Learn to control money but do not allow it to control you

Cheery_Daff

Quite right green bee (although I got a first and I am not at all dull :rotfl:)

actually, I didn't do much in the way of paid work while at university, strangely enough. I did work in a newsagents every weekend from when I was 13 til I was 18 though. In the long holidays I did a bit of factory work, and some handing out of leaflets. I also did a LOT of voluntary work all the way through for various people, ran one of the campaigning groups etc. And was very frugal :rotfl:

since then I've also worked as a care assistant, a receptionist/cleaner/cook in a couple of youth hostels, worked in a call centre, in a hotel bar, a dodgy nightclub, worked on outdoor play activity schemes, I've delivered the free paper, worked as a PA to a disabled woman, been a notetaker for deaf students, an event reporter, self employed as a Victorian, taught on undergraduate courses, and am now a researcher. Also done quite a bit of voluntary work along the way. Quite interesting to look back and see what you've been up to, and I'm not even that old! :rotfl: :rotfl:

The trick is to not rule anything out (although I did rule out working in the chicken factory in the university holidays - took the wise decision to head for the tissue factory instead - even though the pay was less...) If you're willing to roll up your sleeves and do pretty much anything temporarily, you can generally get by in my experience (particularly if you're not tied into a crazy mortgage or have children to feed etc) - I realise this isn't the case for everyone, but sounds like your son is in a position to say YES to anything pretty much...

Firewalker

Now Ani26 will really get me. I am spoiled. I remember sitting around our kitchen table with OH and firends about fifteen years ago and they were all discussing the Summer jobs they had when students; and it all sounded very much like the lists from the posts here. My contribution to the conversation? 'Well, when I was in high school I worked on an archeological dig one Summer and as a tourist guide another one. As to university, I did work most of the time - in research institutes.'

I got the equivalent of 'first' and am not boring - I just don't have the life experiences that others have and have been doing all possible to remedy this.

Greenbee, I agree about finding a job - of the kind you mentioned. Writing is not a job; it is work that can be done while doing all else (and if one can do it, why not). It is ad hoc but pays about $25 for 600-700 words copy - worth a go. We have to ensure that something has to change though - and read the riot act.

Today, I didn't get as early as usual so need to get on.

Firewalker

Karmacat

Interesting! And I agree with greenbee, of course.... I didn't work at school, at all, apart from loads of voluntary work, physical stuff and with old people. Then I worked in a toy factory, a chocolate factory, a bingo hall, a bowling alley, a bar, traffic surveys, graveyard surveys (really!), a cleaner in an old people's home, at the post office sorting Christmas cards. Though I wish I *had* worked at an archaeological dig too!

greenbee

Cheery and FW ... As far as I can tell, there are two ways of getting firsts... Either you work really hard and are really boring, or you are a genius so obviously you two are the latter!

To be honest, when I'm looking at CVs I'm not always that bothered by the degree grade (or the subject unless there is a specific requirement because of the nature of the job. I want to see a well-constructed CV and an indication or willingness to work. Experience of some kind also provides something to talk about at interview and develops skills needed in the workplace. At one point I had several jobs... Bar and waitressing shifts at the weekend, office work 9-5 and freelance research work in-between. I think I probably just about covered my petrol costs, and was still subsidised by my parents, but because I was working, they were prepared to cover my board and lodging (and loan of car...) in return for domestic help (laundry, cooking, cleaning, gardening). It certainly kept me busy and paid dividends when I was job hunting.

Ellidee

De-lurking to say I came across this thread and thought you might be interested FW https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3346740

thriftyscotslass

Well, I never achieved a first but I can claim a 2:1 Hons. Am I dull? I don't think so - I'm a little more cautious, reserved and responsible than when I was younger but then life has given me a good old battering in the last couple of years. Still, I'll race you to any white knuckle ride you choose and be first on - Duelling Dragons in Universal anyone? Maybe I'm just an adrenaline junkie and still dull :rotfl:.

Past jobs are interesting - I've cleaned bedrooms in hotels, served food in restaurants, worked in a cafe, been a hotel receptionist, taught children dancing, babysat children, taken photographs that were turned into cheesy keyrings - all before Uni. Whilst at Uni, I worked in a children's clothes shop, in a dairy, as a laboratory technician and in a hospital kitchen. Quite an eclectic mix. Proper jobs have included working in a hospital, office work and teaching. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up :rotfl:.

ani_26

Firewalker wrote: »

Now Ani26 will really get me.

Firewalker

Firewalker, if you think i'm out to get you, then you don't ' get ' me, at all.

MrsMoo2U

Sorry I am late to this discussion but I absolutely agree with MG and Hypno. I never received any help from parents and I have always managed to budget. Bills and Food are always taken out first and if I have anything left for fun then great. If not I just get on with it. I have a cousin and friends who could never budget their parents helped them out all of the time. My friends' parents are no longer around and they are just about to have their house repossessed but they still have 50 odd channels on the sky tv contract !!!!!

I say that the best way to love children is to give them wings to fly and allow them to crash land from time to time. What is the very worst that can happen? Whatever the worst thing is that you can imagine I can assure you it is not as bad as death!!

Firewalker

ani_26 wrote: »

Firewalker, if you think i'm out to get you, then you don't ' get ' me, at all.

It was a joke, Ani26; in hindsight probably not a very good one. It was more 'Get me' in 'was right that I am spoiled' kind of way. I don't for a second think that you are out to get me.

Did you go on the outing? Was thinking of you and hoping you are having fun.

FW

Firewalker

Just had a wonderful evening with friends - nice dinner, loads of laughter and everyone was happy and relaxed. Life can be simple.

FW