Life.

[FairwayDodger]

At 18 I was at college studying for a degree in an area that I'd been fairly interested in. I went into the same industry when I graduated and many years later am still there. Don't really enjoy it any more though, if I'm honest, but it funds the rest of my life.

I've met a few people who went into business or jobs based around their hobbies or interests and most end up just becoming as mundane to them as any other job. Like the surfer who became a life guard and now spends his free time as far from the sea as he can get.....

However, if you want advice, I'd say you're going to spend most of your life working so it's sensible to try and get something you're going to enjoy! However it might be easier to get into that when you find it if you have experience of doing.... something. Keep thinking about what you want to do long term and keep your eye open for the opportunity while gaining some sort of work experience....

 

[sydney greenstreet]

This may be shot down by other people, but i really don't like the whole idea of everyone being obsessed with getting a job they love.

I see so many people unemployed because they can't find the "ideal job".

I've worked since I was 13, never "loved" any job, but known that it's necessary, and instead enjoyed the money i get from it.

Go out, find ANY job, and I personally think that life will seem better. You won't be sat around all day, you'll have money to spend, and a reason to get out of bed each day.

Wont get shot down by me, there are not many out there who are in a job they love. and there are not many jobs out there TOO love, any job will do to start off with then when you are in a job you can look elsewhere. The important part is to get employment soon noteasily done in the mess the UK is in.

 

[sydney greenstreet]

People moan about Polish workers because this is our country which should give more jobs to our citizens, that's all..

Maybe just maybe we would not need these Polish workers over here if our own Citizens were willing to do the job, but too many out there wanting a perfect job and think some jobs are beneath them.

 

[jimbob.someroo]

Interesting read as someone who is only a couple of years further down the line.

I started 'working' at 13 doing papers, then working in a supermarket, then a pub, then retail shops whilst a uni. I always wanted to work in music and thus picked a dissertation topic which led me to interviewing people within the music industry. At the end of each interview I inquired about jobs and ended up on an internship which led to a full time job which is where I am now.

Have to say that this particular role isn't what I want to do long term and am applying for other things in different industries on an almost daily basis. The one thing I will say though is that it's a lot more comfortable to be in a job earning money and applying for other things than out of work and doing the same - even if the job isn't what you want to be doing. It's hard to get jobs at the moment, I've got a decent skill set, good qualifications and a few years experience behind me now in a communications / writing type role but have not been able to find myself something which I think I would enjoy more. That said, my bills are being paid (just) and for the meantime, I can just about afford to go up to the club and have a pint at weekends without having to rely on my family for regular handouts.

Almost starting to feel like a proper adult and although the pay isn't great and I'm not quite in my 'dream job' it's gratifying to know that the experience I've gained working over the last few years and the qualifications I've got behind me should stand me in good stead long term ...

 

[williamalex1]

Interesting read as someone who is only a couple of years further down the line.

I started 'working' at 13 doing papers, then working in a supermarket, then a pub, then retail shops whilst a uni. I always wanted to work in music and thus picked a dissertation topic which led me to interviewing people within the music industry. At the end of each interview I inquired about jobs and ended up on an internship which led to a full time job which is where I am now.

Have to say that this particular role isn't what I want to do long term and am applying for other things in different industries on an almost daily basis. The one thing I will say though is that it's a lot more comfortable to be in a job earning money and applying for other things than out of work and doing the same - even if the job isn't what you want to be doing. It's hard to get jobs at the moment, I've got a decent skill set, good qualifications and a few years experience behind me now in a communications / writing type role but have not been able to find myself something which I think I would enjoy more. That said, my bills are being paid (just) and for the meantime, I can just about afford to go up to the club and have a pint at weekends without having to rely on my family for regular handouts.

Almost starting to feel like a proper adult and although the pay isn't great and I'm not quite in my 'dream job' it's gratifying to know that the experience I've gained working over the last few years and the qualifications I've got behind me should stand me in good stead long term ...

Best reply so far.:thup:

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I would agree with that.

 

[drawboy]

I saw that 1949 benefit prog last night. There was this young guy on there. Quote " I cannot do a job I'm not feelin' I want to be a rapper"
Now I'm making this clear. I'm not suggesting the OP has anything in common with this guy apart from the I want to do a job I like attitude. I get it, I totally get the "I do not want to be stuck in a dead end job I do not like" scenario. I see this as a direct result of our youngsters having no comprehension of reality and growing up in a dream world because we cocoon them all their life, give them virtually all they want and we raise their expectations of life to such a height that they cannot cope with the realities of life as an adult. I want to be a pro golfer. I also at a pinch would take on being a pop star,film star, male model, footy player for Real Madrid or indeed a porn star. Instead for my £80 today I have installed a new loo in a house where the last tenant smashed it and left it covered in excrement.... I didn't like it one bit, had loads of agro off my boss because it took me an hour longer than he thought it should from the comfort of his office...Ho hum. One day I'll do something I'm feelin!!

 

[Doon frae Troon]

When my father was 20 he was landing on the Normandy beaches during WW2.
When I was 20 we were 'celebrating' the summer of peace and love.
When my daughter was 20 she was celebrating the 'loadsamoney' boom.
I wonder what my [then] 20 year old grandaughter will be celebrating in 2023.

 

[Andy]

No job is a dead end job, when your unemployed!

 

[Rooter]

I wonder what my [then] 20 year old grandaughter will be celebrating in 2023.

My money is on hoverboards, she will be celebrating the release of them. Finally!!

 

[GreiginFife]

No job is a dead end job, when your unemployed!

Is the right answer.
Having read right through this seems the OP has more reasons not to work than to actually go out and get something.
Experience isn't just doing the job you want, it's doing A job, any job.
The wait for your ideal job will be a long one and you don't even know if you will like it, you have no idea of what it's like to work. Train yes, work no.
In my case I have never been out of work since I was 16 (PT while still at school until I was 17). The job I really wanted to do was electronic engineering and I spent some time work-place training before deciding it wasn't for me. Only by actually doing the job did I find this out.
18 years later I am now earning more than I ever would have as an electronic engineer and doing a job that, while I might not love, am bloody good at.
I work to live, as do the majority, when you realise how much it actually costs to live a decent life of independence you will realise that A job is more important than THE job.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

My money is on hoverboards, she will be celebrating the release of them. Finally!!

Naw, more likely the A9 dual carriageway completion or HS14 finally reaches Darlington.

 

[JackBrocklehurst]

There is no shortage of jobs for you to pick from. Nobody is restricting the jobs available to you, your doing that pretty much yourself.

Your just too fussy and obviously living the easy life off your Mum.

Who funds the golf and gym lifestyle? Mummy?

Work shy is what I'd say.

Bit of a childish response from a Man isn't it?
I know what I'm doing with myself perfectly thanks, just gone off topic obviously.

And for your information all of my Gym lifestyle has been paid for by myself and my Golf is a birthday present every year, so yeah, nice one pal.

Certainly not work shy, people seem to think living at home is fun. When you have no money and not many friends about? Yeah, sounds like the life an 18 year old wants to live.

 

[Hacker Khan]

Nope...sorry Hacker..... thought that was an odd post from you!!

What, me calling golfers antiquated UKIP members and Daily mail readers odd? That's not odd, it's my stock in trade response to most subjects. And reading the guff in a couple of replies since I stand by it

 

[JackBrocklehurst]

Hi Jack, don't worry about it. Most golfers are middle to old aged men stuck in the 1970s who get their views from the Daily Mail and see 18 year olds as hoody wearing layabouts who wear flip flops and jeans to play golf in.

Best of luck in what you do and hope you find something soon.

Hahaha thanks mate.

Yeah I hopefully will and I believe I will. Cheers.

 

[palindromicbob]

Bit of a childish response from a Man isn't it?
I know what I'm doing with myself perfectly thanks, just gone off topic obviously.

And for your information all of my Gym lifestyle has been paid for by myself and my Golf is a birthday present every year, so yeah, nice one pal.

Certainly not work shy, people seem to think living at home is fun. When you have no money and not many friends about? Yeah, sounds like the life an 18 year old wants to live.

Never give up on a dream but don't use that as an excuse to live your life sleeping.

Any work you can get will give you money. Save this up and you can use it as a foundation to fund something bigger and better. Keep looking for opportunities that will take you in the direction you want. Remember it's a journey you have to travel and you can't get to the destination without going over a few pot holes. You sound like you know where you want to go but you haven't quite hit the road yet.

 

[Brad_Pinhorn]

There is no shortage of jobs for you to pick from. Nobody is restricting the jobs available to you, your doing that pretty much yourself.

Your just too fussy and obviously living the easy life off your Mum.

Who funds the golf and gym lifestyle? Mummy?

Work shy is what I'd say.

This is exactly what I'm talking about...too many people are too quick to take a cheap dig at someone simply asking for a bit of advice. 95% of the comments have been accurate, albeit delivered slightly harshly. But this is a bit stupid and juvenile, don't you think?
Patronising him and looking down on him in such a snobby way is why many people hate golf and the people who play it. Saying he's restricting the jobs available to him himself when you know nothing about him bar the comments he's left in this thread?

Work shy is what you'd say? Well grammar shy is what I'd say.

Keyboard warriors everywhere...is it so hard to be nice and give the kid some decent advice rather than this cheap dig?
:angry:

 

[JackBrocklehurst]

Never give up on a dream but don't use that as an excuse to live your life sleeping.

Any work you can get will give you money. Save this up and you can use it as a foundation to fund something bigger and better. Keep looking for opportunities that will take you in the direction you want. Remember it's a journey you have to travel and you can't get to the destination without going over a few pot holes. You sound like you know where you want to go but you haven't quite hit the road yet.

Yeah I've realised that, thanks mate.
I think I have a general idea, exactly like you say I just haven't quite hit the road yet. When I do though, I will be sure not to stop!

 

[Andy]

Bit of a childish response from a Man isn't it?
I know what I'm doing with myself perfectly thanks, just gone off topic obviously.

And for your information all of my Gym lifestyle has been paid for by myself and my Golf is a birthday present every year, so yeah, nice one pal.

Certainly not work shy, people seem to think living at home is fun. When you have no money and not many friends about? Yeah, sounds like the life an 18 year old wants to live.

Call it what you like I care not a jot.

Dry yer eyes, get off your hole and change your own circumstances.

 

[Andy]

This is exactly what I'm talking about...too many people are too quick to take a cheap dig at someone simply asking for a bit of advice. 95% of the comments have been accurate, albeit delivered slightly harshly. But this is a bit stupid and juvenile, don't you think?
Patronising him and looking down on him in such a snobby way is why many people hate golf and the people who play it. Saying he's restricting the jobs available to him himself when you know nothing about him bar the comments he's left in this thread?

Work shy is what you'd say? Well grammar shy is what I'd say.

Keyboard warriors everywhere...is it so hard to be nice and give the kid some decent advice rather than this cheap dig?
:angry:

Its called opinion and if you don't like it hit the ignore button.