Hi all,

I really dont know what I want to do in my life and it's really getting me down. I am 20 years old and left school with 9 GCSE's, 6 of which were grade C and above. I then went to College to study Media but dropped out after the first year. From the age of 17, I have been working full time in Admin and I hate it. Its the only thing I have experience in so Ive accidentally fallen into jobs because it's what I know.

I would love to go back to College or even Uni but there are loads of things I would be interested in doing but cant make up my mind. The only thing stopping me from going back to education is the cost, I cant afford to give up work. I have a loan and a credit card which I HAVE to pay each month. I also don't have any A levels so Im going to find it hard to get into Uni.

Im getting really depressed about it. All my friends are at Uni and are enjoying it, and I just feel like ive done nothing at all with my life. I was so ambitious when I was younger and always wanted to go to Uni but its just not happened. I cannot stand working in an office, sitting in front of a computer all day does my head in! I get very easily distracted if Im not kept busy and lose motivation day by day to even get out of bed. I want a job that's hands on where I am out and about everyday doing different things. I applied for the police force last year and failed at the first step, I am meant to be applying again in November but I cannot remain positive for it.

I would just like to know how I can get qualifications and still earn money, I have looked at apprenticeships but there is nothing that really appeals to me :(

Hi Sophie
You are being too hard on yourself. You need to take a step back and start seeing things more objectively. One way of doing this is to ask yourself, "if this was a friend of mine what advice would I give". You need to make a plan.

Firstly you have very good qualifications, this shows that you can commit to study and do well. You have done well.

Secondly, you are in a job you don't particularly like but I'm sure you are very good at it - and you are getting paid! Being financially independent is a good thing, it gives you options. You definately need to concentrate on paying off the loan and the credit card, but you know this, even if it means making sacrifices, not going out with friends one weekend etc. So don't give up on the job just yet.

Thirdly it is possible to study for A levels on a part time basis if you want to go down this route. There will be some costs involved, but if you are earning then this may be achievable. Knowing that you are working towards gaining an A level and working towards your future may make your job seem a little more valuable (and bearable) - its a means to an end. Pick up all the part time study course information form your local colleges. Many colleges have open days where you can go along and discuss the different courses on offer. Make sure you go, speak to as many people as you can, its only by discussing things that you will find out what appeals and what doesnt.

Now, what to study? Only you can answer this. Do as much research on the jobs that appeal to you as you can. Ask people what they enjoy about their jobs and how they got into them. Use your friends experince of uni and ask them the same questions. View it as research.

Really understand where your strengths lie. Are you a good communicator? Do you really enjoy number work/sums/maths? What you enjoy in your spare time can be a good indicator as well. Also the O'levels that you did best in and enjoyed the most will show you where your strengths lie.

If you have a plan of attack you will feel very much more in control of the situation and not so overwhelmed by it.
And remember that you are still young (and I don't mean to be patronising here). Time is on your side.

Personally I had many jobs before I decided at the age of 27 to go back to study Art at A'level as a part time evening course. I had always enjoyed painting and drawing throughout all the jobs I had. I did so well and enjoyed it so much I went on to do an Art Foundation course for a year and from there went on to do a 3 year degree in graphic design. I've been a graphic designer now for the last 13 years. I did all of this whilst having bills to pay and a young child to bring up. It is possible. But it won't happen overnight. Sometimes it takes a little while to find your way.

I wish you good luck for the future, I'm sure that whatever you find yourself doing you'll do your best.
I hope this has been helpful
Toonks x