University or Work Life?

How I made my lifestyle choice...

It was 2 years ago I left sixth form and finished my A levels, I had an A in art, B in ICT and C in geography. As you can tell by my subject choices I had no idea where I wanted to be in life after sixth form, which a lot of people find themselves in that situation wondering what path to take? It was coming towards applying for university and I decided I wanted to become a nurse and study child nursing. I feel this idea had come from seeing my twin sisters being born in a neonatal unit and how the lifestyle of a child nurse would be. Long story short I had a few interviews but didn't get a placement. This got me thinking was university really the place I wanted to be for the next 3 years? I applied to study ICT at Cardiff university I had a place to start in September 2013 in the end.

Whilst I had my 6 weeks summer holiday I was working part time in McDonalds which pains me to say! I had got to the point where I really couldn't stand to work there much longer! So I started applying for full time jobs. My step mum worked in Admiral car insurance in customer services, which she had talked about to me, I found it really interesting. Admiral sounded like heaven compared to where I worked from the incentives to work parties, so I applied for a job in Admiral in the renewals department. 

Weeks before I was due to start university, I had an interview for Admiral I was over the moon. This was the most nerve racking moment of my life, it was my first proper interview. Finding something to wear was stressful, I opted for a black suit and white blouse with black trousers, I was feeling rather confident in my suit! I found the interview went well but I found myself anxiously waiting for a reply from them. One day I was sat outside McDonalds on my break on a nice summers day, and I had a phone call from Admiral to congratulate me on getting the job!! I couldn't have been happier, I was really chuffed with myself. 

The photo I uploaded on Instagram the day of my interview.

It soon dawned on me that I was due to start university and I had to make my first real life choice. I weighed up the pros and cons for both. 

University was great in the fact you come out of it with a highly qualified degree, you meet loads of new friends, most say university can be the best time of your life. The cons is the amount of debt you can get into and after you finish there is no real guarantee of a job. A lot of companies don't like to employ people who are over qualified. 

Thinking about working full time at Admiral was definitely something I liked the idea of. I am very money driven, I personally love the idea of having my own money, instead of debt from uni. Admiral offered me so many benefits including shares in the company, incentive pay and massive Admiral summer parties. Admiral would also give me the opportunity to meet new people too. The cons is that yes the reality of life hits you, I'd have to stand on my own two feet. I think university still gives you comfort and the feeling of not having to worry about anything. I found getting a full time job quite daunting and scary l was very unsure what to do. 

Fast approaching was September and I finally decided to ditch university, hand my resignation to McDonald's and start working for Admiral which I was very sure about after weighing everything up. At this time I has also met my boyfriend which was going well and the thought of being bogged down my university and not being able to see him, wasn't something I liked the idea of. Relationships are definitely something you always think about if your in one, when thinking about going to university, especially if your thinking of moving far away from home. 

By this post you may think I'm biased about work life but this was the best choice ive ever made. I have now been working in Admiral for 1 year and 4 months, I love where I work, I love all the new people ive met and I actually enjoy waking up for work. I sound crazy I know.. But even now I still love my job, now more than ever. The reason I chose work was one I couldn't face any more exams ever again and I wanted to start living my life. I have bought my first car and planning to move out with my boyfriend. These things wouldn't be possible without being in employment.

That's my little story about how my life has changed in the last 2 years, my dad always said "one day you will wake up to the real world" and now that actually makes sense to me. 

What do you think uni or work after school/college?