Are any of your teenagers NOT going to university?

DS deferred last year's Uni offer for a year. His grades were really disappointing but he still got his offer. It made him realise he didn't have the discipline to study hard enough to succeed at a high an academic level even though he is really bright.

He got a job in a supermarket to tide him over while he decided what to do. He had previously worked as a lifeguard for two years but wasn't enjoying it. The supermarket work was great for his confidence and learning to work in a team and dealing with people. Lifeguarding is a lonely job in comparison.

He managed to arrange an unpaid internship by contacting and impressing the CEO of a small underwriting company in London.

He did the 6 weeks ( working around his shifts at the supermarket because his boss was fantastically flexible ) and got some great experience and advice on how to progress in the industry.

He studied for the first stage of professional exams , passed them with flying colours and after many many interviews he got a great job which he started in June.

When he started his job he was told that he had won the job over a grad with a first from an RG uni. He is absolutely loving working in The City and the socialising that goes with it.

So many of his school friends are turning against Uni and that's from a grammar school that assumed all of its pupils will go on to do a degree at Uni or a business/degree apprenticeship.

The rental costs/tuition fee debt and the stories of grads not being able to find work are really off putting.

He has got to cancel his Uni place in the next few days but is waiting for the clearing madness to die down so he can get through in the phone.

My DS got A level results last year. Turned down his uni place, just crossed his arms and said I’m not going I’m taking a year out. He’s worked as a lifeguard since the end of his exams and is bored now, but has a lot of money saved. He’s just announced he’s going to apply to train as a commercial pilot!! So he’s busy looking up different ways in.
Tbf although he’s really academic ( three As at A level) he’s always hated ‘book’ learning and school, really did have to drag him kicking and screaming to A levels.
So I’m just glad he’s found something more practical that hopefully he will enjoy

DC1 went to uni and it was great for them but their current employment was not a result of their degree.

DC2 did a crap apprenticeship post A levels then went travelling. Currently studying part time in night school while working 2 part time jobs - 1 in hospitality and 1 in role relevant to study. Plans to go off travelling again in 12 mths

DC3 got A level results yesterday, didn’t get first choice uni and has now decided not to go. Is looking into a L4/5 apprenticeship and possibly trying to get winter work in a ski resort!

DH & I both went the traditional uni route, DH still working in a role related to his degree. I’m on my 4th ‘career’ after retraining 10 years ago so DC are very aware that the decisions they make now don’t have to define them for life.