People older than 25, if you could choose would you...

[SomewhatMental]

Do a degree or just go for any job you can find to stay afloat

@SarahBellam

If you're trying to work out whether it's worth going to uni or not, you need to consider the likely job and earnings you will get out of it versus the time and effort and expense of getting the degree.

If you go to a good uni (Russel group) get a good degree grade of 2:1 or above and do a vocational or STEM subject you are likely to have more lucrative jobs available to you.

If you go to an ex poly, get a third and do a subject that is not vocational or stem, you're less likely to get a good job with a good wage, meaning the fees and time and effort are worth it.

These are important factors to weigh up when deciding whether to go to uni or not.

I agree you can make yourself more employable when you're there. Defo. All the suggestions you have made are correct. And I'm not saying people who get thirds at polys don't go on to make money. I'm sure some are very successful.

But these days it's not just about getting yourself into any degree course at any uni- far from it.

I would have done a degree apprenticeship if they'd been around when I left school. You get a full undergrad degree, work experience and come out completely debt free - plus unless you do a poor job, are practically guaranteed a job at the end.

Degree. It doesn’t really matter what the degree is, graduates almost always earn more and you’re never forced to get a job in that field.

Depends on the degree.

I'm 43 and currently doing both, working and studying with the OU. It's hard work but I'm just starting 5th year so should get my degree June 2023.

@Hemingwayscats

Degree. It doesn’t really matter what the degree is, graduates almost always earn more and you’re never forced to get a job in that field.

That depends on the degree. Statistically, creative arts degrees are not a good investment from a financial perspective. 5 and 10 years after graduation their median wage is no better or less than for people who left school at 16.

@Hemingwayscats

Degree. It doesn’t really matter what the degree is, graduates almost always earn more and you’re never forced to get a job in that field.

I don’t think this is true. It does depend on the degree and the career you want. I earn more than several people I know with masters and I quit my degree in year 1. That’s just because of my experience and career trajectory. With so many people having degrees it really isn’t a ticket to a decent job anymore - you ideally need experience too in the form of a portfolio, voluntary work, extracurricular activities, extra qualifications in the specifics of the job etc.

A well chosen degree gives you options. However, the key is a well chosen one. This needs to be in a sweet spot where you can reasonably enjoy the work, and where you can make a living. My advice would be to think carefully around where the sweet spot is, and how you do your degree. So where and part time/full time?

I'm doing a degree and I am 44. Mainly because I don't want anymore staying afloat jobs.

I love it too. Even when deaadlines come thick and fast.

@Hemingwayscats

Degree. It doesn’t really matter what the degree is, graduates almost always earn more and you’re never forced to get a job in that field.

I really don't think this is true for youngsters now. I think it was true in the past. But now I think young people need to very carefully weigh up the hefty debt against likely future earnings in their sector, given the uni and subject.

Definitely degree apprenticeship, if not a degree in something you can get a job afterwards e.g. engineering, nursing, architecture. Then if not any of those something like accountancy where you can take exams whilst earning.

Definitely do a degree!

@MajorCarolDanvers

A degree.

I earn considerably more than my friends who do not have degrees.

My husband did not have a degree and when he reached his mide 30s couldn't go any further in his career without one and had to do one through the Open University. He really regretted not doing a degree when he was younger.

Plus university is a great experience and studying for a degree is an enriching experience.

My DH doesn’t have a degree and it hasn’t held him back - he has progressed well in his degree and now earns more than double my good salary, and I have a post-grad degree.

I guess being a white male with all the ‘soft’ skills employees like, and being good at his job, has stood him in good stead.

Having said that, I would still 100% say go for the degree.

• progressed well in his career

Definitely degree! I'm 37 and if I had my time again I'd study at uni and get a job with better prospects. Been stuck in jobs that have no progression! Going back to college next September to study for something I've wanted to do for years.