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easyasit
- Original Poster
- #7
Sorry, but i agree, you should be more focussed on your school work than on running a business. I am sure at 14 you have your GCSE's to study for.
Before starting to run a business gain some skills which will be much needed. Develop a trade from which you can be self employed. Like web design, development.
It is commendable that someone of your age has the get up and go attitude though, never loose that!
Before starting to run a business gain some skills which will be much needed. Develop a trade from which you can be self employed. Like web design, development.
It is commendable that someone of your age has the get up and go attitude though, never loose that!
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School is rubbish, usually full of bitter people who were not good enough to work in the real world, otherwise known as "teachers". Many of these people enjoy telling you that your life will be miserable unless you read pointless books and achieve meaningless attainment targets that will do you no good in the real world.
I shall make a bold statement: Educational accolades mean next to nothing in the modern British economy, unless it furnishes you with knowledge for a very particular type of job. I would only advise education past the age of 16 for those who wished to enter engineering, chemical based industries, medicine or medical practice. The academic system in general is finished. I would encourage youngsters of school age to develop their vocational skills and means of income as early as they possibly can.
As or suggestions, can you learn a simple craft and make some trinkets or something? Key rings can be quite easy to make, and you can sell them at a boot sale or arts and crafts faires, etc.
I shall make a bold statement: Educational accolades mean next to nothing in the modern British economy, unless it furnishes you with knowledge for a very particular type of job. I would only advise education past the age of 16 for those who wished to enter engineering, chemical based industries, medicine or medical practice. The academic system in general is finished. I would encourage youngsters of school age to develop their vocational skills and means of income as early as they possibly can.
As or suggestions, can you learn a simple craft and make some trinkets or something? Key rings can be quite easy to make, and you can sell them at a boot sale or arts and crafts faires, etc.
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I
iboxsecurity
- Original Poster
- #9
I did the school sweetshop at age 10, went onto a school magazine by 12, sysadmin for a cyber cafe at 14, then IT repair at 15 and at 17 (fair few years ago now) started my current business. Although I do have a Bachelors degree throughout all this i still recommend getting a good business education behind you - dont focus on the money - its not about the money - not for me anyway.
At 14 figure out where you WANT to be, study hard and you will get there.
At 14 figure out where you WANT to be, study hard and you will get there.
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easyasit
- Original Poster
- #10
i agree by and large teachers these days are over glorified baby sitters. but not all are like that.
For richer for poorer an education of some description is needed.
Telling a 14 year old that school is rubbish and a total waste of time seems to really be setting a good example doesn't it? Even if what you say is right in many cases.
too many kids these days want to rush into adulthood taking on an adults responsibilities.
It is true and i notice there are many here who at 17 are already shaping into good business people.
But even i have to say, i got a good start in life with a university education, which taught me not only to study, investigate, analyse and solve problems, but also how to organise my time better.
For richer for poorer an education of some description is needed.
Telling a 14 year old that school is rubbish and a total waste of time seems to really be setting a good example doesn't it? Even if what you say is right in many cases.
too many kids these days want to rush into adulthood taking on an adults responsibilities.
It is true and i notice there are many here who at 17 are already shaping into good business people.
But even i have to say, i got a good start in life with a university education, which taught me not only to study, investigate, analyse and solve problems, but also how to organise my time better.
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Hahaha... that's a bit harsh...
However, there's some truth in this: a lot of people will try to limit your ambitions and expectations because other people's success reminds them that they didn't have the balls to go for their dreams.
Anyway, back to the question...
There's nothing wrong with you (iboxsecurity) running a business while at school, it's a good education.
One idea would be to start a car washing business and out-sourcing the work to other kids.
i.e. you bring in the clients and collect the money, the other kids do the washing. The difference between what the customers pay and what you pay the employees is your profit.
The selling point of the business is a regular, on-going service (most kids that wash cars quickly lose interest - car owners would like someone that'll wash their car regularly over a long period).
Just a suggestion,
Steve
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"Telling a 14 year old that school is rubbish and a total waste of time seems to really be setting a good example doesn't it?"
So what is a "good example"? The school ethos generally seems to be that getting good grades is the aim, but what good does good grades do you in the real world? None whatsoever. It is a measure of success for the teachers, it has no pragmatic benefit for the vast majority of students.
When I took my A-levels, I was convinced that some of my results had been rigged downwards by the examining board. For History I did three exams, getting two very strong A's and a U grade. This gave me a B overall. I challenged the U grade and got led on a merry journey where you have to pay ever increasing amounts of money to be sent letters effectively telling you have no right to challenge the grade. A couple of years later it was proven that the board had been gerrymandering the results for the students that sat in the academic year following mine in just the fashion I suspected.
So what is the point in anyone working hard? It is frequently shown to be a completely arbitrary system. And at the end of the day, what employer cares if I get an A or a B in any subject anyway? It will only be the vast minoirty that actually pay any attention to them.
I am 29 years old now, and this pathetic SATs row has been going on since the year I took them. Who cares? It is a completely irrelevant argument. The year I took them my school did not submit the results to the Government and did not even use them internally for streaming students, and the students did not see the results. We are still in pretty much the same situation right now. They have not moved on at all.
The educational system holds itself very important while it is completely disconnected with the needs to business and industry. The general quality of people coming out of the University system in particular is appalling. I would venture that it is much easier to find quality people from outside the University educated set than it is to pick out the fewer good ones from within it.
So when a young person expresses an interest in developing their vocational skills, I say encourage them and support them all you can, especially to the the detriment of their studies. The fact is that they will pick up and focus on the relevant skills anyway.
So what is a "good example"? The school ethos generally seems to be that getting good grades is the aim, but what good does good grades do you in the real world? None whatsoever. It is a measure of success for the teachers, it has no pragmatic benefit for the vast majority of students.
When I took my A-levels, I was convinced that some of my results had been rigged downwards by the examining board. For History I did three exams, getting two very strong A's and a U grade. This gave me a B overall. I challenged the U grade and got led on a merry journey where you have to pay ever increasing amounts of money to be sent letters effectively telling you have no right to challenge the grade. A couple of years later it was proven that the board had been gerrymandering the results for the students that sat in the academic year following mine in just the fashion I suspected.
So what is the point in anyone working hard? It is frequently shown to be a completely arbitrary system. And at the end of the day, what employer cares if I get an A or a B in any subject anyway? It will only be the vast minoirty that actually pay any attention to them.
I am 29 years old now, and this pathetic SATs row has been going on since the year I took them. Who cares? It is a completely irrelevant argument. The year I took them my school did not submit the results to the Government and did not even use them internally for streaming students, and the students did not see the results. We are still in pretty much the same situation right now. They have not moved on at all.
The educational system holds itself very important while it is completely disconnected with the needs to business and industry. The general quality of people coming out of the University system in particular is appalling. I would venture that it is much easier to find quality people from outside the University educated set than it is to pick out the fewer good ones from within it.
So when a young person expresses an interest in developing their vocational skills, I say encourage them and support them all you can, especially to the the detriment of their studies. The fact is that they will pick up and focus on the relevant skills anyway.
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So. It's better to lie? I have employed over 30 graduates in the last 8 years in my various businesses and every single one of them has been a total waste of space to a man/woman.
It really is a case of "they don't make them like they used to".
I blame the system almost as much as the Tutors and Lecturers. Not so long ago you had to be someone pretty special to make it to University now they are used to reduce the unemployment figures.
The graduates they are churning out haven't got a clue, give me someone who left school early and has done a few years in the services or a building site or retail every time; these are the people which will guarantee our future, not the one dimensional thinking "clones" who thinks the world owes them a living. Oh and by the way I did go to University.
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I think one of the major problems with graduates is the number who have it quite easily financially when they get there. On the surface it may appear that they are not well off, but an awful lot get their rent and tuition fees paid for by their parents, and use the loan to live on. It might seem a spurious difference, but there is a big difference between doing convention work and receiving a pay packet, and getting a series of windfalls during the year which you have not labour directly connected to.
I have often found the really great graduate workers in recent times are those who had to pay for everything themselves, and thus often worked close to full time while doing their degree. They often have the worse grades, but are happy to go above and beyond the call of duty and respect the fact that they have a job. They are frequently the most humble as well.
I have often found the really great graduate workers in recent times are those who had to pay for everything themselves, and thus often worked close to full time while doing their degree. They often have the worse grades, but are happy to go above and beyond the call of duty and respect the fact that they have a job. They are frequently the most humble as well.
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easyasit
- Original Poster
- #16
you can tap dance and attack me all you will with your university of life lectures
do you not think i have also lived and walked the same path
Fact
Job adverts these days request an education
Fact
They like to see degrees etc on CV's
Fact
The only way to gain these is to work, work and work
And before you ask "how would i know"
cos i see thousands of the ruddy things every month.
Yes real life important, but i will fight and argue with anyone who tells me that an education is of no value.
Just cos it probably never worked for you does not mean it would work for anyone else.
FACT
also now with over 2 million unemployed employers are now looking for good a-levels grades, and even also ask for decent GCSE grades, yes i was asked what i got in a previous interview.
how in touch are you guys really with whats going on out there? dont ask me how in touch i am, i am the one trying to find the job remember!
do you not think i have also lived and walked the same path
Fact
Job adverts these days request an education
Fact
They like to see degrees etc on CV's
Fact
The only way to gain these is to work, work and work
And before you ask "how would i know"
cos i see thousands of the ruddy things every month.
Yes real life important, but i will fight and argue with anyone who tells me that an education is of no value.
Just cos it probably never worked for you does not mean it would work for anyone else.
FACT
also now with over 2 million unemployed employers are now looking for good a-levels grades, and even also ask for decent GCSE grades, yes i was asked what i got in a previous interview.
how in touch are you guys really with whats going on out there? dont ask me how in touch i am, i am the one trying to find the job remember!
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easyasit
- Original Poster
- #17
I apologise to all from my previous brash thread
you are right in that many teachers are over glorified baby sitters. a profession of failed professionals.
I even have members of my family who can barely read or write. so much for the education establishment.
I agree with many of the points made here. For the most part as with you i learned the hardway, many of my skills were picked up independently though independent learning. Plus being in the field. School never did me too many favours either in fact i hated it.
I still think an education is important, but i do agree, i think many schools/ universities fail to provide this.
Once again apologies for the previous post, i guess with trying to find a job myself at the moment its a bit of a sore point for me.
Best of luck to the 14 year old in whatever you choose to do chap
you are right in that many teachers are over glorified baby sitters. a profession of failed professionals.
I even have members of my family who can barely read or write. so much for the education establishment.
I agree with many of the points made here. For the most part as with you i learned the hardway, many of my skills were picked up independently though independent learning. Plus being in the field. School never did me too many favours either in fact i hated it.
I still think an education is important, but i do agree, i think many schools/ universities fail to provide this.
Once again apologies for the previous post, i guess with trying to find a job myself at the moment its a bit of a sore point for me.
Best of luck to the 14 year old in whatever you choose to do chap
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Yes. It means that you have to double check that there isn't anybody else you can offer the job to.
I would never argue with you about the value of an education. I would argue just as strongly that very few modern graduates have a "real" education with the exception possibly of medical and legal graduates
Doesn't that tell you something? I for one am in touch because it is me who is doing the hiring.
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Hi there,
It's great to see you wanting to get into business at such a young age. At the moment i am 17 years of age and I started my first business at the age of 14. I had £20 and found a cheap printer where I got 2000 leaflets printed in black and white. (a5) I offered a website design service to small retail units being A1 A2 A3 etc... who wanted a website doing. After giving away quotes to these units, I then advertised for Voluntary University Students who want to broaden their CV and also who want to develop a portfolio.
After this I sold the websites that were designed by the students to the retail outlet. In a sense I acted like a broker. However for businesses to take me seirously I had a friend who didnt look 14 more like 20 at the time lol and he acted as my manager and i was a trainee when we met the business owners. This enabled me to make enough money to set up my own retail shop and also publish my book.
You can still see some of my adverts on Gumtree or Viva Street.
In terms of education I would say you have to find the right balance. In GCSE I was getting A /B grades. As I was investing time in both. Now I am studying A levels and will be applying to uni in sept. At the moment I am setting up two business one being a painting and decorating business and the other providing a sevrice to educational institutions.
Yes education is important however if you find out the right balance with business and education then you will learn far more skills.
Sorry for the bad spellings I have rushed it.
Good Luck.
If you need any help PM.
Best Wishes,
Marcel.
It's great to see you wanting to get into business at such a young age. At the moment i am 17 years of age and I started my first business at the age of 14. I had £20 and found a cheap printer where I got 2000 leaflets printed in black and white. (a5) I offered a website design service to small retail units being A1 A2 A3 etc... who wanted a website doing. After giving away quotes to these units, I then advertised for Voluntary University Students who want to broaden their CV and also who want to develop a portfolio.
After this I sold the websites that were designed by the students to the retail outlet. In a sense I acted like a broker. However for businesses to take me seirously I had a friend who didnt look 14 more like 20 at the time lol and he acted as my manager and i was a trainee when we met the business owners. This enabled me to make enough money to set up my own retail shop and also publish my book.
You can still see some of my adverts on Gumtree or Viva Street.
In terms of education I would say you have to find the right balance. In GCSE I was getting A /B grades. As I was investing time in both. Now I am studying A levels and will be applying to uni in sept. At the moment I am setting up two business one being a painting and decorating business and the other providing a sevrice to educational institutions.
Yes education is important however if you find out the right balance with business and education then you will learn far more skills.
Sorry for the bad spellings I have rushed it.
Good Luck.
If you need any help PM.
Best Wishes,
Marcel.
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One choice that seems to be under subscribed in most areas and valued, is property minding while people are away, along with looking after stay at home pets.
On other responses, there will never be resolution of whether education is beneficial or not. Great for some and a waste for others and there are no proof of which works best. In my experience, hiring anyone new to the workforce whether from university or school is generally better than picking up someone who has preconceived notions of how your business should mirror where they were last. But after a lot of hires, some of which were not the best, I do not think I could distinguish between educated or not. A non-fit is a non-fit, whatever the history.
Good luck with school and your job decision / income.
On other responses, there will never be resolution of whether education is beneficial or not. Great for some and a waste for others and there are no proof of which works best. In my experience, hiring anyone new to the workforce whether from university or school is generally better than picking up someone who has preconceived notions of how your business should mirror where they were last. But after a lot of hires, some of which were not the best
, I do not think I could distinguish between educated or not. A non-fit is a non-fit, whatever the history.Good luck with school and your job decision / income.
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Buy yourself a cheap mitre saw (£10-15) and do picture framing. You can pick up all the materials from your DIY shop like B&Q. Get a bit of practise in and make up a couple of samples to show prospective clients. You can also buy prints and frame them, these always sell really well. Sounds silly but get your Mum to help you choose the prints because it's ladies like her who are going to be your main customers
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J
James.Dunford
- Original Poster
- #23
If you knew how much i appreciate posts like that!!!
Having every single person in sight telling me to go to uni (Except my parents) it gets a bit much, and i think there is a way around it, hard work! My grades at a level will be average, Maybe an a in business, C in IT and D in Theatre studies, but i have always said, Uni isn't the be all and end all.
I am now setting up my 2nd business, but don't intend to make a proper living out of it yet. Looking for jobs is dreadful at the moment (As we all know!) especially with no experience, but i am hopgin to work my way up to the position i could of ogt to by going to uni, instead of going, i don't want the debt!
We shall see in 12 years time when i go and buy my first Ferrari who knew best....
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I'd agree.
I spent 3 years at uni and, in the last 20 years, have used almost none of what I learned there.
And I think that's a pretty common story.
Steve
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I haven't read all the posts on here but I am actually working on developoing enterprise projects in schools.
I invite students to create their own card games in teams but you are free to create your own game at school and we would publish the game as long as it has an educational content - does not have to be boring!
In fact I am working on a pokemon style card game with characters representing for example - the different energy types and then giving them a power/ or 5! relating to their factors or strengths. Or Trump-style card games with different careers.
A workshop is being piloted locally which will be rolled out regionally then nationally. If you are interested then we can work with your school to come in and deliver the workshops directly to students who then work into sub teams to create their own games.
Once the first prototype is done - it is tested (with peers) then voted on which is the best to go through and publish. Once it is published we sell the games and students/school receive royalty from each sale.
The only cost is to for the workshop. Otherwise we raise the funds to publish the games for a school in a borough. I am planning to get this developed annually.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
I invite students to create their own card games in teams but you are free to create your own game at school and we would publish the game as long as it has an educational content - does not have to be boring!
In fact I am working on a pokemon style card game with characters representing for example - the different energy types and then giving them a power/ or 5! relating to their factors or strengths. Or Trump-style card games with different careers.
A workshop is being piloted locally which will be rolled out regionally then nationally. If you are interested then we can work with your school to come in and deliver the workshops directly to students who then work into sub teams to create their own games.
Once the first prototype is done - it is tested (with peers) then voted on which is the best to go through and publish. Once it is published we sell the games and students/school receive royalty from each sale.
The only cost is to for the workshop. Otherwise we raise the funds to publish the games for a school in a borough. I am planning to get this developed annually.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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M
MH1
- Original Poster
- #27
As a kid I did the car wash business, built up a nice bunch of clients, had five mates working for me at one time, we used to do most of the estate most Sundays. Used to get paid £2 a car and my mates go a 50% cut, which meant they all got 50p per car, but only because they thought we were getting just a pound.
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For my advice - over 40 I'm allowed! - to the author, and the 17 year old with more businesses than I have! eek is to...go with your strengths! And good for you - for having the guts to do it/ask the question!
It differs for everyone, some are built for study, exams, uni etc...others are just more practical!
As long as you can make a living the way you choose, it's still you're choice!
If you have an idea you REALLY BELIEVE IN, then go for it! Now is the time, as long as you learn from the experience, good or bad, then it won't have been a waste!
PS - I'm an "ageist" - when it comes to employing people, I'm not employing anyone BELOW the age of 30! Sorry kids!
regards
Geoff
eek is to...go with your strengths! And good for you - for having the guts to do it/ask the question!It differs for everyone, some are built for study, exams, uni etc...others are just more practical!
As long as you can make a living the way you choose, it's still you're choice!
If you have an idea you REALLY BELIEVE IN, then go for it! Now is the time, as long as you learn from the experience, good or bad, then it won't have been a waste!
PS - I'm an "ageist" - when it comes to employing people, I'm not employing anyone BELOW the age of 30! Sorry kids!
regards
Geoff
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W
Wren Music Reviews
- Original Poster
- #29
I agree with Silklink on the first page. Write a blog and get some advertisements on it/affiliate with Amazon, that's what I'm doing at the moment. You can quite easily get an internet presence very cheaply. When I was 14 I was a lot like you and wanted to start my own business. I had loads of ideas but none of them were quite right. I'm 17 now and finally decided to start a website and get some money from that as it is very cheap.
DO NOT FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL! I may be 17 but I'm at Sixth Form and I'm after 3 A's at A Level. My business comes second to my studies, and for next years A2 exams I will be hiring from lower down the school so I can concentrate properly on revision. I didn't even launch the business until after my exams this year, even though I had the original idea in February.
Remember: you're 14 and probably won't make a lot out of your first business venture if you start it now, a lot like me. If you stay on at school, you could be earning upwards of 100k (if you want to be in financial services like me...). This money will enable you to make a bigger business in the future.
Hope this helps!
Martin
Wren Music Reviews
DO NOT FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL! I may be 17 but I'm at Sixth Form and I'm after 3 A's at A Level. My business comes second to my studies, and for next years A2 exams I will be hiring from lower down the school so I can concentrate properly on revision. I didn't even launch the business until after my exams this year, even though I had the original idea in February.
Remember: you're 14 and probably won't make a lot out of your first business venture if you start it now, a lot like me. If you stay on at school, you could be earning upwards of 100k (if you want to be in financial services like me...). This money will enable you to make a bigger business in the future.
Hope this helps!
Martin
Wren Music Reviews
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easyasit
- Original Poster
- #31
Another thing i used to do was deliver mini cab cards, mind you that was more of a job than a business i think.
I stand by the bicycle idea. I am sure there would be a market for that.
OR, get up to speed with computers if your not already, and be the local expert in that. You will defo see the money coming in then.
I stand by the bicycle idea. I am sure there would be a market for that.
OR, get up to speed with computers if your not already, and be the local expert in that. You will defo see the money coming in then.
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I worked on a farm in the mornings, milking cows etc, most mornings and every weekend, up until I was about 15. Then I always had a Saturday job (got me caned every Monday for almost a year, because I refused to give up my job to play in a school sports team on a saturday).
I also, once I hit 16 took on an evening job stacking shelves in a local supermarket, and it took over until I got my first full time position at 18.
There have been some very harsh criticisms of the value of education in general in this thread and I'm not gonna disagree that we could all pick a graduate or two who are as useless as an ashtray on a motorbike, but education has to be your goal at your age.
You need an education, but you also need a good healthy attitude towards work, and try to pick up some common sense along the way. I applaud you for being aged 14 and asking the question, and would be interested to hear how you proceed.
Good luck
I also, once I hit 16 took on an evening job stacking shelves in a local supermarket, and it took over until I got my first full time position at 18.
There have been some very harsh criticisms of the value of education in general in this thread and I'm not gonna disagree that we could all pick a graduate or two who are as useless as an ashtray on a motorbike, but education has to be your goal at your age.
You need an education, but you also need a good healthy attitude towards work, and try to pick up some common sense along the way. I applaud you for being aged 14 and asking the question, and would be interested to hear how you proceed.
Good luck
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easyasit
- Original Poster
- #33
i think on reflection a university education can be overated. There are too many insititutions offering degrees, many of them substandard subjects.
I will be honest i would not sanction any of my kids to do a degree thats going to land them a dead end job and be of no benefit. Trying to be PC of course.
That said and done you do get pushed on these courses and they do try and test you. If you have been to a proper university that is.
The problem is the people who are fresh out of university with decent degrees, it can be argued have mastered the art of examination but not the real world.
They say you only learn to drive after you pass your driving test, perhaps the same is true of university, you only really learn about your chosen profession and life when you are actually out there doing it.
while sure there are people who have made it without a degree, and i certainly have my regrets about the subject matter i studied, i would be hard put to say that the skills and the mindset i developed at university has not placed me in good stead.
It taught me to think properly, the troubleshoot and problem solve.
I guess different degree's teach different things.
There are also some high quality graduates out there, so it would be unfair to generalise too much.
What did not work for you might work for someone else, it depends on circumstance i guess.
That said and done i would not support any kids of mine through uni unless it was on a degree which is going to give them a career. Law, Medicine, Accounts, or teaching.
Yes, i know what many of you are going to say about teaching based on some of the threads i've read, but the chances are there will be a decently paid job in at the end of the day, thats what matters.
The problem with many teachers these days and i will say it, other than being failed professionals. They are often people who have gone from school to college, to uni, and then back to school again.
Such people i feel have not experienced life outside a classroom. Have no idea what the outside world is really like.
Like someone teaching chemistry, who has never actually worked in the field.
The problem is though, people with science degrees, this is esp true in astronomy for example, may get ot PHd level, but the competition for a post doc is nion impossible at the moment. So many end up as presenters, writing, or even teaching.
The case is worse in physics, unless those grads can get in with electrical R and D there is not much call for their discipline.
Wheras for chemists there is far more out there. in theory.
I am sure cornish steve will have something to say on this. Note i said in theory for chemisty (that was my major, and was untrue for me)
Hence i ended up where many ex scientists do go when they arnt teaching bs in schools, we end up in IT! Where else!
All of the above said and done, i am sure you would be hard pushed to say that you could all get by without the basics of english and maths. You need these basic skills to develop in business or otherwise, whether you get them in school or not.
I too was failed at school, much of my useful learning took place as it still does, me in a quiet corner with a book trying to figure the thing out.
Something i try to pass onto kids these days, dont wait to be taught, go ahead and learn for yourself. But before they can do this they need the tools.
As argued, schools do it seems, fail to provide these fundamental stem skills needed to develop into other things. but they are still nevertheless needed.
After all i am sure noone here would employ someone who could not read, write, and add up?
I hope i have helped clarify myself a little more from earlier.
I will be honest i would not sanction any of my kids to do a degree thats going to land them a dead end job and be of no benefit. Trying to be PC of course.
That said and done you do get pushed on these courses and they do try and test you. If you have been to a proper university that is.
The problem is the people who are fresh out of university with decent degrees, it can be argued have mastered the art of examination but not the real world.
They say you only learn to drive after you pass your driving test, perhaps the same is true of university, you only really learn about your chosen profession and life when you are actually out there doing it.
while sure there are people who have made it without a degree, and i certainly have my regrets about the subject matter i studied, i would be hard put to say that the skills and the mindset i developed at university has not placed me in good stead.
It taught me to think properly, the troubleshoot and problem solve.
I guess different degree's teach different things.
There are also some high quality graduates out there, so it would be unfair to generalise too much.
What did not work for you might work for someone else, it depends on circumstance i guess.
That said and done i would not support any kids of mine through uni unless it was on a degree which is going to give them a career. Law, Medicine, Accounts, or teaching.
Yes, i know what many of you are going to say about teaching based on some of the threads i've read, but the chances are there will be a decently paid job in at the end of the day, thats what matters.
The problem with many teachers these days and i will say it, other than being failed professionals. They are often people who have gone from school to college, to uni, and then back to school again.
Such people i feel have not experienced life outside a classroom. Have no idea what the outside world is really like.
Like someone teaching chemistry, who has never actually worked in the field.
The problem is though, people with science degrees, this is esp true in astronomy for example, may get ot PHd level, but the competition for a post doc is nion impossible at the moment. So many end up as presenters, writing, or even teaching.
The case is worse in physics, unless those grads can get in with electrical R and D there is not much call for their discipline.
Wheras for chemists there is far more out there. in theory.
I am sure cornish steve will have something to say on this. Note i said in theory for chemisty (that was my major, and was untrue for me)
Hence i ended up where many ex scientists do go when they arnt teaching bs in schools, we end up in IT! Where else!
All of the above said and done, i am sure you would be hard pushed to say that you could all get by without the basics of english and maths. You need these basic skills to develop in business or otherwise, whether you get them in school or not.
I too was failed at school, much of my useful learning took place as it still does, me in a quiet corner with a book trying to figure the thing out.
Something i try to pass onto kids these days, dont wait to be taught, go ahead and learn for yourself. But before they can do this they need the tools.
As argued, schools do it seems, fail to provide these fundamental stem skills needed to develop into other things. but they are still nevertheless needed.
After all i am sure noone here would employ someone who could not read, write, and add up?
I hope i have helped clarify myself a little more from earlier.
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Hey
What about car washing? - While you are washing one car knock on next door and ask them if they want there car washing. They are more likely to say yes because if next doors are having it done then you are more trust worthy.
I did this many many years ago, made a packet, low overheads and regular customer base!!!
All the best.
What about car washing? - While you are washing one car knock on next door and ask them if they want there car washing. They are more likely to say yes because if next doors are having it done then you are more trust worthy.
I did this many many years ago, made a packet, low overheads and regular customer base!!!
All the best.
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0
V
voiceswf
- Original Poster
- #36
Hi,
I agree with many of you on educational issues; however, I do think that every young person up to the age of 19 should try to obtain some A levels. Creating what I call a back door in life - most of our young teenagers out there at present seem to resent going on to college/uni - but the truth is that a reasonable education will open doors for you in the future.
My son done a foundation year in Science; I was gutted when he told me enough is enough dad. He explained how he did not like it there and didn't really fit in. I was quite disturbed when he explained to me that most of the students were posh and unfriendly towards him. He reckons their personalities are arrogant and seem to be financially sound (care free) and they flaunt it.
Anyways, he was in my view lucky to have obtained 2 A levels in maths and an AS level in maths and great GCSE results. He has now decided to do an advanced apprenticeship in engineering. And I am happy to say that he has interviews to attend, and has been invited to a stage 2 interview with Bespack here in Kings Lynn.
My other oldest is doing a degree in graphic design/communications and he seems to love it, no complaints. He do not like to budget his money and he does come unstuct at times, we help him best we can. His now on his final year commencing sept.
Anyways, my point is, create a back door; try and get to a reasonable standard of education first
Be lucky!
Voiceswf
I agree with many of you on educational issues; however, I do think that every young person up to the age of 19 should try to obtain some A levels. Creating what I call a back door in life - most of our young teenagers out there at present seem to resent going on to college/uni - but the truth is that a reasonable education will open doors for you in the future.
My son done a foundation year in Science; I was gutted when he told me enough is enough dad
. He explained how he did not like it there and didn't really fit in. I was quite disturbed when he explained to me that most of the students were posh and unfriendly towards him. He reckons their personalities are arrogant and seem to be financially sound (care free) and they flaunt it.Anyways, he was in my view lucky to have obtained 2 A levels in maths and an AS level in maths and great GCSE results. He has now decided to do an advanced apprenticeship in engineering. And I am happy to say that he has interviews to attend, and has been invited to a stage 2 interview with Bespack here in Kings Lynn.
My other oldest is doing a degree in graphic design/communications and he seems to love it, no complaints. He do not like to budget his money and he does come unstuct at times, we help him best we can. His now on his final year commencing sept.
Anyways, my point is, create a back door; try and get to a reasonable standard of education first
Be lucky!
Voiceswf
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N
NetwiseHosting
- Original Poster
- #39
I'd say education isnt as important as many people like to make out, but it is important none-the-less. At the very least it will open doors and avenues that are otherwise closed or incredibly difficult to open without.
But thats not to say you cant make tidy money at your age, along side school. Dont worry about pressuring yourself into getting A's/A*'s. If you balance school with some work and get decent enough passes, you will be onto a winner.
A close friend of mine has been making fairly good money since he was younger than yourself. Buying and selling in certain areas works. Try to remain in an area with minimal/no physical contact with the customer, as you being so young will be off-putting to buyers/customers, regardless of how good/bad you are.
But thats not to say you cant make tidy money at your age, along side school. Dont worry about pressuring yourself into getting A's/A*'s. If you balance school with some work and get decent enough passes, you will be onto a winner.
A close friend of mine has been making fairly good money since he was younger than yourself. Buying and selling in certain areas works. Try to remain in an area with minimal/no physical contact with the customer, as you being so young will be off-putting to buyers/customers, regardless of how good/bad you are.
Upvote
0
J
James.Dunford
- Original Poster
- #40
Just want to say thanks for this thread, providing interesting reading!! I have just finished my a levels today (Predicted A (Business ) D,D) and i am not going to uni, and it is all very daunting! Hence why i am trying to get a job to gain experience! Especially seeing as my new website hasn't exactly taken off!! (Pardon the pun if anyone has seen what it is called )
) D,D) and i am not going to uni, and it is all very daunting! Hence why i am trying to get a job to gain experience! Especially seeing as my new website hasn't exactly taken off!! (Pardon the pun if anyone has seen what it is called )
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0
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