What to do now? 19 and want to get a better paying job

Joe2000

Hello everyone, I'm Joe and I'm 19. I've been working at my current job for about 4 months and I have managed to save £1000 of every paycheck I have received.

I enjoy my job and earn a decent amount (£1500/MTH) given that I have no real qualifications past GCSE (unless you count terrible A level results: EUX)

However, I would like to earn more and one day move out of my mum's house. The problem I have is that I don't really know what I should do. How can I make myself more attractive to employers? Do you have any career related books I should read? What careers should I even be looking at if I want to earn >£2k/mth?

Cheers,
Joe

Savvy_Sue

What would you need in order to progress where you currently work?

If it's qualifications, study part-time to get them.

Dox

That's a very impressive savings record. Well done you!

Have you considered an apprenticeship? It won't pay well in the first few years, but in terms of training and qualifications it will open many doors going forward - and your nest egg will ensure you are more comfortable financially than the average apprentice. Try https://apprenticeshipconnect.co.uk

JayRitchie

What sort of job are you doing at the moment? The pay seems pretty good for your age.

connors07

Joe2000 wrote: »

I enjoy my job and earn a decent amount

I wouldn't underestimate this bit here. What is it you enjoy? The tasks involved in the job or the people you work with. They sound like a good employer and I'd say you are on a good wage for your age. Is there progression within the company? Are you possibly four months away from a pay-rise?

As the manager of a department one of the most satisfying things I get from my job is seeing progression. I am a Warehouse Manager as I didn't come out with great A-Levels either, I'd simply had enough of education in such a structured way and no interest in uni. I mostly get 'on paper' "low skilled" workers but often younger guys that have talent that they do not know they have or lack of confidence to use it. Qualifications are absolutely helpful, they open more doors than not having the pieces of paper but are not everything. Check what can be achieved where you are now, without knowing where you work there could be levels you can get to where you can get to the pay-grade you want. This would be beneficial for your employer too.

Good on you with the motivation. I had the the same desires as you when I got back from travelling around 23. I wanted to join the Army/RAF but a skin condition ruled me out. So many skills can be picked up there but its certainly not for everyone.

Good luck. All the best.

wee_minnie

Joe2000 wrote: »

Hello everyone, I'm Joe and I'm 19. I've been working at my current job for about 4 months and I have managed to save £1000 of every paycheck I have received.

I enjoy my job and earn a decent amount (£1500/MTH) given that I have no real qualifications past GCSE (unless you count terrible A level results: EUX)

However, I would like to earn more and one day move out of my mum's house. The problem I have is that I don't really know what I should do. How can I make myself more attractive to employers? Do you have any career related books I should read? What careers should I even be looking at if I want to earn >£2k/mth?

Cheers,
Joe

If you like the job why don't you look at your options in profession in the field that you are in and plan long term and look into what qualifications they are looking for with regards progression.
You're 19 and earning £1500 a month which is a lot imo with no dependents or mortgage. You're jumping the gun a bit. Focus on what you are already doing, doing, enjoying the job and keep saving. You're looking 2 grand a month which takes time and experience, stop running ahead of yourself and get a qualification first

ACG

Speaking personally, when I left college I had no idea what I wanted to do.
I got a job at RBS in their call centre (it was the first job I had not been fired from and even managed a couple of promotions). It was the first job I enjoyed and then just looked on the staff intranet for internal jobs I could apply for.

I decided on being a financial advisor. As I started to get closer to the role I decided I enjoyed mortgages more than pensions/investments and so that was the route I went down.

I am not sure where I am going with this post but I suppose it is more a case of money is great motivator for a while, but eventually the money becomes normal and the job becomes a chore. Try and find a job/industry you enjoy and work your way up.

Earning £1500 a month at your age (sorry to sound condescending) is pretty good, if money really is the motivator, it sounds like promotion is the way forward as it is a good paying employer/industry.

Brit_Abroad

What do you do?
Is it future proof? (could an ML algorithm take your job in the next decade.)
I did a degree in something which I knew wouldn't pay well but was sold on it for the way of life.

I've found in life that this is utter !!!!!!!! and was told to pass on this lie when the University I worked for had open days.

Honestly, if I was 19 again I'd tell myself to go where the money is. Don't expect to be doing the same thing you were doing a decade ago and always try to be ahead of the curve. If you can do the job remotely then do so. if you can automate the job even better!