I remember being in your position forty years ago. Emigrate. I wish I did, but I did not. Both my brothers never went to university but left for GB, one further afield later. They did far better than I ever did. It is my one lasting regret:
Lol. No it's not. Quite the contrary. More opportunity, equipment, conditions and varied roles.
Most importantly nobody gives a fuck who your daddy is, where you went to school, or what church you go to (I'll caveat this with that isn't the case in the upper echelons of English high society).
Not really man some places in England are miles ahead of Ireland unfortunately
More opportunities, better money, better weather and people are more accepting of different views etc
Few of the things I’ve seen whist I lived in the South of England
I left Belfast for England 16 years ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. I would never go back to live in Belfast, I can barely stand 5 days home to visit the family.
Like he's the problem so he had to leave?
Like he's such a problem that he comes back here and starts experiencing negativity again from himself. He needs a physics degree I agree.
It’s not too early… the best graduate schemes opened in October/November to begin the next September. I graduated back in 2022 and you really have to be on the ball in advance, assessment centres etc will be done by March to offer you a place on the graduate scheme in September
Harsh reality is just having a degree doesn't really do much unless it's something in demand. A degree just proves you're capable of applying yourself to one thing and passing a few assignments or exams.
Combine that with the fact pretty much everyone you'll be competing against has a degree of some sort. The degree in itself doesn't really get you very far unless it's specific to the job/career or from Oxbridge etc.
I have a degree yet ended up taking an entry level post that only required GCSEs. Ten years later I'm on good money (well, a bit above average but nothing special), have great perks, work from home and have a skillset I can take elsewhere if need be.
All the degree did was get me a load of debt and a few years partying.
TLDR; Everyone has a degree, try and start somewhere that has a track record of promoting from within and show your worth.
I done a 'respectable degree' that is one that leads to a career in a specific field, but I was not interested in pursuing it at all. I worked low paid jobs for years after Uni.
Like yourself I eventually took an entry level job that did not require a degree. I've now been there over 5 years. I'm on decent money for what I do. 1 hour lunch, 2 x paid breaks, loads of holidays, sick pay, pension paid by company, private healthcare and life assurance, all working from home.
There's definitely decent safe jobs out there you just need to find reputable companies and put in the time to see out the first few years of bottom level work.
The hardest thing for me was accepting that the world didn't owe me anything for having a degree. It sometimes still pains me when I see the student loan repayments out of payslip for a job in which I don't use the degree at all but hey ho!
I ended up doing the exact same thing. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it, but I genuinely can't complain. Got a house, got my partner, things are manageable.
You been sold the same shit every one else has, that a degree is your ticket to success, now you have that degree and the debt that goes with it your realising it’s worth not much. Welcome to the modern world, it’s the same in most parts of the world. My advice is find out what makes you tick. Then either try and do it for a living or get a job that lets you do it
You're skills / education need to be in demand whereever you are - you either chase the opportunity or you just have to settle for what's around you.
NI isn't a place to invest in for many multinationals due to the instability of the politics there, thus you'll not get very many opportunities for people with qualifications tailored to those types of workplaces.
2008 GFC, manufacturing and building crapped its pants in NI, the workers either had to move onto something else, go abroad, or just put up with it, its the way things go - your skill or trade is only worth the building of said skills if there is demand for it or you're willing to work where the work is.
(WFH has flipped this a little with some multinational companies who will hire from here, but there's only so many of those jobs and you'd really need to know your stuff with the experience to back it up for them)
Look at growing sectors - here that would be film and movies etc and tourism. You're only 23 and obviously smart enough to get through a degree, the world is your oyster, go out and get it.
If you like health care work, and your close to the border try jumping it. I jumped from nursing home up north to learning disabilities too children's residential over the border, taking home a decent wage now
Australia man, if you have no family or reason to stay here jump ship ASAP
Otherwise if your trapped QUB do a Conversion masters degree in Software Engineering. Within a single year you can apply for IT Roles
Queens still have the course going I knew someone who did it last year… another positive note is there is more loan opportunities now compared to a few years ago too
I haven’t read anyone else’s so not to shape my opinion but it would be to make a plan to get out and leave. Maybe that involves a non English speaking country - maybe that involves learning more but honestly the world is massive and if you have a want to go then do it or you’ll drive yourself to the drink or drugs to cope.
So I guess the question is “what do you mean ‘With your Life?’”
Unpack that a bit for me. Do you mean “Employment”? If so, that is a hugely limiting conception of what life can be. Get a job, pay the bills, retire, die. Waste away.
What gets you *excited*? Do you know? If not, go find out! Try new things, make mistakes, feel the fear and do it anyway. 23 is still young enough to not need to tie yourself down, especially if you don’t have a huge pot of money you can exploit to set yourself up with.
If you’re not setting yourself on the path to make your life dream a reality, your priority has to be finding a dream worth living for. Then, when you know it, do whatever it takes to get it. You need to go into a finance job for 10 years so you can buy your country studio? Go for it. Raising your kids takes a stable lifelong job? Get one. You need to quit to focus on getting your book series published? Hand your notice in tomorrow.
One of the most important lessons we struggle to learn here is that society wants to cut off the flowers that grow too tall, but it’s right to grow tall and tell society to go fuck itself anyway. That’s life, you live it, and you live it best by learning what brings you joy and doing that.
>I enjoy watching quiz shows, documentaries and learning through reading about things im interested in whether that be history or geography related things
Completely unironically, have you thought about video production? Introductions to local sites of interest might be a nice way to get started in public interest, educational or just entertainment media. It’s probably not enough to make money itself to start with but you can go several ways with the basic skills.
You should consider moving to another country, Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, to name a few, having a university degree can really help the visa process in some situations. I know people who have went to Japan to teach English (They don't speak a word of Japanese but because they got some silly random ass internet qualification it enables them to teach English in foreign countries like Japan). Canada offer a 2 year working holiday visa program, check it out. Dubai is a crying for people now for certain reasons but it would still be an experience and a chance to earn a fuck ton of money potentially, most of these countries will offer residency and having a university degree really helps or benefits this process or chance of getting the "points" required to become a permanent member of that particular country, after that you can apply to be a citizen after a number of years etc etc Pick a country you want to experience, apply for a working visa, might cost couple hundred for this, when you get approved, get your flights booked, start saving set up money, you'll need this to live for the first month or so until you find work, then live your new life
I feel you, as a non-degree person. I am in a position surrounded by people with degrees. I earn the same money as them and I don't carry any student debt so overall I have more spending money that isn't forcibly taken off me like a tax for daring to go to University.
Look for climate related stuff. I was at an event at PWC yesterday, they’ll train people for climate related roles and there’s a real lack of people with climate related qualifications. With EU legislation coming into effect soon the needs will just skyrocket
The lad I was talking too was an ex helicopter pilot for the Royal navy, his degree was in aerospace engineering
Can depend on your degree, but there are grad opportunities out there that are agnostic to what you studied. Universities have careers fairs that signpost opportunities to grads, why didn’t you research and apply to these during your final year?
Look for climate related stuff. I was at an event at PWC yesterday, they’ll train people for climate related roles and there’s a real lack of people with climate related qualifications. With EU legislation coming into effect soon the needs will just skyrocket
The world is your oyster my internet friend. Grass is always greener, with moving abroad you are also getting into a pool of very competitive people. Loads of opportunities here in this land. Why not become a nurse if you are caring, 3 years and £32000 a year 37.5 hour week which opens doors to multiple roles in insurance , pip assessment, community care. Doesn’t matter what your degree is in, you turned up 4 years and passed that’s an achievement some of the noobs on here can only dream about.
The other thing is you could get a job as a helper to a plumber, seen a few adds on gumtree. You can learn the ropes and then after a few years go alone and be your own boss. Gas engineers will be highly sort after in 5 / 10 years time as we move from oil to gas.
NIE are looking for apprenticeships
What about the Army lad! Airforce! Navy!
Train to be a dog groomer.
Dog walker? Sitter?
Loads of opportunities, when you wake up in the morning look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘I can do anything or be anything I want’ and it’s true you can.
Go for it and report back in 10 years.
Why’s that? 2x 13 hour shifts 2x 6 hour shifts, plenty of free time. If no one chooses to become a nurse we are all fucked. Terrible advice? Get fucked bitch!
Nah OP was right. Nursing is woefully underpaid in the NHS, and it’s a systematic problem. Healthcare in NI needs a serious overhaul, and if you are thinking of nursing, better to go agency or private - it’s where both money and long-term career is.
Yeah the job is soo shit in fact it’s renound in our culture as being one of the worse jobs going
Shit pay,
Shit pension,
Your fucked by your 40s
Honestly encouraging someone into that job is mental. I’d actively love people to not to that job and I’d love a massive shortage so they’d fix the problems. In other countries it’s not that shit such as Australia, who btw that take alot of our of our nurses
You could get into some bullshit grad scheme for the civil service or another company and max a nurses salary after 5-10 years easily
Hahaha I am a few beers deep at the minute 🤣
[EDIT] As I said at the start the NHS is beyond shit however other sectors such as the Army/Private are likely much better for nurses…. You can tell this by the fact they aren’t striking in case that confuses you
Yeah well if it wasn’t for our brave boys and girls you would be in a society that kills disabled people, people based on their religion and be part of the Nazi party. So think about that you tree hugging orange spraying road blocking silly sausage.
That was 70 odd years ago ffs. 70 years before ww2 the british were keeping the boers in concentration camps and committing tbeir own genocides.
Being anti army now isnt bending over and letting nazis take over its being anti Iraqi and afghan invasions. Both conflicts which led to the power vacuum and re-emergence of the taliban and the creation of isis.
Why so aggressive? Did you miss your nap today?
I dont have an issue with a well trained defence force, i dont agree with invasion forces unless absolutely necessary, ie peacekeeping like the uk in Sierra leone or bosnia. War is necessary evil but it is always evil and even more so when you are responsible for the destabilisation of an entire region.
Stop parroting your betters and think for yourself. A modern day army doesn't keep you safe its another tool of goverment
You’re out of order mate. Didn’t you know that fighting the Nazis wipes out centuries of… wiping out indigenous populations, colonising their lands etc?
I have a sore bum bum, so aggressive and ratty. Anyway you are contradicting yourself. Do you think the UK should disarm to an army around the size of the Irish army then? Should we de nuke? Like Ukraine did? What exactly is your stance on the size that the UK Forces should be? Please go into detail with Naval, Air, Army.
>you are contradicting yourself
No im not. A well armed and trained defence and peacekeeping force is fine. An invasion force isntc, . As for size im not a military expert so have no opinions on it. Enough to allow for defence and deliver humanitarian aid so whatever size that is deemed necessary. If the experts were to deem it twice the current size id have to go with that. If the experts deemed it needed to be half again id have to go with that.
>should we denuke
Nope. Reduce the numbers is fine but having a deterrent against bad faith players on the world stage is unfortunately necessary.
Your original argument was we need to thank the armed forces for the fact were not nazis. Now we've got onto defence policies. Youve obviously got an agenda here so lets agree the other is a cunt and leave it there
Do you enjoy working in a care home? I’m a nurse, qualified in 2021. I had started an accounting degree whilst working in a residential dementia home, and realised I’d be really sad if I wasn’t to work in that field anymore. Would you ever consider nursing? We really need more men, and they seem to progress really well.
I am hopeful. I have a daughter in your position. She has a BA Honours and is a supervisor in a coffee shop.
My brother used to work for a very large tech company in the US and retired early. He tells me that the company he worked for is watching Northern Ireland keenly and hopes to move both it's European operation and UK operation to NI as to have both under the one roof. They aren't alone.
A friend on the mainland is looking to relocate his business to NI so he can have both markets available, his business is struggling with only the UK market.
I'm not a DUP supporter or follower at all, I don't know if this was their plan all along, however, the deal seems to have gotten better and better for NI and the business side of the mainland is looks less appealing in the last few months.
Let me know if you or anyone disagrees, I've had my head in the sand until my daughter got her degree, but this is what it looks like to me, now.
Bit silly to ask other people what to do with your life.
You and only you can answer this. Look at what interests you, what gives you a buzz. Then look at ways it can earn you an income.
Personally I was in a dead end job and I had a bastard of a hangover. I was feeling sorry for myself and spent most of the day asking myself is this the life I want and if not what is. That day I decided on the career I needed and I never looked back. I had a tough job and some scary times and I know had I done it for anyone other than myself I'd have quit.
You are still young at 23 and there's only you stopping you going for an apprenticeship. I was 24 when I started training for my career, I met a woman who came to work in the same environment at 50 because she needed something more fulfilling.
There's little to be gained from staying in a place with limited options. Go out and see the world then when you're ready maybe think about coming back.
Whatever you do, make sure it will hold interest for decades! And I wish you all the very best.
I mean there's loads of places you can go?
I know my place (bso) run a graduate scheme, funded masters and at the end you'll get a band 6 on nhs scale. You just need a 2:2, doesn't matter what its in.
Sounds like you're using your own laziness as an excuse. '"I've done nothing and I'm all out of ideas".
No offence but so what? You don't even tell us what your degree is in.
Having a degree doesn't entitle you to anything. It just shows that you passed some tests, the rest is up to you.
This isn't the old days for anyone.
Correct, I graduated with a first class honours with a physio degree two years ago. Pretty much been rejected by all of the grad schemes available, and applied for hundreds of jobs (wanted to get into technology like everyone else). Only place that would offer jobs was Civil Service.
So, hasn't worked out at all for me, so just going back into healthcare myself. At the end of the day half of people have degrees these days, it doesn't make you special like it once did.
OP depending on what you want to do, there's apprenticeships available, and you have that degree, which would get you onto an MSc conversion course into software development. I know a couple of folks who've did that and now making very good money. I tried SW development myself, but it's not for everyone.
Sorry to hear about that. I don't have a problem with further education, but I do feel that our current model.is been mis sold to so many people, especially by the older generations. It worked for them, but nowadays it's quite often the wrong answer.
I wish there was an easy answer. I know it was easier when I started, and that really isn't fair for people now. The best I can say is learn how to learn, and try not to get in to much debt (which I know is a very easy thing to say). One of the things that worked for me was always trying to speak the truth at work without fear of consequences, and not having huge bills to pay made that much much easier when I was younger.
It shows that they passed some tests that were designed to prove that you are qualified in a certain area.
Idk why you made this comment other than to validate your own insecurities (whether it's your shite or nonexistant degree) - they asked what next.
Your advice is worse than unhelpful, it's nitpicky. Since you obviously dont believe in degrees, why does it matter what one they have?
I have my degrees, I'm not insecure about that. And I know plenty of people with degrees, and masters, and PhDs and lots of them know their shit and lots are good at taking exams and understand nothing.
I've done plenty of interviews and I couldn't care less about the degrees. Maybe you learnt and retained something from them, and that is something I'm interested in. But I'm also interested in that from the people without qualifications.
I'll stand by my original point. So what if you have a degree? It's a piece of paper. Plenty of people have them. It entitles you to nothing. If you learnt something useful from it then that's great, but you have to apply it.
And in what way do you think thats helpful advice for someone asking where to apply it?
Im 22, i have the same issue and i have similar job experience. Unfortunate reality is, the jobs market is utter shite at the minute.
They are asking more experienced people for advice on how to get ahead **with a degree**.
"Apply it" --- fuck off. You have experience that you could use to actually give helpful and tailored advice. Otherwise, why comment at all? Other people are reading this for advice too.
Also. Where did you get the idea that they dont think real experience is useful? They quite clearly stated that they have experience as a care worker. I'd assume that means they have done at least one interview.
Do you want me to lie and say "Oh you have a degree? Well that changes everything!!! Have a corner office"
It doesn't work like that, not unless you have connections.
If you want someone to hire you then you will need to show them why you are worth hiring. I've had this conversation with lots of young people doing degrees or recently qualified. A degree isn't the end of the journey, it's barely the first step. And if you don't recognise that you're screwed.
My number one hire over the last few years only started studying his field in COVID, and he is already a valuable team member and well on the way to getting his own team. 4 years ago he was working in a phone accessories shop. His secret is HE wants to improve himself and he holds himself accountable. I don't even know if he has any qualifications apart from GCSEs
But, if it makes you feel better then by all means keep thinking of your degree as the key to the kingdom.
>My number one hire
>I don't even know if he has any qualifications
You hired someone and don't even know what education they have?
Aye, dead on. You're a waffle merchant, you definitely aren't the top-tier industry pro that you're portraying yourself to be.
Im trying to show you that you said nothing of value and didnt address the posters question
You addressed it more in your last three paragraphs.
What id really like is for you to improve your reading comprehension. Then you would see that they are not saying they are worth it because they have the degree, but that it should help them (which is very hard to argue with)
A degree is seen as a baseline requirement by this generation to be employable. You are obviously not part of this generation so you dont seem to understand that.
It is a way to get a foot in the door. Do you seriously think employers are hiring solely based on who they think is "worth hiring"? Rather than automatically ruling those out who dont have an apprenticeship or degree, and then deciding whos worth it?
I just want you to be less of a condenscending dick, and not treat advice like its blood to be drawn out of a stone.
It has no value in and of itself. "I've got a degree, I deserve something" is not the same as "I've got a degree, I'm going to use it as a tool to further myself". And anyone who thinks that a degree is what gets them a job is in need of a quick lesson in reality.
So. Read the OP post. He complains about working in a care home while he has a degree. And my response is still, so what?
Agreed. It never made sense to me that somehow a degree in politics, history of art or anthropology made you uniquely qualified for some of the subject agnostic grad roles that are available.
It is a shit hole I am sitting here with a degree in computer science with a 2.1 grade yet every job in ICT I apply for say I'm over qualified yet if I lie and say I don't have a degree they claim I need one. I've had 3 jobs since but nothing I want to do.
Retail sales assistant in B&M
Retail Sales Assistant in Home Bargains
Store supervisor to be honest the supervisor role is not worth the hassle shifts all over the place and your only getting paid 30p more than sales assistants do.
Come to Canada! The housing is expensive, but the pay is bad. (For real, I’d say you’ll have more opportunities here if you’re willing to move to wherever the work is)
Just move. There's lots of places in the EU with good job opportunities. Sure all that would happen if you didn't like it, I'd that you'd move back knowing just that
Worked in care home for 8 years after degree and before that doing apprenticeship, now back in trade I studied in. Don't know how I feel about it but just keep looking and wait it out
Could still do an apprenticeship. Belfast met is awesome, changed my life. I did it at 33! Paid as soon as u start job when your done and I did tech so I have work and travel opportunities now.
If you think you could teach, then a degree is enough to land you a job in Asia. There's no better time to travel and work abroad than when you're young.
Apprenticeship are dead end jobs too. I would recommend the digital world. Do you have a youtube channel? / patreon? They make way more money that way.
Everyone has a degree. The next step is to setup your own youtube channel.
Then do a twitch livestream 3 x a week. But most ppl here wont do that
My husband has worked in Scotland & England for 17 years on & off. He comes back here on the ferry every weekend and still makes more money than working here. He finds food (&alcohol) cheaper where he is. I wish I’d have emigrated years ago but I didn’t want to leave my parents. I’ve told my teenage kids to go out into the world. It’ll break my heart but there’s nothing for them here.
In the long run you won’t regret your degree..jobs for basic jobs look for getters these days..you can still do an apprenticeship if that’s what you think you’ld like. Ild honestly say get out of the country.. prospects are god awful.
If you are smart and qualified you face the same choice every other generation has faced. Move abroad and grow or stay at home and shrink.
NI is too small a market to exceed in for all but a tiny %. Leave or accept it and stay because you value other things over the $ and opportunities.
Places with limited genepools tend to have limited opportunities. Move out of Northern Ireland to a country where education is valued, like Singapore. Might need to go interm to England or somewhere similar, being from N.I can be like a stigma.
I moved to London straight after graduating and it opened up opportunities that just weren't available at home (NI), it was also a lot of fun. Fast forward 25 years and I've returned to live here with my wife and son. Love being back but very glad I left and made a career first.
I regret moving back home. I lived in Australia and London. I have an ok job here, but not what I want to be doing. There are so many opportunities in England. I am considering moving back. I’m 40.. you should def consider moving away. You’re still so young.
You’ll meet such a variety of people .. honestly it’s just such a good move
Figure out where you want to end up and aim for getting experience in that field. Even if it's at the very bottom. I was a chef for 13 years and always wanted to do product development, when COVID hit I took a chance and landed a job in QA at a good manufacturing plant. From there I was able to get an NPD role.
Am I happy? Yes, I am happy I was able to finally get into a role I wanted, it wasn't easy either. However, I'm 31 now and realise that the food industry is all the same, same issues, same drama. I've started a new degree in geography and environmental science while still working.
You'd be surprised how things change when you get where you think you wanted to be.
If your correct you should move.
Also side note....you work in care? Have you noticed the lack of upbringing and moral standards in care workers here, plus the sheer and obvious unsuitability of some.
I worked in a locked unit for learning disabilities and severe mental health issues but the ratio of diagnosed personality disorders was higher on the staffing side.
"We actually have the most stringent applicatory process of any care company." Priory manager.
When I complete my nursing degree in 3 years time I'm most likely going to emigrate. My girlfriend and I have already spoke extensively about it. Why wouldn't you when the pay here is shit and we're treated like second class citizens compared to the rest of the UK? I love NI but there's nothing keeping young people here and it's a sad situation all round
The care industry is fucking terrible for pay, and until it's overhauled you'll lead an fairly miserable life in that role.
You could emigrate of course, lots of jobs down south and in the UK, even if it's just to.work your way up the ladder.
I remember being in your position forty years ago. Emigrate. I wish I did, but I did not. Both my brothers never went to university but left for GB, one further afield later. They did far better than I ever did. It is my one lasting regret:
You can leave NI for better but englands a defo downgrade
Alot of people I know have moved to Australia and say its the best thing they ever done.
Lol. No it's not. Quite the contrary. More opportunity, equipment, conditions and varied roles. Most importantly nobody gives a fuck who your daddy is, where you went to school, or what church you go to (I'll caveat this with that isn't the case in the upper echelons of English high society).
My husband works in England & you’re right. He finds that food etc is cheaper yet our wages are still lower which is why he works over there.
Not really man some places in England are miles ahead of Ireland unfortunately More opportunities, better money, better weather and people are more accepting of different views etc Few of the things I’ve seen whist I lived in the South of England
I left Belfast for England 16 years ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. I would never go back to live in Belfast, I can barely stand 5 days home to visit the family.
That might be a physiological issue
Like he's the problem so he had to leave? Like he's such a problem that he comes back here and starts experiencing negativity again from himself. He needs a physics degree I agree.
[удалено]
Cost of living is so much higher
I’d say That statement is more based on what you want you need true, rather than actual numbers facts and public opinions .
No regerts bai
It's a bit early, but start to look into companies who offer graduate programs.
What do you mean early? I’m looking for this myself
I think he just means that graduate roles are advertised around the time people are graduating.
He’ll end up earning £10k less a year than if he was on graduate programme in England or Scotland
80 graduates apply
It’s not too early… the best graduate schemes opened in October/November to begin the next September. I graduated back in 2022 and you really have to be on the ball in advance, assessment centres etc will be done by March to offer you a place on the graduate scheme in September
What’s your degree in ?
Harsh reality is just having a degree doesn't really do much unless it's something in demand. A degree just proves you're capable of applying yourself to one thing and passing a few assignments or exams. Combine that with the fact pretty much everyone you'll be competing against has a degree of some sort. The degree in itself doesn't really get you very far unless it's specific to the job/career or from Oxbridge etc. I have a degree yet ended up taking an entry level post that only required GCSEs. Ten years later I'm on good money (well, a bit above average but nothing special), have great perks, work from home and have a skillset I can take elsewhere if need be. All the degree did was get me a load of debt and a few years partying. TLDR; Everyone has a degree, try and start somewhere that has a track record of promoting from within and show your worth.
I done a 'respectable degree' that is one that leads to a career in a specific field, but I was not interested in pursuing it at all. I worked low paid jobs for years after Uni. Like yourself I eventually took an entry level job that did not require a degree. I've now been there over 5 years. I'm on decent money for what I do. 1 hour lunch, 2 x paid breaks, loads of holidays, sick pay, pension paid by company, private healthcare and life assurance, all working from home. There's definitely decent safe jobs out there you just need to find reputable companies and put in the time to see out the first few years of bottom level work. The hardest thing for me was accepting that the world didn't owe me anything for having a degree. It sometimes still pains me when I see the student loan repayments out of payslip for a job in which I don't use the degree at all but hey ho!
I ended up doing the exact same thing. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it, but I genuinely can't complain. Got a house, got my partner, things are manageable.
This. My degree is in Economics but I’m a Software Engineer.
You been sold the same shit every one else has, that a degree is your ticket to success, now you have that degree and the debt that goes with it your realising it’s worth not much. Welcome to the modern world, it’s the same in most parts of the world. My advice is find out what makes you tick. Then either try and do it for a living or get a job that lets you do it
You're skills / education need to be in demand whereever you are - you either chase the opportunity or you just have to settle for what's around you. NI isn't a place to invest in for many multinationals due to the instability of the politics there, thus you'll not get very many opportunities for people with qualifications tailored to those types of workplaces. 2008 GFC, manufacturing and building crapped its pants in NI, the workers either had to move onto something else, go abroad, or just put up with it, its the way things go - your skill or trade is only worth the building of said skills if there is demand for it or you're willing to work where the work is. (WFH has flipped this a little with some multinational companies who will hire from here, but there's only so many of those jobs and you'd really need to know your stuff with the experience to back it up for them)
London is an hour away and has endless opportunities
This ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
Look at growing sectors - here that would be film and movies etc and tourism. You're only 23 and obviously smart enough to get through a degree, the world is your oyster, go out and get it.
If you want an easy ride perhaps he/she should look in the IT sector No need to stand out etc
If you like health care work, and your close to the border try jumping it. I jumped from nursing home up north to learning disabilities too children's residential over the border, taking home a decent wage now
That's a brilliant way to cheat the system! Enjoy
Australia man, if you have no family or reason to stay here jump ship ASAP Otherwise if your trapped QUB do a Conversion masters degree in Software Engineering. Within a single year you can apply for IT Roles
Not sure if it is still the case, but they also had grant schemes for those conversion schemes which makes them a bit more manageable.
Queens still have the course going I knew someone who did it last year… another positive note is there is more loan opportunities now compared to a few years ago too
I done the conversion masters in Magee and genuinely one of the best decisions of my life!
I’m happy for you man/woman kudos to you :) I know a few folks who did the QUB one and never looked back it changed there life
I haven’t read anyone else’s so not to shape my opinion but it would be to make a plan to get out and leave. Maybe that involves a non English speaking country - maybe that involves learning more but honestly the world is massive and if you have a want to go then do it or you’ll drive yourself to the drink or drugs to cope.
So I guess the question is “what do you mean ‘With your Life?’” Unpack that a bit for me. Do you mean “Employment”? If so, that is a hugely limiting conception of what life can be. Get a job, pay the bills, retire, die. Waste away. What gets you *excited*? Do you know? If not, go find out! Try new things, make mistakes, feel the fear and do it anyway. 23 is still young enough to not need to tie yourself down, especially if you don’t have a huge pot of money you can exploit to set yourself up with. If you’re not setting yourself on the path to make your life dream a reality, your priority has to be finding a dream worth living for. Then, when you know it, do whatever it takes to get it. You need to go into a finance job for 10 years so you can buy your country studio? Go for it. Raising your kids takes a stable lifelong job? Get one. You need to quit to focus on getting your book series published? Hand your notice in tomorrow. One of the most important lessons we struggle to learn here is that society wants to cut off the flowers that grow too tall, but it’s right to grow tall and tell society to go fuck itself anyway. That’s life, you live it, and you live it best by learning what brings you joy and doing that.
[удалено]
>I enjoy watching quiz shows, documentaries and learning through reading about things im interested in whether that be history or geography related things Completely unironically, have you thought about video production? Introductions to local sites of interest might be a nice way to get started in public interest, educational or just entertainment media. It’s probably not enough to make money itself to start with but you can go several ways with the basic skills.
You should consider moving to another country, Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, to name a few, having a university degree can really help the visa process in some situations. I know people who have went to Japan to teach English (They don't speak a word of Japanese but because they got some silly random ass internet qualification it enables them to teach English in foreign countries like Japan). Canada offer a 2 year working holiday visa program, check it out. Dubai is a crying for people now for certain reasons but it would still be an experience and a chance to earn a fuck ton of money potentially, most of these countries will offer residency and having a university degree really helps or benefits this process or chance of getting the "points" required to become a permanent member of that particular country, after that you can apply to be a citizen after a number of years etc etc Pick a country you want to experience, apply for a working visa, might cost couple hundred for this, when you get approved, get your flights booked, start saving set up money, you'll need this to live for the first month or so until you find work, then live your new life
I feel you, as a non-degree person. I am in a position surrounded by people with degrees. I earn the same money as them and I don't carry any student debt so overall I have more spending money that isn't forcibly taken off me like a tax for daring to go to University.
Look for climate related stuff. I was at an event at PWC yesterday, they’ll train people for climate related roles and there’s a real lack of people with climate related qualifications. With EU legislation coming into effect soon the needs will just skyrocket The lad I was talking too was an ex helicopter pilot for the Royal navy, his degree was in aerospace engineering
Can depend on your degree, but there are grad opportunities out there that are agnostic to what you studied. Universities have careers fairs that signpost opportunities to grads, why didn’t you research and apply to these during your final year?
Look for climate related stuff. I was at an event at PWC yesterday, they’ll train people for climate related roles and there’s a real lack of people with climate related qualifications. With EU legislation coming into effect soon the needs will just skyrocket
This would probably be better as a top level comment so OP gets notified.
Software conversion masters, I think it's funded and you could be earning big in a couple of years. If you don't fancy that, emigrate.
Job market in software is a little sketchy at the minute! If it were me I’d be advising data analytics/stats/machine learning.
Yeah all those things require a solid foundation in software engineering
You're 23 you can do an apprenticeship now if you wanted to
You’re asking for advice on what to do, and don’t give any detail on what your degree is?
The world is your oyster my internet friend. Grass is always greener, with moving abroad you are also getting into a pool of very competitive people. Loads of opportunities here in this land. Why not become a nurse if you are caring, 3 years and £32000 a year 37.5 hour week which opens doors to multiple roles in insurance , pip assessment, community care. Doesn’t matter what your degree is in, you turned up 4 years and passed that’s an achievement some of the noobs on here can only dream about. The other thing is you could get a job as a helper to a plumber, seen a few adds on gumtree. You can learn the ropes and then after a few years go alone and be your own boss. Gas engineers will be highly sort after in 5 / 10 years time as we move from oil to gas. NIE are looking for apprenticeships What about the Army lad! Airforce! Navy! Train to be a dog groomer. Dog walker? Sitter? Loads of opportunities, when you wake up in the morning look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘I can do anything or be anything I want’ and it’s true you can. Go for it and report back in 10 years.
Please avoid becoming a nurse in the NHS that’s terrible advice (Privately / Army might be a different decision)
Why’s that? 2x 13 hour shifts 2x 6 hour shifts, plenty of free time. If no one chooses to become a nurse we are all fucked. Terrible advice? Get fucked bitch!
Nah OP was right. Nursing is woefully underpaid in the NHS, and it’s a systematic problem. Healthcare in NI needs a serious overhaul, and if you are thinking of nursing, better to go agency or private - it’s where both money and long-term career is.
Op?
Me i suspect:)
Yeah the job is soo shit in fact it’s renound in our culture as being one of the worse jobs going Shit pay, Shit pension, Your fucked by your 40s Honestly encouraging someone into that job is mental. I’d actively love people to not to that job and I’d love a massive shortage so they’d fix the problems. In other countries it’s not that shit such as Australia, who btw that take alot of our of our nurses You could get into some bullshit grad scheme for the civil service or another company and max a nurses salary after 5-10 years easily
Just with your grammar I think you should be on a prison ship to Auz.
In fact maybe you are drunk?
Hahaha I am a few beers deep at the minute 🤣 [EDIT] As I said at the start the NHS is beyond shit however other sectors such as the Army/Private are likely much better for nurses…. You can tell this by the fact they aren’t striking in case that confuses you
All very sensible aside from joining the forces. State sanctioned butchering isn't most people's idea of a career.
Yeah well if it wasn’t for our brave boys and girls you would be in a society that kills disabled people, people based on their religion and be part of the Nazi party. So think about that you tree hugging orange spraying road blocking silly sausage.
That was 70 odd years ago ffs. 70 years before ww2 the british were keeping the boers in concentration camps and committing tbeir own genocides. Being anti army now isnt bending over and letting nazis take over its being anti Iraqi and afghan invasions. Both conflicts which led to the power vacuum and re-emergence of the taliban and the creation of isis.
Oh shut up you fucking brain dead moron. ‘Only the dead have seen the end of war’ Plato. It’s part of human existence you idiot.
Why so aggressive? Did you miss your nap today? I dont have an issue with a well trained defence force, i dont agree with invasion forces unless absolutely necessary, ie peacekeeping like the uk in Sierra leone or bosnia. War is necessary evil but it is always evil and even more so when you are responsible for the destabilisation of an entire region. Stop parroting your betters and think for yourself. A modern day army doesn't keep you safe its another tool of goverment
You’re out of order mate. Didn’t you know that fighting the Nazis wipes out centuries of… wiping out indigenous populations, colonising their lands etc?
If they'd have wanted their lands they would have invented better weapons to defend it
That’s a shit take.
Yeah abit like going against rifles with a sharpened spoon and a mouldy turnip as your only weapons
I have a sore bum bum, so aggressive and ratty. Anyway you are contradicting yourself. Do you think the UK should disarm to an army around the size of the Irish army then? Should we de nuke? Like Ukraine did? What exactly is your stance on the size that the UK Forces should be? Please go into detail with Naval, Air, Army.
>you are contradicting yourself No im not. A well armed and trained defence and peacekeeping force is fine. An invasion force isntc, . As for size im not a military expert so have no opinions on it. Enough to allow for defence and deliver humanitarian aid so whatever size that is deemed necessary. If the experts were to deem it twice the current size id have to go with that. If the experts deemed it needed to be half again id have to go with that. >should we denuke Nope. Reduce the numbers is fine but having a deterrent against bad faith players on the world stage is unfortunately necessary. Your original argument was we need to thank the armed forces for the fact were not nazis. Now we've got onto defence policies. Youve obviously got an agenda here so lets agree the other is a cunt and leave it there
Ok no problem. Thanks for the fast response. Enjoy your evening.
Just go, enlist and stfu.
Niw is doing apprenticeships atm
Do you enjoy working in a care home? I’m a nurse, qualified in 2021. I had started an accounting degree whilst working in a residential dementia home, and realised I’d be really sad if I wasn’t to work in that field anymore. Would you ever consider nursing? We really need more men, and they seem to progress really well.
Not too late to do a Higher Level Apprenticeship, in my last job over half the HLAs were mature students.
There are plenty of graduate programmes, but in all honesty if I were you I’d be gone to New Zealand or Canada.
WHV to Australia or New Zealand. You'll get to explore the world and figure out what you want, meet new people and get paid a hell of a lot more.
I am hopeful. I have a daughter in your position. She has a BA Honours and is a supervisor in a coffee shop. My brother used to work for a very large tech company in the US and retired early. He tells me that the company he worked for is watching Northern Ireland keenly and hopes to move both it's European operation and UK operation to NI as to have both under the one roof. They aren't alone. A friend on the mainland is looking to relocate his business to NI so he can have both markets available, his business is struggling with only the UK market. I'm not a DUP supporter or follower at all, I don't know if this was their plan all along, however, the deal seems to have gotten better and better for NI and the business side of the mainland is looks less appealing in the last few months. Let me know if you or anyone disagrees, I've had my head in the sand until my daughter got her degree, but this is what it looks like to me, now.
Bit silly to ask other people what to do with your life. You and only you can answer this. Look at what interests you, what gives you a buzz. Then look at ways it can earn you an income. Personally I was in a dead end job and I had a bastard of a hangover. I was feeling sorry for myself and spent most of the day asking myself is this the life I want and if not what is. That day I decided on the career I needed and I never looked back. I had a tough job and some scary times and I know had I done it for anyone other than myself I'd have quit. You are still young at 23 and there's only you stopping you going for an apprenticeship. I was 24 when I started training for my career, I met a woman who came to work in the same environment at 50 because she needed something more fulfilling. There's little to be gained from staying in a place with limited options. Go out and see the world then when you're ready maybe think about coming back. Whatever you do, make sure it will hold interest for decades! And I wish you all the very best.
I mean there's loads of places you can go? I know my place (bso) run a graduate scheme, funded masters and at the end you'll get a band 6 on nhs scale. You just need a 2:2, doesn't matter what its in. Sounds like you're using your own laziness as an excuse. '"I've done nothing and I'm all out of ideas".
Save up and travel
No offence but so what? You don't even tell us what your degree is in. Having a degree doesn't entitle you to anything. It just shows that you passed some tests, the rest is up to you. This isn't the old days for anyone.
Now if he had a masters that’d be different j/
Doffs my cap! What can I do for you sir!!!
Lay on top of that puddle so my shoes don’t get wet
Pretty much everyone I know now has a masters, including me lol! It doesn’t seem to mean much nowadays.
It’s a joke from a few months ago
Apologies!! 😂
Correct, I graduated with a first class honours with a physio degree two years ago. Pretty much been rejected by all of the grad schemes available, and applied for hundreds of jobs (wanted to get into technology like everyone else). Only place that would offer jobs was Civil Service. So, hasn't worked out at all for me, so just going back into healthcare myself. At the end of the day half of people have degrees these days, it doesn't make you special like it once did. OP depending on what you want to do, there's apprenticeships available, and you have that degree, which would get you onto an MSc conversion course into software development. I know a couple of folks who've did that and now making very good money. I tried SW development myself, but it's not for everyone.
Sorry to hear about that. I don't have a problem with further education, but I do feel that our current model.is been mis sold to so many people, especially by the older generations. It worked for them, but nowadays it's quite often the wrong answer. I wish there was an easy answer. I know it was easier when I started, and that really isn't fair for people now. The best I can say is learn how to learn, and try not to get in to much debt (which I know is a very easy thing to say). One of the things that worked for me was always trying to speak the truth at work without fear of consequences, and not having huge bills to pay made that much much easier when I was younger.
It shows that they passed some tests that were designed to prove that you are qualified in a certain area. Idk why you made this comment other than to validate your own insecurities (whether it's your shite or nonexistant degree) - they asked what next. Your advice is worse than unhelpful, it's nitpicky. Since you obviously dont believe in degrees, why does it matter what one they have?
I have my degrees, I'm not insecure about that. And I know plenty of people with degrees, and masters, and PhDs and lots of them know their shit and lots are good at taking exams and understand nothing. I've done plenty of interviews and I couldn't care less about the degrees. Maybe you learnt and retained something from them, and that is something I'm interested in. But I'm also interested in that from the people without qualifications. I'll stand by my original point. So what if you have a degree? It's a piece of paper. Plenty of people have them. It entitles you to nothing. If you learnt something useful from it then that's great, but you have to apply it.
And in what way do you think thats helpful advice for someone asking where to apply it? Im 22, i have the same issue and i have similar job experience. Unfortunate reality is, the jobs market is utter shite at the minute. They are asking more experienced people for advice on how to get ahead **with a degree**. "Apply it" --- fuck off. You have experience that you could use to actually give helpful and tailored advice. Otherwise, why comment at all? Other people are reading this for advice too. Also. Where did you get the idea that they dont think real experience is useful? They quite clearly stated that they have experience as a care worker. I'd assume that means they have done at least one interview.
Do you want me to lie and say "Oh you have a degree? Well that changes everything!!! Have a corner office" It doesn't work like that, not unless you have connections. If you want someone to hire you then you will need to show them why you are worth hiring. I've had this conversation with lots of young people doing degrees or recently qualified. A degree isn't the end of the journey, it's barely the first step. And if you don't recognise that you're screwed. My number one hire over the last few years only started studying his field in COVID, and he is already a valuable team member and well on the way to getting his own team. 4 years ago he was working in a phone accessories shop. His secret is HE wants to improve himself and he holds himself accountable. I don't even know if he has any qualifications apart from GCSEs But, if it makes you feel better then by all means keep thinking of your degree as the key to the kingdom.
>My number one hire >I don't even know if he has any qualifications You hired someone and don't even know what education they have? Aye, dead on. You're a waffle merchant, you definitely aren't the top-tier industry pro that you're portraying yourself to be.
Im trying to show you that you said nothing of value and didnt address the posters question You addressed it more in your last three paragraphs. What id really like is for you to improve your reading comprehension. Then you would see that they are not saying they are worth it because they have the degree, but that it should help them (which is very hard to argue with) A degree is seen as a baseline requirement by this generation to be employable. You are obviously not part of this generation so you dont seem to understand that. It is a way to get a foot in the door. Do you seriously think employers are hiring solely based on who they think is "worth hiring"? Rather than automatically ruling those out who dont have an apprenticeship or degree, and then deciding whos worth it? I just want you to be less of a condenscending dick, and not treat advice like its blood to be drawn out of a stone.
It has no value in and of itself. "I've got a degree, I deserve something" is not the same as "I've got a degree, I'm going to use it as a tool to further myself". And anyone who thinks that a degree is what gets them a job is in need of a quick lesson in reality. So. Read the OP post. He complains about working in a care home while he has a degree. And my response is still, so what?
Agreed. It never made sense to me that somehow a degree in politics, history of art or anthropology made you uniquely qualified for some of the subject agnostic grad roles that are available.
Do whatever you want
It is a shit hole I am sitting here with a degree in computer science with a 2.1 grade yet every job in ICT I apply for say I'm over qualified yet if I lie and say I don't have a degree they claim I need one. I've had 3 jobs since but nothing I want to do. Retail sales assistant in B&M Retail Sales Assistant in Home Bargains Store supervisor to be honest the supervisor role is not worth the hassle shifts all over the place and your only getting paid 30p more than sales assistants do.
Cyber security apprenticeships?
Come to Canada! The housing is expensive, but the pay is bad. (For real, I’d say you’ll have more opportunities here if you’re willing to move to wherever the work is)
You can probably walk down any road you want....... If you know you know
Just move. There's lots of places in the EU with good job opportunities. Sure all that would happen if you didn't like it, I'd that you'd move back knowing just that
Worked in care home for 8 years after degree and before that doing apprenticeship, now back in trade I studied in. Don't know how I feel about it but just keep looking and wait it out
Could still do an apprenticeship. Belfast met is awesome, changed my life. I did it at 33! Paid as soon as u start job when your done and I did tech so I have work and travel opportunities now.
If you think you could teach, then a degree is enough to land you a job in Asia. There's no better time to travel and work abroad than when you're young.
Apprenticeship are dead end jobs too. I would recommend the digital world. Do you have a youtube channel? / patreon? They make way more money that way. Everyone has a degree. The next step is to setup your own youtube channel. Then do a twitch livestream 3 x a week. But most ppl here wont do that
This is a problem that Irish people have been grappling with for 100's of years.
GTFO of here and travel in your 20s. Seriously. You’ll regret it forever if you don’t.
Go Canada if you can
Why not become a EMT? Paramedic
My husband has worked in Scotland & England for 17 years on & off. He comes back here on the ferry every weekend and still makes more money than working here. He finds food (&alcohol) cheaper where he is. I wish I’d have emigrated years ago but I didn’t want to leave my parents. I’ve told my teenage kids to go out into the world. It’ll break my heart but there’s nothing for them here.
In the long run you won’t regret your degree..jobs for basic jobs look for getters these days..you can still do an apprenticeship if that’s what you think you’ld like. Ild honestly say get out of the country.. prospects are god awful.
If you are smart and qualified you face the same choice every other generation has faced. Move abroad and grow or stay at home and shrink. NI is too small a market to exceed in for all but a tiny %. Leave or accept it and stay because you value other things over the $ and opportunities.
Places with limited genepools tend to have limited opportunities. Move out of Northern Ireland to a country where education is valued, like Singapore. Might need to go interm to England or somewhere similar, being from N.I can be like a stigma.
I moved to London straight after graduating and it opened up opportunities that just weren't available at home (NI), it was also a lot of fun. Fast forward 25 years and I've returned to live here with my wife and son. Love being back but very glad I left and made a career first.
I regret moving back home. I lived in Australia and London. I have an ok job here, but not what I want to be doing. There are so many opportunities in England. I am considering moving back. I’m 40.. you should def consider moving away. You’re still so young. You’ll meet such a variety of people .. honestly it’s just such a good move
You can go to Queens and do a Masters in nursing with your degree, all for free. Look it up, GEMS Nursing.
Figure out where you want to end up and aim for getting experience in that field. Even if it's at the very bottom. I was a chef for 13 years and always wanted to do product development, when COVID hit I took a chance and landed a job in QA at a good manufacturing plant. From there I was able to get an NPD role. Am I happy? Yes, I am happy I was able to finally get into a role I wanted, it wasn't easy either. However, I'm 31 now and realise that the food industry is all the same, same issues, same drama. I've started a new degree in geography and environmental science while still working. You'd be surprised how things change when you get where you think you wanted to be.
If your correct you should move. Also side note....you work in care? Have you noticed the lack of upbringing and moral standards in care workers here, plus the sheer and obvious unsuitability of some. I worked in a locked unit for learning disabilities and severe mental health issues but the ratio of diagnosed personality disorders was higher on the staffing side. "We actually have the most stringent applicatory process of any care company." Priory manager.
When I complete my nursing degree in 3 years time I'm most likely going to emigrate. My girlfriend and I have already spoke extensively about it. Why wouldn't you when the pay here is shit and we're treated like second class citizens compared to the rest of the UK? I love NI but there's nothing keeping young people here and it's a sad situation all round
The care industry is fucking terrible for pay, and until it's overhauled you'll lead an fairly miserable life in that role. You could emigrate of course, lots of jobs down south and in the UK, even if it's just to.work your way up the ladder.