make do and mend for tougher times

Possession

VJsmum wrote: »

Can I disagree? I know I work in Uni so may have a skewed view but I do also have 2 teenage children. I think kids need as much qualification as they can get / afford (the affording is a whole other debate and don't think that the Universities are benefitting from this increase in fees as, in fact, we are worse off than we were before). But it probably needs to be a relevant / vocational degree.

Most teenagers I would venture are unaware of the vast range of degrees on offer. Most think of history, geography etc - or the more $exy ones like graphics, film, fashion. But a good vocational degree will set them up for life. i have a degree in Quantity Surveying - i'd never heard of it till i was 17 and didn't really know what it was even when I started the course, I just knew it was something to do with building. I have been through 3 recessions since graduating and never really been out of work for any length of time. Employers will always choose those with qualifications - probably won't even look at the CVs of those without. Also the "Russell Group" (top 20) universities, whilst they may look good on paper don't always offer the vocational stuff (i am not sure if any do a building related degree except Architecture), so don't automatically be put off if your degree isn't in one of those uni's. Our average graduate salary last year was £24,000 - even in this climate (the top one was £75,000 :eek: but he had loads of experience and was very senior in his company and STILL he needed the bit of paper!).

Sorry, bit of a soapbox. And makes a hypocrite of me as my DD wants to be an Actor! However, I am hoping that we have enough funds put away for her to do a masters in something practical / vocational if that doesn't work out.

Although you were disagreeing with me, I actually agree with you. Sorry I was too simplistic in what I wrote before. I have a degree in English and a Masters in Japanese. I guess in one sense they were vocational in that I work in publishing connected with Japan. Although I never use Japanese now, 16 years ago I was interviewed for my job in Japanese so it has been useful. DH's degree is in Egyptology. The only way you get a job in that field is basically waiting for an academic to retire. If my children were to want to go to university, and I hope they do, I will not be paying for those degrees even though that attitude will be to the detriment of those subjects and ultimately all of us. I will pay for something vocational. Times have changed. They have changed too for students - gone are the days of drinking through your 3 years and occasionally attending a tutorial. And quite right too.
My nephew dropped out of an accountancy degree and now has a place in drama school. His parents are funding him but I don't think they are that happy about it.

ETA: it isn't official yet but it looks like DH has another job offer! A 12 month contract, better money, very local. Not counting our chickens yet though.

Pooky

After our disastrous non-event of a meeting with at0s the other day DH and I wrote quite a detailed letter quoting their customer charter, equality and data protection failures, turned out to be a 12 page letter. Copied our MP into it and low and behold we've had a series of calls today offering to delay the appointment whilst they look into everything, then they called back to offer a home visit due to the trouble we had with the transport and staff at the centre. I'm very much looking forward to their full reply and our MPs take on it all.

boultdj

Sorry to hear about your cat being missing, and could you cope with the new cat's yet, and [finger's crossed] would missing cat accept the new comer's if it turn's out that he's trap in a shed and the person's been on holiday/hospital and not seen the leaflet.

nuttyp

My parents went on holiday and left their cat in our care over xmas, and someone cat napped him. She kept him in for afew days and then tried to claim he was hers!!! Needless to say he was retuned after a heated exchange of words on my behalf in the queue at the post office.

How would i have explained that to my parent son their return... maybe your cat has just stayed over at someones house for a bit - it happens im afraid.

I hope he turn's up soon, and if you think you can cope with these 2 kitty's then go for it. Im sure they will appreciate a good home.

fuddle

7 week wonder, I would say do what your heart tells you to do. The only head thing I think you need to listen to is 'could we cope if we found our boy'. Let us know what you decide. Giving an animal in need a home is the best feeling

kidcat

7ww - if you can cope with two teenagers and the possible return of your older kitty why not? I have a friend whose cat was given up for lost two years ago - but they had her returned last week, thanks to microchipping, they have no idea where she has been but she is back safe.

I have been to the Mr S toy sale today - its not a good as previous years but I managed to grab a few bargains which was good.

Have filled in a claim form for work medical scheme to recoup some cost for DS14 eye tests on Monday - am hopeful we will recover most of the cost which would be good £125 was alot of money to spend and there is much more to go yet with monthly rechecks and tweaks to glasses themselves.

Came home to find lots of parcels, one of which was a surprise, there was a new look glitch at weekend where jewellry was showing up at £0 but you had to pay for postage, I placed two orders for £20 necklaces only paying £4 postage per parcel and was stunned when one turned up today. DD18 is thrilled as she has 8 parties in next two months to attend all of which are 18ths so needs lots of presents, this way I have got two for her and only paid postage

As regards education I think it does depend on the field, I lean towards get as much education as possible and you can usually find something. I have been considering our options if OH does lose his job and it seems we would do well to look at getting him re-qualified into some sort of trade if at all possible, so am looking at what courses are available. It may be worth him doing a night course now in preparation which would give him options at least. He has no real formal qualifications at all at the moment.

VJsmum

Possession wrote: »

Although you were disagreeing with me, I actually agree with you. Sorry I was too simplistic in what I wrote before. I have a degree in English and a Masters in Japanese. I guess in one sense they were vocational in that I work in publishing connected with Japan. Although I never use Japanese now, 16 years ago I was interviewed for my job in Japanese so it has been useful. DH's degree is in Egyptology. The only way you get a job in that field is basically waiting for an academic to retire. If my children were to want to go to university, and I hope they do, I will not be paying for those degrees even though that attitude will be to the detriment of those subjects and ultimately all of us. I will pay for something vocational. Times have changed. They have changed too for students - gone are the days of drinking through your 3 years and occasionally attending a tutorial. And quite right too.
My nephew dropped out of an accountancy degree and now has a place in drama school. His parents are funding him but I don't think they are that happy about it.

ETA: it isn't official yet but it looks like DH has another job offer! A 12 month contract, better money, very local. Not counting our chickens yet though.

Cooo - Japanese!! No wonder you so knowledgable about things Asian! Until this year I ran a masters degree for students who wanted to be chartered QS's but didn't have relevant degrees. We got all sorts of first degrees on that course - a lot of geography, but also maths, fine art, ancient history, biology. Not Egyptology though The British education system does have many routes through it, fortunately. Send them all to Sweden, I say, free degrees and all taught in English. Would work out much cheaper even with flights to and from. The cost of living is about the same - except alcohol :cool:

But it is tricky - DD has her heart set on trying the acting route. I cannot take her dream away from her and therefore think she may have to find out the hard way how difficult it is to break into that profession. I rather think that auditions for drama school will enlighten her next year, she is good - but I am not sure she's good enough. We have some money saved for her education - but I am not sure it will go very far.

fuddle

Woah Possesion, somehow I missed your post! Fingers very firmly crossed. Oh well done MrP!

Possession

VJsmum wrote: »

Cooo - Japanese!! No wonder you so knowledgable about things Asian! Until this year I ran a masters degree for students who wanted to be chartered QS's but didn't have relevant degrees. We got all sorts of first degrees on that course - a lot of geography, but also maths, fine art, ancient history, biology. Not Egyptology though The British education system does have many routes through it, fortunately. Send them all to Sweden, I say, free degrees and all taught in English. Would work out much cheaper even with flights to and from. The cost of living is about the same - except alcohol :cool:

But it is tricky - DD has her heart set on trying the acting route. I cannot take her dream away from her and therefore think she may have to find out the hard way how difficult it is to break into that profession. I rather think that auditions for drama school will enlighten her next year, she is good - but I am not sure she's good enough. We have some money saved for her education - but I am not sure it will go very far.

My nephew really surprised everyone (and not in a good way!) when he dropped out. He didn't seem to have a reason, that was the problem, and a month later he said he wanted to act, also a great surprise as he had never done any acting. We have seen him in a few productions since and he seems to be good, but what do I know. He got an audition for RADA but didn't get in, but he's now at Birmingham which I understand is a very good drama school. He seems to be enjoying himself (and calls everyone 'my friend' which is pretty annoying!) so we'll see what happens.

The school I hope DS will go to next year does the Baccalaureate rather than A levels. I wonder how universities will view that by the time he gets to that age?

Fuddle it's just like buses isn't it. Doesn't feel like he has a job yet though, a) because no contract and b) because he is preparing for another interview tomorrow.

paidinchickens

7_week_wonder wrote: »

Afternoon, I hope everyone is not doing too badly.

Can I ask some advice? Our cat has been missing for a few weeks now, he is chipped, and we have leafleted the neighbourhood but nothing. Given that he is a complete coward and never stays out for more than 24 hours we are assuming the worst so I have cleared away all his stuff (litter tray, bowls etc) and resigned myself to having lost our wee boy . As we have always been cat people we've begun thinking that we would wait until Spring and then maybe see about getting two rescue kittens (we'd got our boy and his sister as rescue kittens). But....... I've just heard that one of my colleagues OH works at a vets and they are currently looking for a home for two 2-year old cats who have been abandoned. Most of me thinks it is too soon to think about new arrivals, but on the other hand.....

What does everyone think?

We take in all strays in this house :rotfl::rotfl: touch wood they all get on........five cats, three dogs, three chooks and four kids !!! so wouldn't be much of an issue if the wanderer returns (hopefully)

I would say go on facebook and send a picture of the missing moggy as the cat charities where I live have a good rate of returning lost kitties to their owners. One cat recently got into a builders van and went to the builders town 50 miles away. The owners brother saw it on FB and they were reunited 5 hours later

Probably the only good thing about FB, that and money off coupons

PiC xx