Post by Johnny Fartpants on Jul 14, 2023 14:41:13 GMT
Nope, didn't go to uni. I started my A levels in 6th form, got halfway through and just didn't know what I wanted to do. I wrote to the company my Mam was working for at the time, just to see if I could get some summer work and cash during the school holiday and whilst I decided if I wanted to go back. The company were impressed with my letter, offered me the chance to apply for a 4 year apprenticeship with an ONC and HNC qualification, so I thought "why not?" applied and got the job. That was 40 years ago. I am now a Business Manager for a large European company and have been travelling regularly around Europe for the last 20+ years.
I'm glad I took the chance and didn't go back to finish my A levels. I know it was pot luck, but there you go.
Post by Half Machine Lipschitz on Jul 14, 2023 14:53:49 GMT
Not university. I took a 3-year commercial photography course at a technical school in Montreal. I've never felt like I missed out on anything by following that path.
I'm thinking of going soon, in my semi-retirement. I've very much enjoyed the classes I've taken, but fortunately I'm well enough settled into my job that I can focus on what I want to learn, and not follow any particular curriculum. Though it'd be nice to get the piece of paper. And I'm now old enough that I can take advantage of great discounts to do so!
Started work at 14 while still at school, left school started work full time straight away. Record shop then a production job in a Biotech company, left after 25 years as a Business Analyst without any "proper" qualifications.
Yes, twice actually. But didn't finish a degree either time.
First time around, I went into accounting as I thought it would offer good career opportunities. I quit that after a year and a half or so as it was BORING AS SH*T. I just couldn't see myself doing that kind of work forever.
After a few years of working (private detective, then record stores, then an office job) I decided that I needed to go back and get into computers (this would have been 1986-1987 by then). So I did.
But a couple of years into that (night classes mostly) I landed a decent job where I could use my fairly sophisticated skills (for the era - hell, I could use spreadsheets and produce graphics before we had a mouse on the desk and DOS was king in the business world at that time). But the new boss advised me, before I accepted the job, that I would be better off dropping whatever courses I was taking as I would be incredibly busy workwise at exam time. And he was absolutely correct.
So I dropped out of uni again and have never been back. I still work for that company but the work has evolved incredibly since then. I've never once regretted it.
Yes. Music major. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. I did make a number of lasting friendships, and in general I look back on the experience with much fondness, but when I really think about it I went through some hells there, too.
Left in the middle of my fourth year to join a punk band with uni friends who had graduated. Aside from disappointing my parents (and they got over it, I think), I've no regrets about any of it.
Edit: Reading all of these responses, I'm surprised how different my experience was from most here. I had a blast at University..Met some amazing people (Including my future wife) who have been lifelong friends, experienced wide ranging cultural elements through the eyes and ears of those around me (My film and music acumen was forever enhanced by those years), got the opportunity to learn/study/grow scholastically with wide ranging coursework which was rewarding on an inner level, as well as employment wise.
Not sure what would have become of me without the three initial degrees (Got a second post graduate degree later in life) and my times at UCLA.
I went when I was 17. Social Sciences BA, majoring in Sociology, with courses in economics, politics and economic history. Quit after two years of a sociology PhD because I was never going to finish it and I had discovered drugs and my True Will.
Undergraduate years got me dead parent, fathering a son I wouldn't see until he was in his thirties, and First Love. Postgrad years fell in with a good crowd and my life started then. Most of my friends from that period - have made very few since.
Didn't do a career ... but I'm sure you all know my life story by now, I've written it so many times.