Job or college

[redcrop]

Hi all,

My DS is 16. He has just left school with GCSE's 1B, 5C's, 2D's and 1E so not too bad.

He is due to start college next week. He will be doing Sports Science (really because he does not know what he wants to do but loves sport - was thinking RAF as a PT Instructor or something). This will be for 3 days a week for 2 years. Obviously we will be funding this! and a part time job would be great (if he can get one).

However he also has a job interview next week as a barristers clerk (which could ultimately turn out to be a great career) and he is very very lucky to get this opportunity although of course he may not get the job and it is at the moment only a temporary position but he is still applying for other posts in the same profession.

He is quite immature for his age and quite naughty ie. smokes and drinks and we are wondering what would be best. Personally I think the job as God he will grow up quick, have money and not be hanging around for 2 days of the week bored and doing things he probably shouldn't!

However I would really appreciate your input and wonder what you all think.

Thanks ever so much.

Redcrop xx

I think job. He will start earning and hopefully saving younger. And he will have a real wake up call about being a grown up.

Does he have the grades to be a fitness instructor with the RAF?

Hmm, posted too soon.

Can he swim?
What does he want to do most?

I think job. So many of my daughters friends went to college and then was unemployed.

in the current climate I think the job will be best. If he does well it may lead to a permanent post or at least a good reference

What is his gut feel about what will lead to a happier life?

IMO, this question is too rarely considered in these circs.

If he takes the job, then decides he wants to improve his long term chances, he could always go back to education to improve his grades later.

I'd say job, if he can get one. Jobs are hard to come by, whereas college places are quite easy to get... If you're not sure what you want to do and you don't have your heart set on doing a particular, competitive course... Also, F/T education is free 'til 19, to give young people a chance to mess up a year so he can go back to college next year if working doesn't work out...

RAF is very competitive. Perhaps I watch too much TV (Silk) but that job sounds promising. He would have to work very hard though. Is the job something you have facilitated or has he got this interview all on his own?

get him to go for interview and keep his college place open but if job is offered take the job,

Thanks everyone for your replies. Thought I would just give you some feedback.

He has done 1.5 days at college this week for his induction.

He has also had his interview and a second interview to be a barristers clerk, having been invited back immediately so now it is a case of waiting to hear. We, including him have everything crossed.

My DS is of the opinion that both will be great which is probably the best attitude to have.

So thanks for all your replies and I will let you know when we know!

Redcrop xx

I know someone at work whose daughter was a barrister's clerk. It sounded awful. She got ridiculous requests (i.e. received call from barrister on fifth floor asking her to come up to do something and when she got there she was asked to retrieve a chocolate bar from the room next door!!!). I think you might need the patience of a saint and not too sure how a 16 year old boy with a bit of a naughty streak would manage.

Any chance that your son could join the RAF now? It might knock him into shape a bit. There would also be loads of opportunity for sport. I'm not sure how the RAF works but in the Navy I don't think you can become a PTI as a direct entrant. I think you need to join as another trade then transfer later on. You also need to be a Leading Hand (Lance Corporal?) as it's a position that carries some authority.