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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to feel slightly uneasy that my DS didn’t go to University?

77 replies

CotswoldConundrum · 17/04/2026 12:31

He’s 21 working in IT, earning just over £30k and has been with the same company since starting as an apprentice at 17, so on paper he’s doing very well and I am proud of him.

I think it’s more that I wonder whether he’s missed out on the wider experience and keeping options open, rather than anything academic. He seems perfectly happy, so I’m conscious this may just be my own bias, as I went to University and so did his Dad (Not my DH now)

AIBU to feel like this or should I just take it as a win and leave it be?

OP posts:
20centurySteph · 14/08/2026 20:20

ChavsAreReal · 17/04/2026 12:39

University is great for the right person, on the right course. It is not 'better' for everyone.

Hes only 21, if he wants to, he can still get a degree.

That’s what I was thinking! Now I’m on the other side of the pond where it’s fairly easy to go back to University and get that degree. If you decide you need it later on. So I also appreciate that it might not be the same. But hopefully he’s young enough that there are other opportunities to get more formal education in his field, if he finds it necessary. It’s not necessarily a closed door for forever.

QueenietheGreat · 15/08/2026 17:06

@CotswoldConundrum
Just take it as a win; as he landed on his feet there it seems
He's still young and doing well financially
Also
He's not got an enormous uni fees debt to pay off now has he?

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