- Thread starter justin
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I'm 40 and it's taken me years to figure it out, but feel I'm too late.
Traditional working class background, left school thinking there was only one way to make a living, got ushered into an apprenticeship, struggled, learnt a few tricks to get by, encouraged to stay through it, then encouraged to stay on and get experience. Obviously my own choice in the end, for whatever reason. I do feel people are forced to choose their future far too young. Been in and out of work like a yo yo, had a gate automation business for seven years, and have ended up doing little more than driving about changing lightbulbs, for an average wage, ad feel I have gone as far I can, which is depressing.
Starting again I would have gone an entirely different route, mental health outreach work which I have a lot of indications may have suited me. Done a bit of voluntary work, done a bit of a counselling course, and the feedback has been far better than for anything I did in the engineering world. Also considering peronal practical aspects, more prospects of career advancement, increases in pay, holidays and a good pension (although that may be changing!), qualifications that are respected around the country and abroad.
That said I would probably always want to dable with the intruments of torture (tools) on a hobby basis.
Traditional working class background, left school thinking there was only one way to make a living, got ushered into an apprenticeship, struggled, learnt a few tricks to get by, encouraged to stay through it, then encouraged to stay on and get experience. Obviously my own choice in the end, for whatever reason. I do feel people are forced to choose their future far too young. Been in and out of work like a yo yo, had a gate automation business for seven years, and have ended up doing little more than driving about changing lightbulbs, for an average wage, ad feel I have gone as far I can, which is depressing.
Starting again I would have gone an entirely different route, mental health outreach work which I have a lot of indications may have suited me. Done a bit of voluntary work, done a bit of a counselling course, and the feedback has been far better than for anything I did in the engineering world. Also considering peronal practical aspects, more prospects of career advancement, increases in pay, holidays and a good pension (although that may be changing!), qualifications that are respected around the country and abroad.
That said I would probably always want to dable with the intruments of torture (tools) on a hobby basis.
ronan
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While i did do a degree in maintenance engineering when i finish my apprenticeship as a fitter/turner, i wish i could have trained as a gunsmith, nothing beats the kick i get from making something from scratch.
Another trade i would have like to do is sheet metal work , not making ducting etc but things like aircraft panels or car panels.
Another trade i would have like to do is sheet metal work , not making ducting etc but things like aircraft panels or car panels.
^^ This, I did mechanical engineering with design and the first year was common for all the different flavours of engineering degree and getting on for half of it was maths (both pure and applied)- most of the first semester was pretty dull as despite needing A levels in maths and physics to get a place it started at GCSE level as a 'refresher' of sorts/for the mature studentsThanks for all of the replies
my daughters first love is mathematics so whatever she does in uni would either be just math or math combined with another subject. She is currently looking into what courses she could apply for that include math.
It appears that the options that include math are limited to computers, buisiness and accounting, so i should imagine that it will be one of these that she applies for.
Once again thanks for all your replies.
Engineering is just applied maths, as is physics; nowt wrong with a maths degree, but the other 2 are broader. Any of these are highly valued in the city, which is where the money is. Alternatively the physics degree might get you into CERN or something like that. The engineering degree might get you in anywhere.
Editted to add; accounting may be many things but it isn't maths. Arithmetic maybe, but not maths!
Dunno if i'd it differently starting over... compared to mates that went the 'professional' career route i reckon i have a better quality of life/less stress despite earning less. On the other hand i'm pretty much stuck 'on the tools' for life...
