What do you do?

SarahLou · 16th January 2008, 00:14

Hi all, I have a bit of a dilemma, and I'm not quite sure what to do about it. When my uni course and temp job ends this summer, I have nothing to do - I can't think of anything I have the qualifications for, or a job that wouldn't bore me to death. I'm terrified, I have no idea what's going to happen. What do you guys do? Looking for inspiration x

MetalTips · 16th January 2008, 00:20

Hi Sarahlou, what are you studying in uni, is it your final year?

Cinnamon · 16th January 2008, 00:36

SarahLou, what would you *like* to do in an ideal world?

JNR · 16th January 2008, 03:28

Don't you have any ambition? What do you want to do?

las · 16th January 2008, 03:54

I would have a word with family and close friends, either from Uni or ones back home. (depends if you moved there or not, of course)

It may also be a good idea to have a chat with the careers people at the Uni, and your tutors and lecturers - they will know about past students and the typical roles they have gone into after gaining their degree, and will probably be able to provide quite an insight into the areas in which you will probably be interested in.

Good luck.

johnieheel · 16th January 2008, 07:32

Well, I'm a personal trainer with a factory job and a business at home which my wife runs. She is a seamstress and makes crafts, florals, etc.
Getting into health and fitness is a lot of fun and you meet some interesting people and more and more people are getting into it.
Or you could just sale shoes.LOL

Thighboots2 · 16th January 2008, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahLou

Hi all, I have a bit of a dilemma, and I'm not quite sure what to do about it. When my uni course and temp job ends this summer, I have nothing to do - I can't think of anything I have the qualifications for, or a job that wouldn't bore me to death. I'm terrified, I have no idea what's going to happen. What do you guys do? Looking for inspiration x

SarahLou,

Sounds like time to take a step back to consider your options. You know what your strengths are and although qualifications are usually toward a specific function, they do not mean you have to seek a job that suits the qualifications.

As you are at Uni, I presume you are doing a degree of some sort. More than anything else this demonstrates to an employer that you have a brain that you know how to use. What you lack is life experience, and its no piece of cake to aquire it. The two combined will make you a desirable package for any employer.

Thus I would recommend a year out going to do a job somewhere you would like to be.

For example, I love holidaying in the Maldives and last visit I learned to dive. Wonderful experience. The Dive school are always looking for staff. Its full board, you would learn a life long skill, you would be leading and teaching people, its sunny and warm, and best of all you would get paid for learning some invaluable life skills. The only downside of this particular job was that you would not wear heels at all. This was exactly what one of the girls at he dive school was doing and was having a wonderful year. http://www.prodivers.com

Were I to have my life again, then I would not hesitate in a break between study and full time employment, such as I have outlined above, to aquire some life skills. I will encourage my son to do this in about 7 years time.

What ever you do, do not try "Holiday Rep". It usually ends in tears.

Good luck for the future, and let us know what you do.

TB2

thedesigner · 17th January 2008, 01:13

as someone who runs his own business, the advice i gave my kids was do something you are passionate about, cos that way you wont mind long hours and the sh*t jobs and conditions you'll have to put up with till you make it. If it's something you are passionate about, you will still keep interest and learn from it, and be determined to be better than your 'boss' !
Look and learn, observation and experience is (sorry !!) often better than book learning as it is the real world, however a lot of companies expect a degree just as a statement of ability to learn. Even consider getting a regular job to pay the bills and start your own on the side and stop the regular job when your own one has proved itself. Please keep in touch !!

BobHH · 17th January 2008, 07:36

Many people take their university courses to acquire skills in a line of work they want to do - teaching, engineering, architecture, music, finance, design, health or fitness, etc., etc. Teaching in public schools often requires special education courses and a certificate from the state.

If you just want to work for the money and do other things for enjoyment, there are sales clerks (in shops), waiter/waitresses, tour guides, and more. They may not pay well, at least to start. If you are attractive with a nice personality, apply for cruise staff with a cruise ship company and do some traveling for a while. They work keeping the passengers happy and busy/entertained. Then there are airline cabin staff, counter jobs, etc. If you are a good dancer, apply to be a dance teacher with a large studio or chain. They will train you in their steps, etc.

There's lots out there, even for people without training in a special trade.

SarahLou · 22nd January 2008, 15:07

Thanks all for your answers! Im an studying General Illustration. But, since starting it I seem to have lost my passion for art! Took all the joy out of it. I suppose I will end up just working for money, rather than having a big career - and will have to wait to see how it all pans out. x