To be disappointed that my ds has decided not to go to uni.

Business management is an excellent degree to have

So for those of you who think a Business degree is worthless, what do you think would be a worthy degree?

Not thinking of medicine or engineering but a degree one could take at most Universities.

But getting an apprenticeship in 2026 is al most impossible and nothing like 30 years ago. .

20, works FT and own her own home?
that s amazing - which part of the UK are you in?

Well, obviously he’ll be considerably better off working in a local pub without any qualifications.

I mean business management is so nebulous it’s not really worth the cost or the 3 years without any aim for a role, specific sector or coming from a job to upskill. Or a very good/specialist uni

he can change his mind once he’s sure and his gps can put the money aside or he’ll still be entitled to a loan.

a nice conversation and bout plans and future and what it looks like without mentioning the gf straight away is good. Do you think he’s the sort of lad who could be talked out of his education by a girl? Because that also matters, he could’ve being having 2nd thought for a while.

Most of the young people I know who are set on careers or university couldn’t have been talked out of it.

Doesn’t sound like he wanted to go in the first place
the amount of people if known who’s kids have been railroaded into uni is ridiculous

there was an expectation the kids were going to to uni from an early age irrespective if they wanted to or not
they ended up doing a degree in something they liked with no real career in mind waste of time

if he had something in mind and needed a degree to achieve it he would of gone
sounds like he was going to uni with absolutely no plan what to do after waste of time

I don’t know why people think you can only be successful with a degree mine never went to uni

one did on apprenticeship now on management training program earning 45k
other self employed earning 50k plus and their both still young

I think OP wanted him to go more than he ever did

I would worry, like you OP, about a low skill provincial home town life for him. Not sure what i would do our say though

Is he a straight A student studying a prestigious course at a prestigious university? If so, great, go for it. If he’s scraping B’s and C’s and attending an ex-poly dive of a uni, then of course he’s right not to go.

And to those saying it worked out for me and we managed to buy a house etc, it is going to be a very different world in five years time, and the job market today is ruthless. I wouldn't want any of my dc ending up in minimum wage jobs - how on earth will they ever survive long term. I can see why op is concerned, but yes the type of degree and university are fundamental to the chances of success.

@LondonPapa My business degree has just seen me through 40 years of an international career earning three times average income….so not so worthless after all.

I would be disappointed too. More so because he doesn’t have an alternative plan.

Going to uni really isn’t the only option for young adults but I agree with the previous poster that it’s better than drifting - especially as there is an offer from his grandparents to pay his fees.

Ultimately it’s his decision. But I would be worried that he’s making the decision for the wrong reason.

Could you encourage him to consider an alternative vocational degree?

Both my DD’s went to Uni but the courses they did were very specific and they would be unable to their job without the degree. My nephew did business and finance and has not been able to get a job a year later, he applied for so many but has no experience so is always unsuccessful. He’s now doing a non related job that he didn’t need a degree for. A few of his friends didn’t go to uni and worked their way up and are now out earning him.

I am not sure why you are hiding your feelings about it op, have you had a straight forward conversation with him? Told him his career options are going to be limited by without a degree? Sit down and show him the disparity in salaries in the long term. What was original plan? Is he academic? What is his new plan?

Don't be passive just because he is an 'adult' - they need a lot of guidance at this age. It could just be nerves/pressure/uncertainty.

That must be tough, especially if you feel he’s wasting an opportunity. My life took off when I went to uni - I loved my course but it was also a whole new world in terms of friendships, ideas, possibilities. I’d like the same for my kids but I do know the financial burden is much greater now and sadly a uni degree doesn’t always lead to a good job. Ultimately our kids have to find their own path, whatever it may be and despite what we wish for them.

Just by the by, if your son does go, your parents’ money would probably be better spent contributing towards a house deposit or putting it into a savings account for your son. A student loan may never be repaid if your son doesn’t reach the income threshold for example, whereas putting the money towards a house gives a guaranteed saving on the mortgage interest.

This.

Does he imagine a job in hospitality will pay half of a mortgage & bills, living expenses and a pension.

He’s still young (and foolish). Start charging him a contribution towards his food and bills. Hopefully financial reality will get through to him that he needs to improve his earnings potential if he is to have a comfortable life.

I thought this when my friends ds did one and he is starting a graduate scheme next month with an entry salary of 45k.

So much blame on the girlfriend here! He’s an adult that’s made a decision about what he wants to do next. His choice.

Even with the tuition fees being paid, if he is moving away there are still all the other costs of living away.
Where did you see the degree going? If he isn't that interested in it then I think he is better off continuing to work and perhaps find a job where there are likely to be promotions.

He should learn a trade. Plumbers, electricians etc will never be out if work.

Yanbu because I'm guessing that your worry is your ds not maximising his potential.
If that is due to someone else's influence ( who may not be around in a year or two) most parents would worry about that.
But it isn't now or never. He may change his mind in a year or two. University will still be there.
Has he considered degree apprenticeships. They are more competitive than university but worth a look.

Honestly it is a smart move not to attend a Business Management degree. They’re worthless.

What would he feasibly do with a business management degree? I understand your disappointment at him potentially being swayed by his GF, but it doesn’t sound like he has much of a plan atm. Without the right motivation he’s at risk off dropping out or spending 3 years doing something with little gain at the end if he doesn’t utilise appropriately. His heart doesn’t sound in it. I don’t think it’s too bad a thing to take some time out to consider more carefully.

Uni doesn't guarantee a good job or a sense of purpose. Nor is it a one off opportunity. Tell him that if he's not studying he will need to pay his way, and let him work out what he wants to do instead.

@Fearandanxiety I wouldn't worry at this stage. I agree with other posters that he needs a plan though.

I didn't go to university and it didn't stop me getting to a high earning job. I have done a degree since, and am on my second masters, but mainly for my own interest now.