ashg
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 01:32 AM |
|
|
if i had the choice i would go back to uni forever  not for the study but for the lifestyle. i did uni just before it got silly silly expensive.
haven't done bad since leaving, had quite a few ups and downs but in general there isn't much i would change if i had to do it all
again.
one of the things i make sure i stick to is doing things i like to do when i want to do them. yes we all need to work but when im not, i spend nearly
all my time on things i love.
if you cant get the work/home balance right then you will never be happy
Anything With Tits or Wheels Will cost you MONEY!!
Haynes Roadster (Finished)
Exocet (Finished & Sold)
New Project (Started)
|
|
|
|
|
MakeEverything
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 05:26 AM |
|
|
Tegwin,
I know exactly where you are.
Let me put it this way;
Im 30 years old, and have worked since i left school as a labourer, electricians mate, and ended up a qualified electrician.
I got into building services and worked my way through to a reasonably well paid senior management job where i am now. Working all hours, always on
call, always willing to go that extra mile. Basically, a blue collar background in a white collar job. Then every time i get my feet under the table
and settled, the contract will come to an end or some accountant somewhere will decide that they want to restructure and lay people off - happened to
me twice one year.
Im now at a stage where yes, i earn well, live well and work flexibly, but guess what? - the contract has just come to an end. So i either need to
follow the crowds and transfer to the new company (not a technical company), or go and find my own destiny and start that business ive always wanted
to start.
What im trying to say, is Look after number 1. Do what YOU want to do. Have kids - the best thing in the world - but not too early, so that you can
do the things you need to do. Experience is the best teacher, so if youve got the opportunity, go see different places.
Its all very well having a bit of money for nice cars, house, etc. but it does come at a price. Ive often thought about going back onto the tools,
but once you crack a certain salary bracket, its hard to let go of it again. You ALWAYS spend what you earn, unless you earn more than you can
spend.
Good luck with your decision. For me, the meaning of life is enjoyment. Work isnt it, but a necessary evil, so i need to enjoy that as well, and
from the sounds of it, so do you.
Kindest Regards,
Richard.
...You can make it foolProof, but youll never make it Idiot Proof!...
|
|
|
gazza285
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 06:31 AM |
|
|
All I could think about at 22 was sex and beer, have you tried that?
DO NOT PUT ON KNOB OR BOLLOCKS!
|
|
|
Ivan
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 06:31 AM |
|
|
The meaning of life - what a question - basically for males it was to be so successful that you attracted lots of females to procreate with.
Unfortunately civilisation has put an end to that one, so now it is to be so successful that you can attract one mate, not have children, not have
powered toys, not eat too much or acquire too much, all because it is environmentally harmful.
So the modern meaning of life is to start an organic farm with your sterile wife and your sterile self and go to market with your produce in a
handcart.
[Edited on 4/3/10 by Ivan]
|
|
|
jeffw
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 06:55 AM |
|
|
At 49 and being relatively successful (everything is relative) with wife, 11 year son, 5 bed house, large amounts of debt (!) & a income in well
in excess of the national average (but nowhere near my mate Paul who makes million £ bonuses). I work in IT as a security consultant and run my own
company.
The things I try and live by are...
The isn't a dress rehearsal, this is your only shot at life, use it wisely and don't put up with things or situations/jobs just to make up
the numbers.
Be true to yourself, always do the 'right' thing regardless of the consequences.
The memory of experiences lasts longer than physically possessions. The pursuit of money is fine as long as you are doing it for a reason, money for
monies sake is pointless.
Education is fine but is only worth anything until you replace it with experience.
Enjoy it 
[Edited on 4/3/10 by jeffw]
|
|
|
Ivan
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 07:11 AM |
|
|
If I had my life over I would have done a trade in something that interested me with a smallish company, made sure to be the best apprentice they had,
studied their and their competition's business models to find all the faults and at around 30 bought into their business or if they
wouldn't have me opened in opposition.
As a side line whilst apprenticed do a few business management courses.
That is the most direct way I can see of getting a business of your own which is where true wealth and the freedom to do the things in life that you
love comes from.
Don't for a minute believe that the 20's and 30's are or should be the best time of your life, 40+ is where it all comes together
for a great life.
|
|
|
mds167
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 08:25 AM |
|
|
Good luck with whatever you decide to do Tegwin.
I think you need the locost whiteboard (double glazing painted white on one side). Give yourself some time to think things through, don't rush
yourself. Put down the pros and cons, Imagine where oyu'd like to be and work out a route and timescales to get there.
Like AshG I went thorugh uni when it was cheap. I'd only do it now if I knew what I wanted to do at the end of it and the course would get me
there. The debt isn't worth it.
I've never wanted to do the travelling thing but that doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile. I've not met anyone who regretted
doing it! However, for some people it didn't change things like they though it would - they still came back to the same boring old job (working
with me!).
If the degree will get you where you want to go, is that maths A-level worth the pain?
|
|
|
iank
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 08:40 AM |
|
|
Lets get the simple bit over quickly, if the university require you to have a maths A level then that's because the course requires A level or
university level maths to pass it. So don't feel too hard about the universities as they don't want you to go, decide it you can't
do the work at the level required and pull out.
As for the rest it's a bit difficult to answer for someone else (as you'll have got the impression from all the different answers above).
I'd start by approaching what I wanted to do, then move on to how to pay for it. But always be prepared to change tack if you decide it's
not working out or you change priorities.
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
|
|
|
nick205
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 08:56 AM |
|
|
This is quite an outpouring of discontent me feels 
Turned 36 last week and have less idea what to do now then when I was 22 and fresh out of Uni - which I'll admit I went to because it sounded
better than getting a job.
With hindsight I wish I'd got a job and bought a house 5-7 years earlier in life - the mortgage pain would be soooo much less by now it's
almost criminal.
As to the meaning of life....as Scootz and others have said....to breed and die - SIMPLES 
In the real world there's society and emotions and taxes and family etc to deal with. I'm not sure even LCB can guide you through all
that though.
On a career note: the people I see around me as successful are those that work for themselves. I've asked my MD in the past what keeps him
going (30 years running a small company that specialise in custom keyboards and input devices). His response..."it's not what we do
it's the fact we're doing it well + the satisfaction of keeping 50+ people in employment and paying their mortgages etc"
|
|
|
David Jenkins
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 09:02 AM |
|
|
A few years back I worked for a company in London - started off great, but got crappy in the last year I was there. Got really grumpy and
didn't know why - then finally realised that I was totally stressed out.
I was in the fortunate position of being able to take time out - I was off work for 12 months (voluntarily!) until I realised that I needed to work
again, before I dented my savings too much.
Now I work for a more sensible company - less money, but a better life. A little less commuting too. I also did an OU Masters course - tough, when
you're working for a living at the same time, but it did help me to find a job... and I started that with no A-levels and no degree! (I was
allowed on the course because of my industry experience and quite a few technical qualifications).
So, the point of this ramble is - if you're pee'd off and stressed, get off your backside and find something better and more rewarding
(maybe not financially rewarding).
[Edited on 4/3/10 by David Jenkins]
|
|
|
mangogrooveworkshop
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 09:05 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Ivan
The meaning of life - what a question - basically for males it was to be so successful that you attracted lots of females to procreate with.
Unfortunately civilisation has put an end to that one, so now it is to be so successful that you can attract one mate, not have children, not have
powered toys, not eat too much or acquire too much, all because it is environmentally harmful.
So the modern meaning of life is to start an organic farm with your sterile wife and your sterile self and go to market with your produce in a
handcart.
[Edited on 4/3/10 by Ivan]
Yep that pretty much sums up africa and blighty in one
[Edited on 4-3-10 by mangogrooveworkshop]
|
|
|
eznfrank
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 09:31 AM |
|
|
There's some old saying about if you find a job you love, you'll never work another day in your life. Well I'm not sure
that's entirely true, I love my job but I have crappy days just like anyone else. The money that goes with a good job is a nice perk but if you
really enjoy your job the money becomes less important.
For me personally it took a good 5 - 7 years of earning crap money and running around like an idiot to get where I wanted to be, but the hard work and
dedication overrode the fact that I only have 6 GCSE's to my name.
I'm not entirely convinced University is always a great option unless you "need" a specific degree for your chosen career like
doctors, vets, lawyers etc. Of all my close friends that went to Uni all got reasonable grades and only one of five is in his chosen career and the
others are in jobs which I imagine require no qualifications at all, and are struggling to pay back their loans never mind earn a decent crust. I
think experience speaks for a lot over a fresh faced Uni student.
|
|
|
russbost
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 09:32 AM |
|
|
Happiness is the most important thing, health & wealth will help you acheive it, but it is something different for all of us. I see so many people
earning a fortune, but working all the hours god sends & having no time to enjoy themselves with the money. Wealth is pointless unless you also
have the time to enjoy it. We only get one crack at life, you can always earn better money if you put your mind & effort into it - you can't
buy more time!
I would say find what you enjoy, what motivates you & work toward that end - if it means taking a foundation degree (which is still 3 or 4 years
if you "top up" to a full degree) then go ahead & do it.
One thing I would say is that there can be enormous satisfaction in running your own business, it can also be scary, lonely frustrating & not well
paid - always a good idea if you can try it in spare time first - helps to establish a custimer base too - & go for it if it looks like working
out!
Good luck & remember DON'T PANIC!!!
I no longer run Furore Products or Furore Cars Ltd, but would still highly recommend them for Acewell dashes, projector headlights, dominator
headlights, indicators, mirrors etc, best prices in the UK! Take a look at http://www.furoreproducts.co.uk/ or find more parts on Ebay, user names
furoreltd & furoreproducts, discounts available for LCB users.
Don't forget Stainless Steel Braided brake hoses, made to your exact requirements in any of around 16 colours.
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/furoreproducts/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1
|
NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
|
Benzine
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 09:36 AM |
|
|
the point of life is to go to a school that still bases it's subject priority on the industrial revolution which quashes creativity and produces
students geared towards subjects that build a stronger (and yet fake and pointless) economy, then get a job that doens't inspire you creatively,
aim for a job for the most money in the hope that more money = more great top of the line fun stuff which will make you happier, become stressed,
support the massively inefficient meat industry by eating meat everyday instead of once or twice a week or not at all, get a mortgage because everyone
else does, do plently of other irrational things because everyone else does, stop at service stations and pay £1.50 for a bottle of water, get
heartburn, question very little, quote slogans from TV adverts so they win every time you repeat them, be under the illusion that when you have
children life ends and that you must have them later in life, compain at the TV listings like they owe you, complain at everything like it owes you
and the world spins around you, spend money on things you don't need, worry about money, row with loved ones about nothing, complain but
don't actually do anything, buy a new car for 20k when the old £500 car works, get indigestion, lots of little things like that.
HTH XD
|
|
|
Daddylonglegs
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 10:12 AM |
|
|
Looking at the diversity of age at which some people just 'go' wether fit or not, I would say don't worry about it. Just live for
the moment, if you had a good day today, reflect on it. If you have a bad day tommorrow, so what, as long as you are still breathing then it's a
Billy Bonus
I think our problem nowadays is we are too much of a materialistic race. If we haven't got it we want it, if we have got it, we want the newer
or better version.
A friend of mine once said:
"God, give me the grace to change well the things I can, and accept the things that I cannot"
Works for me 
It looks like the Midget is winning at the moment......
|
|
|
twybrow
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 10:19 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Benzine
the point of life is to go to a school that still bases it's subject priority on the industrial revolution which quashes creativity and produces
students geared towards subjects that build a stronger (and yet fake and pointless) economy, then get a job that doens't inspire you creatively,
aim for a job for the most money in the hope that more money = more great top of the line fun stuff which will make you happier, become stressed,
support the massively inefficient meat industry by eating meat everyday instead of once or twice a week or not at all, get a mortgage because everyone
else does, do plently of other irrational things because everyone else does, stop at service stations and pay £1.50 for a bottle of water, get
heartburn, question very little, quote slogans from TV adverts so they win every time you repeat them, be under the illusion that when you have
children life ends and that you must have them later in life, compain at the TV listings like they owe you, complain at everything like it owes you
and the world spins around you, spend money on things you don't need, worry about money, row with loved ones about nothing, complain but
don't actually do anything, buy a new car for 20k when the old £500 car works, get indigestion, lots of little things like that.
HTH XD
So true...! 
|
|
|
owelly
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 10:31 AM |
|
|
I havn't read all the posts because life's too short!!
My advice based on my limited experience, is go and live somewhere nice and you'll feel better. Keep a close circle of good friends and
don't worry about material things. It's easy to say and not hard to do if you want to do it.
At 22, the world is your lobster. Make a detailed plan and then ignore it. Just have a few trips to find somehwere nice and move there! I like the
seaside so that's where I live. I used to be very passionate about my job but it has changed a lot over the past few years and now I just suffer
it to pay the bills. If I was utterly sick of it, I'd throw the towel in and find something different.
Good luck and be happy!!
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
|
|
|
iank
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 10:36 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Benzine
the point of life is to go to a school that still bases it's subject priority on the industrial revolution which quashes creativity and produces
students geared towards subjects that build a stronger (and yet fake and pointless) economy, then get a job that doens't inspire you creatively,
aim for a job for the most money in the hope that more money = more great top of the line fun stuff which will make you happier, become stressed,
support the massively inefficient meat industry by eating meat everyday instead of once or twice a week or not at all, get a mortgage because everyone
else does, do plently of other irrational things because everyone else does, stop at service stations and pay £1.50 for a bottle of water, get
heartburn, question very little, quote slogans from TV adverts so they win every time you repeat them, be under the illusion that when you have
children life ends and that you must have them later in life, compain at the TV listings like they owe you, complain at everything like it owes you
and the world spins around you, spend money on things you don't need, worry about money, row with loved ones about nothing, complain but
don't actually do anything, buy a new car for 20k when the old £500 car works, get indigestion, lots of little things like that.
HTH XD
Ouch, too close to the truth for comfort.
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
|
|
|
jmh
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 10:41 AM |
|
|
I think that there has been a huge range of responses here and the overwhelming feeling is that life isn't necessarily easy even if you have
what you want, so the key is to be happy first then do what you need to do.
Couple of things that I think are worth pointing out.
Firstly, don't second guess your decisions after you have made them. You can evaluate your current situation based on the fact that you have
experienced everything between the decision and now. You cannot do that with the choice you "could have made" ... this is why the grass is
always greener on the other side. You are not making a fair comparison. Ultimately you could have made that other choice and been run over the very
next day on your way to that other job. So don't stress about what you "might" have done and where you "might" be now
.... if could have been worse!
Secondly, University is not all about getting grades. You are able to get a taster for other things in life without having to commit to it too
directly. For example, if you want to start your own business then there is lots of advice and support around to do it and depending on your course,
you might even be able to put the ground work in while you are at uni. If you wanted to try something new then there is a good chance that you can do
this at uni too (and probably much cheaper too).
Ultimately though I think too many people come to university now as the must do thing after school and just drink their way through a course they
don't particularly care about and leave to end up doing something they don't like.
But there are those that really do achieve what they want to by coming through uni, I guess this is down to you and only you will know whether this is
a worth while route.
Just my thoughts on it.
If you want to talk about university then U2U me, I have been at uni for 10 years progressing from undergraduate right through to doctorate and many
other things. I look after students now too, so I might be able to give you a different perspective on this based on experience and inside
knowledge.
But ultimately, as others have said, make yourself happy first. Life is too short and you only have one to achieve what you would like to ...... but
also bear in mind that short term discomfort (i.e. a Maths course) is probably worth long term happiness (if you can find it)
|
|
|
nick205
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 11:27 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by iank
quote:
Originally posted by Benzine
the point of life is to go to a school that still bases it's subject priority on the industrial revolution which quashes creativity and produces
students geared towards subjects that build a stronger (and yet fake and pointless) economy, then get a job that doens't inspire you creatively,
aim for a job for the most money in the hope that more money = more great top of the line fun stuff which will make you happier, become stressed,
support the massively inefficient meat industry by eating meat everyday instead of once or twice a week or not at all, get a mortgage because everyone
else does, do plently of other irrational things because everyone else does, stop at service stations and pay £1.50 for a bottle of water, get
heartburn, question very little, quote slogans from TV adverts so they win every time you repeat them, be under the illusion that when you have
children life ends and that you must have them later in life, compain at the TV listings like they owe you, complain at everything like it owes you
and the world spins around you, spend money on things you don't need, worry about money, row with loved ones about nothing, complain but
don't actually do anything, buy a new car for 20k when the old £500 car works, get indigestion, lots of little things like that.
HTH XD
Ouch, too close to the truth for comfort.
That about sums it up - very well put if a little painfully true to read  
|
|
|
tegwin
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 11:30 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by gazza285
All I could think about at 22 was sex and beer, have you tried that?
So thats where im going wrong!
I would love to run my own business, be my own boss... the challenge and reward would be worth the effort.... if I mess up, I mess up big time...
whereas in a "normal" job, someone else takes the fall..so whats the point in trying too hard
I have actually tried to start a number of business ventures, but my products were such a niche avenue that they didnt get too far before the demand
dried up.... If anyone has any cunning business ideas... I would love to hear them
Good call on living somewhere you love... Think I need to learn French/German and move to the Alps.... Biking, skiing, paragliding... NICE!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Would the last person who leaves the country please switch off the lights and close the door!
www.verticalhorizonsmedia.tv
|
|
|
mcerd1
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 11:35 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by tegwin
Good call on living somewhere you love... Think I need to learn French/German and move to the Alps.... Biking, skiing, paragliding... NICE!
what about New Zealand - they speak english there
south island should tick all the boxes for you
I'd love to take a trip out there, but job, morgage etc all get in the way (and spending the spare cash on cars )
I went strait from school to uni then had 1 week off before starting work as an engineer - the only other engineer quit after 9 months which made me
seinior by default @ 21 (didn't change the pay I got though) and I'm still here 7 years later
furthest I've been is iceland (I'd love to go back) but I've still got alot more of this country to see as well
alot of people I know went out to New Zealand and to Austrailia - nearly half of them decided to stay
[Edited on 4/3/10 by mcerd1]
-
|
|
|
tegwin
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 11:56 AM |
|
|
Good call with NZ... would love to go there....
How does it work with jobs though, I presume being a non native makes things tricky?
If I could find a job like the one I currently do out there for reasonable money... that might make me happy! lol
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Would the last person who leaves the country please switch off the lights and close the door!
www.verticalhorizonsmedia.tv
|
|
|
iank
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 12:04 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by tegwin
Good call with NZ... would love to go there....
How does it work with jobs though, I presume being a non native makes things tricky?
If I could find a job like the one I currently do out there for reasonable money... that might make me happy! lol
Horses mouth http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
|
|
|
bmseven
|
| posted on 4/3/10 at 12:33 PM |
|
|
Edukashunal Growth & Learning Link
Every sperm is sacred
[Edited on 4/3/10 by bmseven]
BMW 7 Resource
Bures Pit anyone?
|
|
|
