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Original poster

Both my children seem to be on track to be working ft by Sept, so five years earlier than I expected it to happen

18 replies

Bestseller · 01/02/2019 17:15

And I'm not sure what to feel about it.

DS1 is doing Alevels, has had a very firm career aspiration since he was about 12yo, which involved a degree and then further training. Recently the organisation started taking entrants at 18 with the degree coming later (and funded by the employer). DS is well advanced in the application process.

Similarly DS2 has wanted to work in a particular field for a particular company since he visited with school in Yr 9. He has just received a conditional offer of a L3 apprenticeship - one of the top rated employers for apprentices.

So although I always expected the both to go to Uni, they've set out with a goal in mind and seem to be close to achieving them. I can't help feeling that a more traditional degree route may be better for them long term, but I can't stand in their way and no student debt.

On the plus side, I'm going to be financially free much earlier than I expected!!

OP posts:
AlpacaPicnic · 01/02/2019 17:40

I know a lot of people with degrees that struggle to find employment in their field. I'd take practical experience and employment any day. If a degree is do important then there are options to do it later on in life, some employers will even let people study and work together, or there may be an equivalent professional qualification that they can achieve while working.

University is not the be all and end all!!!

Racecardriver · 01/02/2019 17:42

If they are being recruited and their employer will be financing their degree that is far better than trying to go through the graduate route. It’s very difficult for graduates to get jobs these days.

Flower777 · 01/02/2019 17:46

They both sound very focused and driven. It sounds great tbh. They can always do a degree later if they want to.

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Burpsandfustles · 01/02/2019 17:47

Never stand on in the way I'd they have focus... Support them! Sounds great op.

Jess74 · 01/02/2019 17:50

I hope both of mine take this route. As much as I think the traditional university route is great its also not so practical in todays competitive world.

icannotremember · 01/02/2019 17:50

OP, I would be delighted if that was what happened with my dc! Aged 21 they'll be experienced, qualified, have a profile and connections within their industries and will have been earning for years- whereas if they went the uni route, they'd have a huge debt and still be just starting out. You should be very proud :)

Original poster
Bestseller · 01/02/2019 17:50

I know, I'm chuffed to bits really, but it's just that their dependant on me is coming to an end o much earlier than I expected (which does have its upsides too Grin)

OP posts:
EssentialHummus · 01/02/2019 17:52

Sounds fantastic. I’m educated to PG level and would be delighted if DD followed the route you describe.

Flower777 · 01/02/2019 17:52

It sounds like you have done a wonderful job raising two committed hard working people.

Jess74 · 01/02/2019 17:54

Time to book a holiday OP.....

anniehm · 01/02/2019 18:03

If they have the drive and determination to work and study it's an excellent way to get qualified debt free - though wages tend to be low so I suspect you may be offering free hotel services for some time, and perhaps car loans.

AnnabelleLecter · 01/02/2019 18:04

DD18 was set on uni but ended up taking a totally different path. Went to college and then got a job and is on an assistant manager pathway plus earns decent money. She has already paid for two holidays abroad one with boyfriend and one with mates and has now started putting a bit aside for a house deposit. We're financially free which fits in perfectly with our early retirement plan. It's great.

AntheaGreenfern · 01/02/2019 18:08

My first is on track to be earning quite well at the end of an apprenticeship next year. I worry that the job isn't futureproof but then I think that's because I worry as a reflex action tbh.

It's not a bad start at all!

Porridgeoat · 01/02/2019 18:11

Degrees are two a penny these days. Training and qualifications on the job make sense. No debts and a head start

ILoveMaxiBondi · 01/02/2019 18:13

OP they are in enviable positions! Honestly! They really could not ask for better than to walk out of school into full time employment that pays them to get qualified!! In this day and age it really is the best option. They’ll have 3-5 years of real industry experience, employers references etc (and very possibly the offer of permanent jobs!) aswell as their degrees at the same time the “traditional” route graduates are all competing for the same jobs without experience or references.

Original poster
Bestseller · 01/02/2019 18:18

Yes I know all this makes sense, so why will all the "posh" families still be making sure their DC go to Oxbridge? (that boat sailed long ago for us Grin)

OP posts:
ILoveMaxiBondi · 01/02/2019 18:25

I wouldn’t worry. They have their own reasons. You do you. It sounds like it’s working for your DC so far! You should be very proud.

AlpacaPicnic · 01/02/2019 18:31

Hey @bestseller I'm 41, been working for 20 years and married for 16 and I still need my mom!
I might not need her to make me a sandwich or drive me into town, but I need her all the same :)

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