Question To do, or not to do, that is the question

[ramathorn]

hello hello

So, I've been in the same job since i left school (8 years ago) - I f**kin hate it. Infact, I'm starting to hate IT in general, really starting to feel like it's not what i want to do. Maybe I could / should have realised this a bit earlier, but I guess thats life.

I've been thinking for a while now for what to do, the way things are now there arent a lot of jobs knocking about, especially ones that are going to take someone on who is looking a career change and coming in having to learn on his feet.

I've tried night classes, courses from home, but I just cant get the time as something always seems to come up with work. Perhaps I'm using this as an excuse and I just dont have the discipline to work a full time job then come home and work all night. Either way, this is a no go.

I've applied for a couple of Universities doing film studies full time, starting September 09. So I've got nine months or so to save as much as possible to put behind me for mortgage payments etc and to act as a buffer for whatever sort of loans they will give me.

I've no kids, not married.

Has anyone else done the whole "mature student" thing, has it worked for them?

Any other people who have hopped careers, how did you do it?

Am I just being a prick, everyone hates their job and should I just get on with it?

Any insights, words of wisdom, criticisms, what ever?

I have discussed with friends, they all think its a great idea (most of them having gone to uni, where as I have not).

I have discussed with my parents, they think its a bad idea, they both had the same job for 40something years until they retired, they didnt like it, but they did it.

I'm very keen on doing it, and I plan on working hard at it, I just a little torn at the moment.

 

[throdgrain]

You're not being a prick, do what you got to do.

 

[Edmond]

Your 24, with no commitments, if your gonna do it, do it now.

I was in my last job for 22 years, when i got to 30 i realised i shoud have done something about re training at you age, wish i had of

I know people who have changed career paths, and taken a step back to do it, but after 2/3 years it pays of because they are in a better position to progress in thier chosen proffesion, and most of all, they enjoy what they do

 

[ST^]

This is so weird. I'm 24 and have been in the same IT job since I left school 8 years ago. I'm also wanting a new job. Only difference is, I kinda like IT

 

[DaGaffer]

I left school at 16, worked for 7 years, did the apprenticeship, blah, blah. Quit, and went to Uni when I was 23, stayed 4 years and did a masters as well. The best decision I ever made, bar none.

I even had a mortgage and a flat, which I gave up, and similar to you, my Mum in particular was very nervous about me giving up a good job (which like you, I realised was a mistake, and I'd actively grown to hate), but she'd definitely agree now that I made the right choice.

I made an active decision to move away from my home town (I think being a student with working mates with money still part of your normal social life is a recipe for disaster - I still kept in touch with some of them, but you will grow apart), and I threw myself into 'proper' student life. At your age you won't be considered a proper "mature" student (apart from the odd granddad joke), and in actual fact you get to be a teenager twice, without all the spottiness and angst from the first time. I had a fucking ball.

 

[rynnor]

Go for it! Training during a recession is a great idea and if you want to change direction your definately young enough to do it.

You'll never regret doing it but if you dont do it you'll spend the rest of your life wondering how things could have been...

Good luck!

 

[Scouse]

Quit. I'm 35 and desparately wracking my brain to find something that pays as well as IT but isn't as mind numbingly soul-destroying.

I've been off work a year now with an injury, could have found another job 3 months ago but have sat on my ass spending the rest of my savings instead rather than jump back into work. (I'll have to soon tho).

I'd go back to Uni myself but I'm too old now - not to learn, but tbfh I'd not enjoy myself with people that young anymore - got too many years on them to find the same things exciting anymore...

Do it

 

[Belgerath]

Yep still studying my MCSE at home but up to MCSA qualified and 2bh its hard work with a full time job wife etc....

But at 24 not married etc if you really want to do it do it now.

However having been in the same job for 8yrs I'd advise that unless you hate IT with a passion just get another job.

A change is as good as a rest apperently

 

[taB]

Your parents' reticence comes from fear of the unknown if they worked the same job from school to retirement. You seem to be at a stage in life where even if it goes horribly tits up you won't lose much.

You won't really be a mature student at your age and you'll have a ball cos those few extra years should mean your head's screwed on a tad more securely.

You have mortgage payments to make. Can you rent your place out and move into shared digs? Might be a bit wierd to start with but it's definately a good experience. And you don't won't those scummy students trashing your place when they all go back to yours

Am definately in the do it camp.

 

[Tom]

If you want to work in television, a film studies course will get you nowhere.

 

[Vae]

I think you have to consider what your ultimate aim is. While a degree is always useful and certainly helps a school leaver you could find that you're better off bypassing the Degree and heading into the area of work you want to go for. This decision is very much going to depend on where you intend to go. As Tom mentions Film Studies won't help get into TV work (I'm not sure what it will help tbh), and other vocational jobs you'd be better doing the relevent qualifications e.g. accounting/plumbing/whatever.

3 years spent getting experience and a foot in the door in your target area may well be better than 3 years in degree that puts you at the same stage as every other graduate. Your years in work are what is going to distinguish you to a potential employer.

 

[mycenae]

From a personal point of view - Do it, definiftly.

If I'm playing devils advocate, then I do have to ask what you think a film studies course will help you do? Its certainly going to do no good if you want to work in front of or behind the camera in film or television - and both those media are fecking hard to get into anyway. Just a thought, but i know many people that have studied film or media at uni and that found it gets them absolutely nowhere.

 

[ramathorn]

Thanks for all the replies folks, much appreciated and really has just reaffirmed my belief that it is the right thing to do.

This is so weird. I'm 24 and have been in the same IT job since I left school 8 years ago. I'm also wanting a new job. Only difference is, I kinda like IT

I used to like it, I also still sort of like gadgets and technology in general. Not sure what has happened to me tbh. I enjoyed getting my CCNA and MCSE (2003) - I have been asked by my employer to get my MCITP (2008) - I just cant bring myself to start it and looking at the Cisco CLI just depresses me now.

I made an active decision to move away from my home town (I think being a student with working mates with money still part of your normal social life is a recipe for disaster - I still kept in touch with some of them, but you will grow apart), and I threw myself into 'proper' student life. At your age you won't be considered a proper "mature" student (apart from the odd granddad joke), and in actual fact you get to be a teenager twice, without all the spottiness and angst from the first time. I had a fucking ball.

I've been getting this advise from a lot of people, they all went to Uni in other parts of the UK and said it was the best time of their lives. If it is at all possible, it will be what i do.

You have mortgage payments to make. Can you rent your place out and move into shared digs? Might be a bit wierd to start with but it's definately a good experience. And you don't won't those scummy students trashing your place when they all go back to yours

I have talked to my brother, he and his lady friend have said they will rent it from me as they will be looking a place sort of in and around Sept. Wont completely cover the mortgage but will be a fair chunk towards it, plus I know it will be in good hands (i know for a fact the first night he's in they will shag in my bed though )

If you want to work in television, a film studies course will get you nowhere.

I think you have to consider what your ultimate aim is. While a degree is always useful and certainly helps a school leaver you could find that you're better off bypassing the Degree and heading into the area of work you want to go for. This decision is very much going to depend on where you intend to go. As Tom mentions Film Studies won't help get into TV work (I'm not sure what it will help tbh), and other vocational jobs you'd be better doing the relevent qualifications e.g. accounting/plumbing/whatever.

3 years spent getting experience and a foot in the door in your target area may well be better than 3 years in degree that puts you at the same stage as every other graduate. Your years in work are what is going to distinguish you to a potential employer.

If I'm playing devils advocate, then I do have to ask what you think a film studies course will help you do? Its certainly going to do no good if you want to work in front of or behind the camera in film or television - and both those media are fecking hard to get into anyway.

I'll be honest with you, I don't know what I want to do it at the end of it. I guess I was hoping to get some inspiration along the way while studying something I really enjoy. I suppose its like most professions, if you are particularly good at something you will find work. You get out what you put in, atleast thats what I'm hoping as I really do plan on putting a hell of a lot in to it. I was thinking paths like film reviewing / critiqing, video editing etc. would tie in with the degree as both are covered and practised pretty extensively thoughout it.

I have my name in with every agency I could find online for runner positions. Its working for free and long hours, but it gets you experience in a production environment, gets your face known and if you show some enthusiasm, who knows what could happen.

Again, thanks for the replies

 

[SilverHood]

If you want to work in TV, try Bournemouth Uni's Media Studies course, it's one of the few places that BBC / ITV will hire from, but as others have said, it's still gonna be hard as nails to break into.

Considered doing an IT degree? You know the ropes already. When you're done, you'll be way more employable than most of your fellow graduates.

 

[Tom]

There are a million and one people wanting to be in TV. They all take the meeja courses, they all have jeans around their arses and metrosexual t-shirts, and most of them get nowhere fast.

If you want to work in television and have a future, then learn a skill - something that others can't by reading a book. Learn to be a photographer (an important route if you want to operate a video camera), or take a technical course (one that teaches you ohms law, electromagnetism, how microphones work, induction, etc). Look for jobs with outside broadcast companies, they're the ones with guaranteed work.

Trust me on this, meeja courses are useless. Employers value practical skills, nothing else. Oh and those employers who are giving you unpaid work experience - they're breaking the law. Consider if you want to work for such people. Oh and television is very difficult to get into. It can take years. I'm not trying to put you off because I love it, just making sure you know what's what.

 

[DaGaffer]

I have my name in with every agency I could find online for runner positions. Its working for free and long hours, but it gets you experience in a production environment, gets your face known and if you show some enthusiasm, who knows what could happen.

Again, thanks for the replies

One of my mates did that. Used to work with me at GAME as a project manager, gave it up to be an unpaid runner at Channel 4 (worked on Green Wing and that Jimmy Carr quizshow from a while back). Now he's back in online working for an agency. Realised they were taking the piss even if he did enjoy the experience.

I'd agree with Tom about media studies, its wank, and is unlikely to get you a job in TV, but there is a way to jump the queue; go to a very good university (e.g. Oxbridge), its amazing how many doors at the BBC that opens, no matter what subject you do...

 

[ramathorn]

If you want to work in TV, try Bournemouth Uni's Media Studies course, it's one of the few places that BBC / ITV will hire from, but as others have said, it's still gonna be hard as nails to break into.

Considered doing an IT degree? You know the ropes already. When you're done, you'll be way more employable than most of your fellow graduates.

Thanks, I will have a look at this today.

I considered an IT degree about two years ago but never got round to it due to just getting my house and needed the income from a job to make it liveable. Now that my enthusiasm for IT has wained I never really gave it another thought, on the otherhand - new surroundings, new people and a bit of craic could make it enjoyable again. Will definately give it more thought.

There are a million and one people wanting to be in TV. They all take the meeja courses, they all have jeans around their arses and metrosexual t-shirts, and most of them get nowhere fast.

If you want to work in television and have a future, then learn a skill - something that others can't by reading a book. Learn to be a photographer (an important route if you want to operate a video camera), or take a technical course (one that teaches you ohms law, electromagnetism, how microphones work, induction, etc). Look for jobs with outside broadcast companies, they're the ones with guaranteed work.

Trust me on this, meeja courses are useless. Employers value practical skills, nothing else. Oh and those employers who are giving you unpaid work experience - they're breaking the law. Consider if you want to work for such people. Oh and television is very difficult to get into. It can take years. I'm not trying to put you off because I love it, just making sure you know what's what.

One of my mates did that. Used to work with me at GAME as a project manager, gave it up to be an unpaid runner at Channel 4 (worked on Green Wing and that Jimmy Carr quizshow from a while back). Now he's back in online working for an agency. Realised they were taking the piss even if he did enjoy the experience.

I'll bow to your collective superior knowledge / experience on this.

A guy I work with did this for RPM "minding" camera men at the local rally's. He did it for a lot of years for free, using his holidays from his full time job to go work for them. I often said to him he was being taken for a mug. Now he's just back from two weeks in Japan, earlier in the year he was in Barbados, Greece and Spain - among others (all very well paid).

I appreciate now this may be a rare case, but this was my reasoning behind the "showing hard work and enthusiam" part of my last post. I'm a very naive person. More thought required no doubt.

 

[mycenae]

What Tom said is pretty much what I was trying to say, he was just more blunt about it. I too am speaking from persoanl experience - both my parents are in the business, one of them has been very successful, one has not. ironically the one who was more successful, has been the less talented and has worked less hard - they simply got a lucky break. Thats pretty much what telly and film is - lucky breaks all the way. Please don't think for one minute that hard work and enthusiasm will get you noticed - it won't. Kissing ass and sleeping with the right people might, but its no guarantee!

 

[Tom]

Now he's just back from two weeks in Japan, earlier in the year he was in Barbados, Greece and Spain - among others (all very well paid).

Pay on those jobs is nothing compared to what it was 5 years ago, and frankly the WRC lot are overworked.

 

[Scouse]

Considered doing an IT degree? You know the ropes already. When you're done, you'll be way more employable than most of your fellow graduates.

MCSE & CCNA make you more employable than a graduate. IT degrees are a waste of time IMHO...