Some of our young people are half way through their degrees (2019/20 intake): lockdowns on repeat, light at the end of the tunnel with vaccinations (?) and the legacy of COVID-19

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

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Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose is all I can say!

I didn't do any further education. I really wish I had done now. I was pig headed as a teen. I wanted to work with horses and as far as I was concerned I didn't need school qualifications. Goodness knows what I was thinking. I went from top set to 4th from top in 2 years. I feel ashamed now. But without those qualifications it is very hard to get a job now. Ds1 always tells me I should proof read as I really enjoy that sort of thing. But I'd never get considered for anything like that without a degree. I'm so glad my ds's haven't followed in my footsteps. They've done well at school (so far) But I also think they are encouraged a lot more now. You'd think school would have wondered why I dropped down so much. It certainly messed me up job wise anyway!

@icanbewhatiwant - there's still time! Never say never!

I think schools in the past had a lot to answer for in terms of not noticing pupils in need of help or a push! It's a disgrace when you think about it :-(.

@NewModelArmyMayhem18 I've had people tell me my school let me down. But it was my own doing. The only thing I really wish is that I could apologise to my dad. He passed away 21 years ago. I'm his only child, he wanted me to do well at school. But I was horrid. Now I have 3 boys to be proud about, I wish I'd given him that feeling.

I'm too old to study now. Memory like a sieve too!

@icanbewhatiwant why do you need a degree to proof read? I don't doubt you do but why? It's silly isn't it. No more training on the job and moving up

@chopc all the proof reading jobs I've seen say "must be educated to degree level"

@icanbewhatiwant

I didn't do any further education. I really wish I had done now. I was pig headed as a teen. I wanted to work with horses and as far as I was concerned I didn't need school qualifications. Goodness knows what I was thinking. I went from top set to 4th from top in 2 years. I feel ashamed now. But without those qualifications it is very hard to get a job now. Ds1 always tells me I should proof read as I really enjoy that sort of thing. But I'd never get considered for anything like that without a degree. I'm so glad my ds's haven't followed in my footsteps. They've done well at school (so far) But I also think they are encouraged a lot more now. You'd think school would have wondered why I dropped down so much. It certainly messed me up job wise anyway!

It’s very tricky to get proofreading work in publishing companies but have you thought about proofreading for local businesses etc? It can be very helpful to them when putting out marketing materials, emails, menus etc

I'm too old to study now. Memory like a sieve too! I have a friend mid-50s doing a counselling degree part-time. Oh and one SIL (also horse mad as a teen) who qualified as a nurse in her late 40s.

Sieve memories might need to head over to the peri/meno threads!!

@Newgirls - I would, but I’ll probably forget why I’m there once I get there!

😂

@Newgirls yes maybe I should go on that thread then 😂

@NewModelArmyMayhem18 good for them.... I'd love to re train or do something if only just to prove I can.

DD1 is home for Easter. She’s well and happy and it’s great to see her. She’s got an online note taking job for Easter which is quite well paid so that’s good. She’s had a great term up there despite restrictions.

icanbe, I bet your father was proud of you for all kinds of reasons. It is not just a case of which child achieves what in a career but all kinds of other things parents are proud about- how you treat others, how you bring up your children etc. (You can probably bid for proof reading jobs on www.peopleperhour.com by the way)

My Bristol son is back on Monday night for Easter and until after the final exams in April which he will do from home.

Dd1 is returning from Bristol tomorrow for 3 weeks. I'm really looking forward to seeing her after 3 month

Her Vet EMS planned for Easter is still going ahead luckily. Last year's were pretty much all cancelled. They've just sent her some Lft's to use beforehand.

@Xenia thanks. I hope he was.

I didn't think ds wanted to come home for easter. But he said the other 5 in his house are going home. He was hoping his gf would come to stay but she's staying home too. So he messaged to ask if he can come home Good Friday. I said of course, but told him nothing exciting is happening here. His reply was "no free chocolate?" and "what about a big dinner Easter Sunday?" So it seems he's coming home for food.

@icanbewhatiwant My DS has been home for a week and I am constantly amazed at the amount of food he can put away. The fridge is permanently empty. He is waiting for confirmation that he has a couple of weeks gardening work (with a break to do his actual exams!). That will make him even more hungry!!

I think if they can come home they should as carrying on with previous 2019 traditions (before pandemic) helps people feel there is still some normality and also provides a break from student life (for those who have been able to go back) never mind celebrating Easter. Mine is back tonight for about a month until exams are over (they have early end of term law exams, my twins on this law conversion course this year which is a new course and then 4 months totally free (unless resits) until their final course starts in London in September - they will be living at home for that). His one flat mate went home for Easter last night.

ican I am just as proud of my son who drives van for a living as my London lawyer daughters (although I do think he could get better work despite his third class degree). he is kind, good, interesting nice, helpful - all sorts. What careers people do is not the be all and end all for most parents although I am sure all of them like to show off about successful children from time to time I suppose.

@Xenia You make a very valid point. I have 3 stepDC, 2 of whom are in well-paid professions. The third works with vulnerable people and will never earn anything like their siblings, but I know which I think does the more valuable job.

@Xenia @simbobs - such lovely posts - thank you

DD has not been home a week and is already saying she might go back sooner than intended. Life is too slow and quiet here apparently.
Her online job is going well though and hopefully will be available in the summer too. Durham has extended its last term by a week. Good news for some and not for others who will miss end of term events because they have internships planned.

My DD has already said she will be going back before the official holiday period ends in order to “revise” 😉. However she has her exam timetable now and will be done just a couple of days after indoor hospitality opens up so at least they should be able to celebrate in time honoured style!

My DS came back for Christmas and is still here!!! He is snowed under with work, but says he will be going back after exams

DD came back yesterday and is staying for a couple of weeks. Also snowed under with work.

What happened to students getting an Easter break?

hope everyone is having a good Easter with DC at home.

It’s been a fab Easter.
Parents round yesterday, in-laws today.
They were all pleased to see DS and he is now a few quid up after getting Easter cards from both set of grandparents with some cash in it! I imagine it’ll get spent on beers!

DS has some hours at the pub next week getting it ready for opening and some hours the following week when it reopens for outdoor service.

He’s been lucky cos he’s had quite a few friends from school who have come home too and he’s seen those for some gatherings round the fire pit.

We don't have fire pit, but we do have a beach just down the road, so DD can meet up with friends there. Her younger brother literally doesn't get out much, but will sometimes surprise us and (when the rules allow - bugger me, how scary does that sound?) go off for a whole day out with a friend or two. He is looking forward to university in September; fingers crossed that his experience will be a lot more normal than hers has been so far.