School Of Hard Knocks
Today I took my first steps in achieving higher education through work today as my boss and I went to visit Swinburne TAFE in Wantirna. I felt very nervous as we trekked through the school grounds, it brought back many memories of high school and my brief stay at RMIT. However as one of the teachers was showing us around and talking about what areas I would be studying my nerves slowly changed into excitement, which was a strange feeling, I never thought I would be excited at the prospect of studying again.
When I started my job here at TNA I had never intended to stay and I had planned on returning to study in the future but I never found anything that had taken my interest. I think the only reason why I had wanted to study in the first place was because it’s what all my friends were doing, which isn’t the reason why you should go to school. I now believe that’s why I never had any motivation when I was at RMIT, I didn’t really want to be there, it’s just what everyone else was doing. The few people I knew who went from high school straight into work were generally mocked among my friends because that wasn’t the “norm”.
I’ve learnt now that school isn’t the “be all and end all” of your life, school is not for everyone and there are many other directions in life you can go. Many of the people I know now who passed up on going to uni (or TAFE) are on the road to great success. Some are web designers, lighting technicians, apprentices, regional managers and even models. These people all earn decent wages and have great futures ahead of them yet none of them went on to pursue higher education.
I feel now that I am only ready to study because I know what “real work” (manual labour) is like and it’s simply not for me. Because I chose to wait it now feels right to return to school because it’s what I want to do, I’m not doing it because it’s expected by others or because it’s what everyone else is doing, the “norm” so to speak.
In summary, for those of you reading this who are either just finishing their studies at high school and are preparing to move on, or even those still in high school who will no doubt be feeling pressured into seeking higher education. Don’t stress because school is not your thing. Live a little, try joining the workforce and see where it leads you. Take your time, don’t rush and think carefully about the reason you want to seek an education. Don’t feel pressured by anyone and do what you believe is right for you
posted by Brodie @ 3:29 PM
3 Comments:
I totally agree Bro, I felt my whole school life like it was a waste of time, the pressure from parents and the like to go onto uni or tafe was overwhelming. But I didn't, ive been working for only 4 years and I make more money than my parents, and I enjoy what I do.
Its great to hear that you have direction. Oh and is your work seriously called TNA?!? Thats awesome.
Nicely said Bro. I think I was lucky to know what I wanted to do before finishing high school, so it made sense to go striaght to uni after VCE. Having this year off for me has allowed me to think about where I'm going and confirm that I am still happy pursuing this course.
Best wishes for going back to study. You'll find the assignments so much easier to handle when
a) you know you enjoy the area and want to work in it, and
b) you can see how it will help your future
Indeed, I thought I knew what I wanted to do in Year 12 (health science) which is really just another way of studying the same subjects as nursing and ending up with a "nothing" degree. Im glad I worked for a year and realised what I really wanted to do. It was a blessing in disguise and allowed me to save for a car without the struggle a lot of people go through as a side benefit.
Things have a way of working themselves out.
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