Universities and the myths

studentphil

Blacksheep1979 wrote: »

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow eh phil? Get your head out of the sand. The bonus of a McJob is that you can quit whenever so it won't hold you back from any job you really want. But do you honestly think if you sit round wasting your time applying for jobs and not getting them you'll feel any better or the big blank on your employment history will start to look any better?

TBH unless you have amazing interpersonal skills, have some form of community work, been on teams, been involved in the union or have a great accademic record you aren't going to get a job without some work history.

How are you going to deal with questions such as 'apart from in your degree name a time when you've worked as part of a team/led a team?', 'What part did you play in that team?' and so on - they often specifically ask for an outside of uni example or a variety of examples.

I fact I have a lot of expeiences outside my course than you think and I have far more to offer than you think

studentphil

mrcow wrote: »

So Phil, this time last year you were belittling all the call centre jobs in your area.

How long before you lower yourself enough to apply to them for jobs?

It's office work, there's no uniform and no one's going to ask you to flip any burgers.......

I applied for a phone job but was rejected for having no sales experrience.
I am working towards an office job.

Blacksheep1979

studentphil wrote: »

I fact I have a lot of expeiences outside my course than you think and I have far more to offer than you think

please do tell then as it may help point you towards jobs etc. Its just that you say you have no friends and never go out which kind of implies no social life or teams etc.

Blacksheep1979

well thats something - you able to go work there again? Although I would probably recommend an environment with a bit more 'hustle' to it and more team participation.

And why aren't you off talking to your parents?

kr15snw

Phil a few pages ago you were telling us that youd neevr get a job and you were doomed to do nothing till the day you die. Now you re telling you have more skills than we know. Make your mind up?!

Now what would your parents prefer to say to friends:

'Oh hes currently working in mcdonalds just to earn some cash, hes working ever so hard to get a job in his graduate area though. But unfortunately they arnt easy to get, but hell get there!'

OR

'Oh hes unemployed. He wasnt able to get a job in his industry when he left uni as they come so few and far between. Hows he managing for money? Oh we still have to pay for everything, he cant afford to do anything. What? Oh yes that is a bit weird for a 21 year old. Yes we agree he could just get a job for some money. But hes too much of a snob really'

Thats what your looking at.

My parents are proud of everything I do, all parents are. They were proud when I gave up my last job as my boss was a git, they were proud while I wallowed in dirt. Theyre proud that Ive managed to save and not spend much so that I could afford to live with my partner. Theyd be proud if I worked in Mcdonalds. They are my parents and they are proud of everything I do (well unless I go break the law, then they may not be...)

studentphil

I have got a fair few skills and experience to bring to a job. It is when I feel in the deepth of a bad mood that I think I don't and all is hopeless. Things will improve soon if I keep at it I am sure.

studentphil

Blacksheep1979 wrote: »

well thats something - you able to go work there again? Although I would probably recommend an environment with a bit more 'hustle' to it and more team participation.

And why aren't you off talking to your parents?

I have told my parents that I need to have more of a social life and to go out more as it is getting boring at home all day. They seem to think it is a fairly good idea.

I do not think I could go back to that as the people I used to work with have all left now so I don't know anyone to get me back in.

cupid_s

studentphil wrote: »

Do you think your parents would be happy to say with pride to everyone that you as their son or daughter spent years studying and is working in fast food rather than a top banker? Or are my parents really that odd?

When I wanted to quit my PhD i told my parents. They said all they cared about was what made me happy and if my degree was making me unhappy and ill then I should leave. They also said that if there was anything they could do to help me carry on with my studies more easily they would.

If I gave up tomorrow, 9 months from the end of my almost 4 year course they would not be ashamed of me. They love me no matter what job I have or what degree I have.

I cannot believe you think so little of your parents to suggest they would be ashamed of you if you were to take a less well paid, less skilled job.

I hope if I have children they never think so badly of me.

studentphil

cupid_s wrote: »

When I wanted to quit my PhD i told my parents. They said all they cared about was what made me happy and if my degree was making me unhappy and ill then I should leave. They also said that if there was anything they could do to help me carry on with my studies more easily they would.

If I gave up tomorrow, 9 months from the end of my almost 4 year course they would not be ashamed of me. They love me no matter what job I have or what degree I have.

I cannot believe you think so little of your parents to suggest they would be ashamed of you if you were to take a less well paid, less skilled job.

I hope if I have children they never think so badly of me.

Why did they go mad when I said I might have to get a poor job, why did they say take some time to look for something better if it is my head?

They do love me and still love me but they want the best for me and to meet their hopes they have for me.

Need_More_Money_2

studentphil wrote: »

Why did they go mad when I said I might have to get a poor job, why did they say take some time to look for something better if it is my head?

They do love me and still love me but they want the best for me and to meet their hopes they have for me.

Actually phil, to be honest it sounds like they want the best for themselves. They may kid themselves that it's about the best for you, but all they're bothered about is how it looks to their friends. Surely your happiness should be more important than bragging to friends?

Get yourself any job that you can and forget about what anyone else might think about it. If you have to, tell them that you are taking a simple job to earn some cash and give yourself time to work out what it is you want to do with your life. Point out that it is only temporary and better than doing nothing. Perhaps they'll like the idea that you might meet people and make some friends?