Introduction
What are your first thoughts when I say that? I know it’s not good, I know some of you will think I gave up, missed an opportunity, wasted money. (You’re kind of right about the last one) It’s a tough decision, especially with everything that comes with it, what the people around you will say, what you do after, where you go, and even having the courage to do it in the first place.
The Journey
Let’s backtrack a bit. Why did I go to university in the first place? Well, honestly, it just felt like the option that made the most sense. I didn’t let myself consider doing anything else. That’s part of why I left, but it wasn’t just one thing; it was all of it. I think some people go to Uni to make friends, join societies, and have the time of their lives. Me? I just wanted to get the degree, maybe join a sports club, but that was it. The course just wasn’t for me. I tried to engage with it, and maybe if there was some motivation for a future career, I might have stayed, but I realised that there was a better way for me to do it.
When I did my A levels, there was one subject that stood out to me more than the others, and I decided to do it at university. It was great at first, but as time went on, I realised I didn’t enjoy it enough to go into depth with it. So, I knew something had to change. I know I could’ve picked a different course, or even a different university, but I realised there was a much better choice for me. I liked the idea of going straight into work and being able to get the qualifications instead. The whole University just wasn’t for me. I wasn’t a fan of Uni life, and I didn’t feel motivated to get lessons or get any work done; everything was just too flexible for me. I chose to go into childcare because of a part-time job I had working in nurseries. I tried something new, and it paid off. It led me down the apprenticeship route that will give me what I need to pursue this career.
It’s very important to consider all the options. Make a list of things you can see yourself doing. What is the thing you want to do? And if you don’t know, take a gap year. Unless you’re sure that whatever course you pick will help you for the future you want, it doesn’t hurt to pause. It could be just what you need after A levels: get a job, clear your mind, pick up that hobby you’ve never had time for. It might open a whole new way of looking at your future, and it’s always good to get some work experience.
This decision is highly subjective, so it’s important to think about the right thing for you, even if you look to other people for advice. You shouldn’t just do something because it worked for them. It’s also important to do what’s right for your mental health. The stress of university might be too much for some people to handle, and if you feel it’s best for you not to go, then you should stand by that. Consider the pros and cons of your choices. Which cons are the ones you could realistically handle?
Conclusion
The trick is to be honest with yourself and think about what you want in the long run. And honestly, I don’t believe I’ll regret my choice to leave university in the future. Even if I decide to change careers again in the future, I know that exploring my options was the right thing to do.
I hope this helped in some way. The last thing I will say is I do the research, think about what you want, and go with your gut. This is an important decision, but if you change your mind, it’s not the end of the world. You have great organisations like Skillstruct and their community, Skillstruct University, to help you on your way.
Skillstructor J.O