the above level, the content of the course is just going over my head, my days off (Sun & Thurs) are filled with stress where I get nothing achieved. My passion is driving, my dream, is to work in heavy (STGO cat3) haulage as a driver or a load engineer, ultimately I'd love to work overseas.
I know this will sound stupid to most, but my one pleasure in life is taking my track modified MX5 out after work (11PMish) for a good hoon around the local b-roads (I am in Scotland just north of Glasgow, there is plenty). I went to go out after work tonight to find the battery is flat!. My one joy in life, I have not utilised in over 6 weeks... I know how stupid this is going to sound to many readers, but going out and finding my one joy in life, is under utilised, it really struck a cord with me. And as a result, I have gone to the pub instead.
I am just looking for somewhere to vent. And if, possible, some advice going forward. My ultimate dream in life, is to make an above average (£30-50k?) wage,and too be able to spend my time on my passions. I am really struggling to see my career going forward, I love driving a lot more than I love 'engineering', is it really worth another year of trying to figure out more bloody maths, when I could spend a few weeks getting my C+E and spending my time doing what I enjoy, building experience and repute to get into my dream career.
Sorry for the venting, just going through a low point considering that my career (multi drop delivery) is hitting a ceiling where I am struggling to go further, and my education as an engineer I am really feeling I am hitting my own limit on.
CAElite.
Edited by caelite on Sunday 18th February 03:54
I have no doubt there'll be a ton of good advice on here, probably sprinkled with a bit of abuse so I'd recommend you leave it up.
I have an engineering degree, never really used it but am in a technical role so the options are very wide ranging once you qualify.
That said, I ended quite depressed towards the end of my course, I think it's a slight side effect of hard study.
My advice would be to keep your options open, now I'm in my 40'spare I've realised happiness is a state of mind rather than a result of what you do or have.
Having done a bit of HGV driving, I'd probably not be inclined to recommend it unless you can find a nice gig. A lot of heavy goods stuff is horrible these days. The barriers to entry are quite low so you end up doing loads of hours that aren't very sociable, just to be able to earn a living.
Some people love it though, as I said before, a lot of your happiness is a state of mind.
I have an engineering degree, never really used it but am in a technical role so the options are very wide ranging once you qualify.
That said, I ended quite depressed towards the end of my course, I think it's a slight side effect of hard study.
My advice would be to keep your options open, now I'm in my 40'spare I've realised happiness is a state of mind rather than a result of what you do or have.
Having done a bit of HGV driving, I'd probably not be inclined to recommend it unless you can find a nice gig. A lot of heavy goods stuff is horrible these days. The barriers to entry are quite low so you end up doing loads of hours that aren't very sociable, just to be able to earn a living.
Some people love it though, as I said before, a lot of your happiness is a state of mind.
Speaking purely academically you are better off persevereing with the degree and then ‘falling back’ on the driving.
Who knows what the future holds for driving jobs and 30-50k and in 15-20yrs time it won’t sound as rosy as it does now.
Keep as many options only as possible is my advice. I know your frustration on the car front, I opened my garage to one of my P&Js yesterday and realised I hadn’t even been to that garage (it’s a 5min walk from my house) in over 6mths ... shocking but true - sometimes life’s hectic, that’s not bad, it’s just a fact of life but better time management will help.
In terms of the stress - honestly, try meditation and focussing, using an app like HeadSpace will work wonders in just 1-3mins of time
Who knows what the future holds for driving jobs and 30-50k and in 15-20yrs time it won’t sound as rosy as it does now.
Keep as many options only as possible is my advice. I know your frustration on the car front, I opened my garage to one of my P&Js yesterday and realised I hadn’t even been to that garage (it’s a 5min walk from my house) in over 6mths ... shocking but true - sometimes life’s hectic, that’s not bad, it’s just a fact of life but better time management will help.
In terms of the stress - honestly, try meditation and focussing, using an app like HeadSpace will work wonders in just 1-3mins of time
I did a year of a BEng (civil) at Glasgow Uni and it bored f
k out of me. I few years later I went and did a BSc at Strathclyde (business) and it wasn't much better. Still two years of maths! I did complete it though, although what I've gained from it is open to question.
My belief is now that unless you 'need' a degree for a 'proper' profession e.g. medicine, law then you're better off without. Especially given that now everyone has one the expectation of employers goes up, what once required a 2:2 is now a 2:1, a 2:1 now a 1st etc. Not to mention the debt issue many people are stuck with.
I don't have children but if I did I think I'd be inclined to advise them to gain as many practical qualifications as possible, and enter the job market as soon as possible. For many people the four years spent fking about at uni getting a 2:2 in drama would be better spent in a job and looking to switch job and/or company to increase their salary and opportunity.
k out of me. I few years later I went and did a BSc at Strathclyde (business) and it wasn't much better. Still two years of maths! I did complete it though, although what I've gained from it is open to question.My belief is now that unless you 'need' a degree for a 'proper' profession e.g. medicine, law then you're better off without. Especially given that now everyone has one the expectation of employers goes up, what once required a 2:2 is now a 2:1, a 2:1 now a 1st etc. Not to mention the debt issue many people are stuck with.
I don't have children but if I did I think I'd be inclined to advise them to gain as many practical qualifications as possible, and enter the job market as soon as possible. For many people the four years spent f
king about at uni getting a 2:2 in drama would be better spent in a job and looking to switch job and/or company to increase their salary and opportunity.A couple of thoughts
Have you considered speaking to the current course tutors to get a perspective on how you think you're doing, and how much tougher the maths is likely to get? They've probably got more experience of this kind of feeling than you expect.
Is it worth paying a maths tutor to give you some help on those days off, or maybe taking a year out, getting the driving qualification you want, spending some of the income getting on top of maths, and then deciding if you want to study more?
FWIW, I've seen people doing PhDs struggle massively in the 2nd year and think they're never going to get it together, what you're feeling is not uncommon.
I'd suggest the first priority is to get to the point where you can use your days "off" constructively, and short term I think getting a better grip on the maths would be the best thing to do - once it's easy, then the rest of the course should start to "flow".
Finally, long term, how much future do you really think the bulk of driving jobs have? I don't see them surviving > 20 years, maybe less.
Have you considered speaking to the current course tutors to get a perspective on how you think you're doing, and how much tougher the maths is likely to get? They've probably got more experience of this kind of feeling than you expect.
Is it worth paying a maths tutor to give you some help on those days off, or maybe taking a year out, getting the driving qualification you want, spending some of the income getting on top of maths, and then deciding if you want to study more?
FWIW, I've seen people doing PhDs struggle massively in the 2nd year and think they're never going to get it together, what you're feeling is not uncommon.
I'd suggest the first priority is to get to the point where you can use your days "off" constructively, and short term I think getting a better grip on the maths would be the best thing to do - once it's easy, then the rest of the course should start to "flow".
Finally, long term, how much future do you really think the bulk of driving jobs have? I don't see them surviving > 20 years, maybe less.
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Keep going with the study if you think you can pass.
I knew my Uni degree was not really for me after about 6m (far too much complicated mathematics)! But I persevered as I knew (ultimately) it would be a good 'thing' to have.
A few years later it opened doors I wasn't expecting.
And don't forget you are still young (by the sounds of it), opportunity often comes knocking when you aren't expecting it, and there's plenty of time yet to figure out what you really want to do.
variation on the above:I knew my Uni degree was not really for me after about 6m (far too much complicated mathematics)! But I persevered as I knew (ultimately) it would be a good 'thing' to have.
A few years later it opened doors I wasn't expecting.
And don't forget you are still young (by the sounds of it), opportunity often comes knocking when you aren't expecting it, and there's plenty of time yet to figure out what you really want to do.
3 years at uni studying chemistry convinced me I didn't want to end up a chemist; stood in a lab all day for years.
However; it (the qualification) opens doors and gives you options that might otherwise not be available.
I am very lucky that I stumbled into a line of work that has been mostly enjoyable, reasonably well rewarded and got me to some interesting places. But I hadn't a clue it even existed as a profession before I came across it! I've now been doing it for over 30 years!
So there may be a job or profession just around the corner that your studies give you a way into that ends up being something you can get excited about.
Two thoughts to add in the mix; you mentioned a medical condition, is this likely to affect your ability to pursue a career driving trucks? Also remember in the big supermarkets (from experience with Tesco) most of their driver team leaders are promoted from drivers and 70% of their managers are promoted from within, so there's another realistic career path there.
I've got news for you, son.
Wait until kids come along. That's everything in your life out of the window for 25 years.
These are your good times now. Enjoy them.
(Mind you, dedicating your life to nurturing the lives of a few innocent little souls is not a bad thing for your own personal development, compared with sitting about at three o'clock in the morning after a skinful at the pub feeling sorry for yourself.)
Wait until kids come along. That's everything in your life out of the window for 25 years.
These are your good times now. Enjoy them.
(Mind you, dedicating your life to nurturing the lives of a few innocent little souls is not a bad thing for your own personal development, compared with sitting about at three o'clock in the morning after a skinful at the pub feeling sorry for yourself.)
I would advise you to finish it! It will give you more options going forward and may well give access to better paid jobs which will then give you extra spare funds for track days, etc etc.
More frustrating for you would be to limit your future earnings and be in a position where you can’t afford to run that MX5 anymore (or whatever driving toy you may have) sounds far fetched now but all you need is a mortgage or move to a bigger place, wife and a couple of kids and that MX5 is not moving.
From the high chair may I suggest that perhaps you are not dedicating the time to the studies that you should? You are working as delivery driver and I appreciate bills need to be paid but that may distract/take the focus from your studies.
As for maths, they are simple but maths require a special way to learn it. It builds on last weeks lesson so if you don’t keep up with the development of the subject you will find it impossible and very complicated whilst in fact it is quite simple if you buil on previous lessons. If you are finding math complicated go back a few lessons or as many as you need until it’s at a level you are comfortable and then take each lesson/building block and go from there. You will find it a bit more rewarding and will feel better about your studies.
But maybe it’s not for you, only you will know what’s best. In my humble opinion finish it.
More frustrating for you would be to limit your future earnings and be in a position where you can’t afford to run that MX5 anymore (or whatever driving toy you may have) sounds far fetched now but all you need is a mortgage or move to a bigger place, wife and a couple of kids and that MX5 is not moving.
From the high chair may I suggest that perhaps you are not dedicating the time to the studies that you should? You are working as delivery driver and I appreciate bills need to be paid but that may distract/take the focus from your studies.
As for maths, they are simple but maths require a special way to learn it. It builds on last weeks lesson so if you don’t keep up with the development of the subject you will find it impossible and very complicated whilst in fact it is quite simple if you buil on previous lessons. If you are finding math complicated go back a few lessons or as many as you need until it’s at a level you are comfortable and then take each lesson/building block and go from there. You will find it a bit more rewarding and will feel better about your studies.
But maybe it’s not for you, only you will know what’s best. In my humble opinion finish it.
caelite said:
Hey folks.
I preface this with: I have been drinking... a lot, and, I am posting on my 'main' account. I will likely delete this by Monday as I do know how aggressive this community can be, and I do like to save some face as I am often proud of my positions and the advice I can offer. (I love driving, I love offroading, I love 'touring' and, strangely, I love logistics. I do like offering advice based on my passions).
So I have hit a low point, I do not know of an absolute solution going forward.
Basically. I am a current engineering student, I think I am falling out of love with the subject I am studying. I will admit, I have never been fantastic academically, I passed my standard grades (English GSCEs?, I am Scottish) with moderate grades, mainly 3s(C)s, going on to study my highers (A levels?) at a low level, passing only 2 of my subjects at B & C levels (Computing and Physics). after that I study numerous minimum wage professions, I have spent my past 3 years achieving a HNC at systems engineering (A grade) and a HNC at Mechanical Engineering (A grade), and am currently studying towards my HND of mechanical engineering. I am also currently working as a delivery driver, and have numerous years experience driving <3.5ton vehicles professionally, and a few months driving rigid HGVs (have yet to graduate to my C+E, and I do have a medical condition mandating annual revisions of this licence)
Basically I think I have hit my limit academically. My hope was to achieve a b-eng at mechanical engineering, but after my HND level year I think I am 'just' passing, and really am considering whether or not progressing on to a degree level is really best for me. I currently have 2 offers, both at an OK-ish uni (Glasgow Strathclyde & Aberdeen Robert Gordon) to achieve my B-eng as a condition I pass my HND at a B-level.
However I think I really am struggling to achieve the above level, the content of the course is just going over my head, my days off (Sun & Thurs) are filled with stress where I get nothing achieved. My passion is driving, my dream, is to work in heavy (STGO cat3) haulage as a driver or a load engineer, ultimately I'd love to work overseas.
I know this will sound stupid to most, but my one pleasure in life is taking my track modified MX5 out after work (11PMish) for a good hoon around the local b-roads (I am in Scotland just north of Glasgow, there is plenty). I went to go out after work tonight to find the battery is flat!. My one joy in life, I have not utilised in over 6 weeks... I know how stupid this is going to sound to many readers, but going out and finding my one joy in life, is under utilised, it really struck a cord with me. And as a result, I have gone to the pub instead.
I am just looking for somewhere to vent. And if, possible, some advice going forward. My ultimate dream in life, is to make an above average (£30-50k?) wage,and too be able to spend my time on my passions. I am really struggling to see my career going forward, I love driving a lot more than I love 'engineering', is it really worth another year of trying to figure out more bloody maths, when I could spend a few weeks getting my C+E and spending my time doing what I enjoy, building experience and repute to get into my dream career.
Sorry for the venting, just going through a low point considering that my career (multi drop delivery) is hitting a ceiling where I am struggling to go further, and my education as an engineer I am really feeling I am hitting my own limit on.
CAElite.
Can someone summarise please.I preface this with: I have been drinking... a lot, and, I am posting on my 'main' account. I will likely delete this by Monday as I do know how aggressive this community can be, and I do like to save some face as I am often proud of my positions and the advice I can offer. (I love driving, I love offroading, I love 'touring' and, strangely, I love logistics. I do like offering advice based on my passions).
So I have hit a low point, I do not know of an absolute solution going forward.
Basically. I am a current engineering student, I think I am falling out of love with the subject I am studying. I will admit, I have never been fantastic academically, I passed my standard grades (English GSCEs?, I am Scottish) with moderate grades, mainly 3s(C)s, going on to study my highers (A levels?) at a low level, passing only 2 of my subjects at B & C levels (Computing and Physics). after that I study numerous minimum wage professions, I have spent my past 3 years achieving a HNC at systems engineering (A grade) and a HNC at Mechanical Engineering (A grade), and am currently studying towards my HND of mechanical engineering. I am also currently working as a delivery driver, and have numerous years experience driving <3.5ton vehicles professionally, and a few months driving rigid HGVs (have yet to graduate to my C+E, and I do have a medical condition mandating annual revisions of this licence)
Basically I think I have hit my limit academically. My hope was to achieve a b-eng at mechanical engineering, but after my HND level year I think I am 'just' passing, and really am considering whether or not progressing on to a degree level is really best for me. I currently have 2 offers, both at an OK-ish uni (Glasgow Strathclyde & Aberdeen Robert Gordon) to achieve my B-eng as a condition I pass my HND at a B-level.
However I think I really am struggling to achieve the above level, the content of the course is just going over my head, my days off (Sun & Thurs) are filled with stress where I get nothing achieved. My passion is driving, my dream, is to work in heavy (STGO cat3) haulage as a driver or a load engineer, ultimately I'd love to work overseas.
I know this will sound stupid to most, but my one pleasure in life is taking my track modified MX5 out after work (11PMish) for a good hoon around the local b-roads (I am in Scotland just north of Glasgow, there is plenty). I went to go out after work tonight to find the battery is flat!. My one joy in life, I have not utilised in over 6 weeks... I know how stupid this is going to sound to many readers, but going out and finding my one joy in life, is under utilised, it really struck a cord with me. And as a result, I have gone to the pub instead.
I am just looking for somewhere to vent. And if, possible, some advice going forward. My ultimate dream in life, is to make an above average (£30-50k?) wage,and too be able to spend my time on my passions. I am really struggling to see my career going forward, I love driving a lot more than I love 'engineering', is it really worth another year of trying to figure out more bloody maths, when I could spend a few weeks getting my C+E and spending my time doing what I enjoy, building experience and repute to get into my dream career.
Sorry for the venting, just going through a low point considering that my career (multi drop delivery) is hitting a ceiling where I am struggling to go further, and my education as an engineer I am really feeling I am hitting my own limit on.
CAElite.
Edited by caelite on Sunday 18th February 03:54
thanks.
I struggled with uni too, in fact I considered dropping out on the first module. My GCSE’s were OK/nothing special but engineering maths was a shock to the system and I failed my first exam.
In the end I put an advert out for any students willing to help me with my revision/mock exams etc. A very bright Indian student took me up on it and it made a huge difference having 1-1 tuition.
Thank god I stuck in because it led to my current job of 10 years. So my advice is seek help and don’t throw in the towel just yet.
In the end I put an advert out for any students willing to help me with my revision/mock exams etc. A very bright Indian student took me up on it and it made a huge difference having 1-1 tuition.
Thank god I stuck in because it led to my current job of 10 years. So my advice is seek help and don’t throw in the towel just yet.
It sounds to me like you are possibly thinking too hard about the future. The common thinking is to have a 5 or 10 year career plan but warren buffett said you should never have one as you need to be able to spot and take opportunities as they come. So don't beat yourself up about not knowing what to do.
On the money side, I have now reached a salary I thought I wanted and guess what, it still isn't enough! You will always want more. But take comfort in the fact that your pride and joy was a relatively cheap mx5. I was just yesterday trying to explain to my daughter how my old £950 mx5 was the best car I have ever owned!
I agree with the advice to concentrate on finishing your current course. Perhaps put off all other decisions until that is our of the way. You may then reflect on it and get some perspective on how much it took out of you, whether it was worth it, if you could have done things better, and your overall situation.
Good luck!
On the money side, I have now reached a salary I thought I wanted and guess what, it still isn't enough! You will always want more. But take comfort in the fact that your pride and joy was a relatively cheap mx5. I was just yesterday trying to explain to my daughter how my old £950 mx5 was the best car I have ever owned!
I agree with the advice to concentrate on finishing your current course. Perhaps put off all other decisions until that is our of the way. You may then reflect on it and get some perspective on how much it took out of you, whether it was worth it, if you could have done things better, and your overall situation.
Good luck!
Edited by covmutley on Sunday 18th February 09:11
Complete the hnD no matter what, it has value without the degree top-up year.
It may be worth you looking at other top-ups which may be more interesting to you that your HND will be recognised towards, or alternatively stop once you finished it and look at employment. The HND can be used towards a degree in later years as well, so that's another option.
I see a LOT of students going through exactly what you're thinking about here and it is a fatigue issue. You may continue in this field, you may not, but either way you owe it to yourself to complete the HND.
Good luck to you.
It may be worth you looking at other top-ups which may be more interesting to you that your HND will be recognised towards, or alternatively stop once you finished it and look at employment. The HND can be used towards a degree in later years as well, so that's another option.
I see a LOT of students going through exactly what you're thinking about here and it is a fatigue issue. You may continue in this field, you may not, but either way you owe it to yourself to complete the HND.
Good luck to you.
It’s good that your having these thoughts before you embarked on your B.eng. From where I’m sitting it’s obvious that you should finish your HND and then go to work.
Personally I got an apprenticeship in the oil and gas industry after my ‘A’-levels. I have progressed within a company. I can now see a few possible avenues for future work. Now 28 I think my next move should get me into 40k. Many people were squeezed out of the industry in recent years as there were a lot of redundancies, they had similar qualifications to you or I- one became a train or tube driver which IIRC pays a lot better than road haulage, another had done a degree on a day release basis one day a week while working, he went and worked for a steel construction company, I’m considering a move into BIM within a technology company....
Degrees are not the be all and end all, every man and his dog have one, what they don’t all have is references and money coming from several years good work. Once you are working opportunities will present themselves if you’re good.
Personally I got an apprenticeship in the oil and gas industry after my ‘A’-levels. I have progressed within a company. I can now see a few possible avenues for future work. Now 28 I think my next move should get me into 40k. Many people were squeezed out of the industry in recent years as there were a lot of redundancies, they had similar qualifications to you or I- one became a train or tube driver which IIRC pays a lot better than road haulage, another had done a degree on a day release basis one day a week while working, he went and worked for a steel construction company, I’m considering a move into BIM within a technology company....
Degrees are not the be all and end all, every man and his dog have one, what they don’t all have is references and money coming from several years good work. Once you are working opportunities will present themselves if you’re good.
llewop said:
variation on the above:
3 years at uni studying chemistry convinced me I didn't want to end up a chemist; stood in a lab all day for years.
However; it (the qualification) opens doors and gives you options that might otherwise not be available.
I am very lucky that I stumbled into a line of work that has been mostly enjoyable, reasonably well rewarded and got me to some interesting places. But I hadn't a clue it even existed as a profession before I came across it! I've now been doing it for over 30 years!
So there may be a job or profession just around the corner that your studies give you a way into that ends up being something you can get excited about.
This is very similar to my experience, although I did go as far as starting a PhD before I jumped ship - I'd had the same thoughts in my second year as well.3 years at uni studying chemistry convinced me I didn't want to end up a chemist; stood in a lab all day for years.
However; it (the qualification) opens doors and gives you options that might otherwise not be available.
I am very lucky that I stumbled into a line of work that has been mostly enjoyable, reasonably well rewarded and got me to some interesting places. But I hadn't a clue it even existed as a profession before I came across it! I've now been doing it for over 30 years!
So there may be a job or profession just around the corner that your studies give you a way into that ends up being something you can get excited about.
OP, considering you are most of the way through the academic year, I would certainly see out the HND but what I would consider is finding out about deferring entry to the next academic year for the degree course which I'd imagine is entry to third year (and possibly a two year commitment for Honours). Take the year to recharge, consider your options, and see if anything opens up to you in the meantime - that way you don't have to go back through the application process should you decide to take the place.
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