No idea what to do now

Missme

notanewuser wrote: »

I'm sorry but you're not going to walk into a £20+k per year job with a creative writing degree and no work experience. Have you totally discounted doing a PGCE (don't do primary, there are zero jobs). What about copywriting?

Depends on the job and how well the OP sells herself at interview, surely.

The stumbling block to my mind, is not having a clue what to do. Getting a degree for the sake of having one or to avoid one's parent's experience is short-sighted.

wiggywoo9

missme, I did English/Creative Writing cos I love reading, I just found the theory side a bit tough, I prefer to enjoy the book rather than cut it open. I did very well in school in English and I enjoyed the subject. I love writing too, I did bits here and there, a novel by 14 (which my damn computer then lost...).
I've got dozens upon dozens of books, my son does too, and I'm trying to read as many as I can atm to cut down on the amount I own! My vague aim about doing the degree was that I basically wanted to be my own English teacher
There was no 'avoiding' in doing it, I've had zero support from family actually, the first one ever to get to uni in all the generations of my family, and my mum kept suggesting I drop out various times.

Missme

wiggywoo9 wrote: »

...I don't know what I want to do. I headed for teaching but I don't feel comfortable with it, its just a kind-of straight route from my degree and I don't meet requirements either! I can look for other jobs sure, but I've got nothing in mind for the future- just don't know what I want!

I'd like a good-paying job that's regular, more or less secure, around £20,000 PY or higher, that I can try and get a mortgage on?

My mum didn't work at all til she was in her late 30s and I (oldest of 3) was 17. She can't really get a mortgage now and is in a low-paying job at a shop. I do not want this and I've begun to wonder what I'll do when my son's off, to uni, work or whatever, in the future. I can't read all day! I need some direction cos I'm feeling a bit low and listless, and I'm scared I'll drop back into my PND state.

MY editing:

Hon, read this again. My comment was based solely on what you said.

You have skills aplenty and can do lots of jobs. I don't have a degree but I have superlative communication skills (other than selling) so can match my abilities to any job. You can too, I'm sure.

What do you like? What inspires you? Or what can you bear to do to pay the bills?

wiggywoo9

I love libraries and my SureStart centre. I am interested in working with mental health or helping those with similiar issues. I like editing or helping with my sister's schoolwork. I liked doing personal tutoring too.

I know its wildly out of the box but I had an idea about a year ago while shopping that a big city near me could do with a play centre/ old-style creche for people while they shop/somewhere to tire the kids while they rest. The nearest play centre was on the outskirts of the city and pointless for shoppers. My other sister is doing Early Years training and I thought it'd be a great idea if I could open a play centre with her help in the theory side of care. But hey, I barely have a few pounds to my name, no idea about business and no idea where this would start. Did think it'd be good working for myself though. I assumed people starting a business where hot-shot business students with brillliant ideas and loads of cash.

Missme

If shopping centres could make money out of childcare, they would. I imagine the safeguarding issues are prohibitive.

What about tutoring adult literacy? Hugely rewarding but you may well need to work for free (volunteer) before you qualify. Or helping kids pass the multitude of exams they have to sit. Any local private/grammar-type schools where you might help hot-house kids?

ETA: I had a friend who used to accomodate and tutor foreign students - any room for that?

tiger_eyes

wiggywoo9 wrote: »

I like editing or helping with my sister's schoolwork.

It is possible to make a living editing, FYI. I run my own business and work for an epublisher and expect to easily break £20k this year. And I have a 2:2 as well.

robertjake9

I totally agree with #11.

I graduated about 10 years ago, and I will let you into a secret - past your first job, nobody cares what grade you got for your degree. And as pointed out, there are many schemes open to graduates who have a 2.2.

My starting point was a job at the careers centre, which gave me ample time to look into possible opportunities.