I will ask the above general question first before giving my reasons afterwards.
Do you someone who has intentionally planned to take free courses while on benefits just to avoid having to look for a job? Even to the extent of a degree to use the loans as income but never intending to work to pay them off? Clearly bright enough to be accepted but calculated to do this.
Just one of those things you think about when you observe how a friend has spent their life...
Pregnant at 17, lived at home, parents raised the child and another baby age 19, the same situation. Didn't and wouldn't get a job or go to college, only benefits.
At age 27 decided she should start to do something with her life, moved out of home with latest BF, also unemployed.
Because on UC able to access free courses. Over the next few years tried a few different things like childcare course, hairdressing, beauty, therapy, dropped out of all with excuse of anxiety and depression. (She really doesn't have these, although tried to get diagnosis, rather just very lazy and entitled)
Early 30s, did an access course and then a degree which required attendance 3 hours a week but in covid times it was online. Did the bare minimum to get a pass, we were delighted and hoped this would be her inspiration to make a career.
Nope, it wasn't the course for me, doing another one, again minimal attendance and cba so failed.
Ok try again, another degree, didn't attend or do the work so another fail.
Both of these were excuse for MH issues, which she has blatantly told us she faked and viewed and planned for the grants and loans as 'her income' with no intention of ever paying back.
It's been calculated by her on UC to avoid looking for employment by studying and money in that way, also to validate to us all that she's doing something other than sleeping and watching TV, which we all know she does every day.
The SM responses of wow you're amazing, well done, are delusional.
Now she's almost 40 and hasn't had to work a single day in her life, hoping to apply for next degree...
It's made me wonder how can this be allowed? It seems while appearing to be active studying to gain employment It's not always the case.
Get funding, start a course, drop out proclaiming MH issues, do it again and again.
Oh and she has been successful in getting a diagnosis of depression. A GP has to acknowledge and send for referral, patient doesn't go to free counselling appointments because too overwhelmed, passed up to a higher level.
The bitter pill is I do actually have anxiety and depression, take medication, have worked since age 16 and built a career/paid off student loans.