From a young age, we learn what life is and what is expected of us. Everything in the world now has a very cyclical structure that we are manipulated into following without actually thinking for ourselves. For the longest time I truly believed that I wanted to go to university. Everyone else was going, so WTF right? Just jump on the bandwagon like everybody else and regret it in 3 years. No. Think for yourself.
What do you want out of University?
Have you taken the time to sit down and think, "What do I want to do, who do I want to be?" because I just kind of assumed that University would be right for me without really thinking about it. Don't get me wrong, I know people who go to university because they are pursuing highly qualified careers, such as Lawyers, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, even my good friend is studying to be a Marine Biologist! But I also know more people who are less ambitious about getting a degree, and just chose some random subject because that's what they feel like they should be doing. For example, if you want to take English as a degree, what do you want to get out of it? Do you want to become a copy writer? An author? Work at a publishing company?
What do you want to do?
It's important to know what kind of job role you are interested in going into, even if you can narrow it down to one subject. A lot of the time I ask people in sixth form, "what are you gonna do after sixth form," and they don't know yet. It's important to spend some time to find your own personal interests, think about what drives you and the kind of job that would stimulate you. Getting a rough idea of your interests can lead to finding what you are genuinely ambitious about, which can change your whole perspective on the kind of career you want to pursue.
Be your own person
Before you choose to go to university, perhaps take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What are you reasons for choosing to study a degree? Is it because you are passionate about a specific job role, or subject, or is it purely for the university social life? Do you think that you'll be able to keep up with the debts of university? Will the debt be worth the job role you are pursuing?
I think that a lot of young people are tricked into going to university due to the pressure from friends and family. As well as this, the media creates the toxic idea that the only way to be successful is by getting a degree. Well I have some news for you: most of the richest people in the world never went to university, or dropped out half way in order to pursue a business idea. The Gentleman's Journal list the richest businessmen without degrees.
Further from this, an important element of growing up is making your own decisions. It is important to be your own person, and decide what path that you want to take. Pay attention to those around you, but learn from their mistakes, and make a choice that will be beneficial to you and your future. An easy way to do this is through taking advice from successful people - people who are already doing what you want to do.
You have plenty of options
A degree isn't the only path you have to take. Perhaps look at doing an online or college course that is specific to the profession you want to pursue. Are you a people person? Then maybe you should look into how to start your own small business. The world is your oyster - just do your research!
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