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The school to university to a lifelong career path that was once so standard is not  necessarily the reality of modern life today.

What was once seen as the ‘next logical step’ for all young academics, is no longer so for many reasons most important of which is related to student fees. 

University isn’t the right choice for everyone and there are actually plenty of other options that your school might not be telling you about.
Today, many school-leavers are still unsure what they actually want to do with their lives, and this can mean falling into a university course that they don’t really care about  just because they “feel as if they should.” 

This is why the gap year has become such a popular alternative. Taking  a year out for self-reflection where you can assess your options and make solid plans for the future is becoming the preferred option. However, this option is often not enough for some, as it can  be quite daunting and confusing for them. 

However, there are a few areas to examine in order to help you decide whether or not university is the path that’s right for you. 

Favourite subjects:

One way to determine if university is the right path for you is to ask yourself if there were any standout subjects at school that you valued above all others. Did you always find yourself interested in ancient history? Or did you discover a penchant for the piano that could potentially lead to to a career as a session musician with the right training and qualifications? 

Remember that as long as you have passion, there is probably a degree for you.

Career path plan:

If you are lucky enough to know exactly what you want to do with your life, then research that career and find out whether or not a university degree would be beneficial or just a waste of time.

Vocational courses and apprenticeships:

The Job Centre is full of University students struggling to find a clear route into the careers they are qualified for, but if you know exactly what you want to do with your life from the off-set then a vocational course might be better suited to you.

Location and finances:

Whilst it’s perhaps not a pleasant point to finish on, some of us simply can’t afford university and would be better served by taking a job closer to home with long-term prospects. Location is also a great deal to consider, for if you’re living away from home, you’ll need to pay rent, which can be quite pricey in certain cities.

Reposted from: https://channongray.com/how-to-decide-if-university-is-the-right-route-for-you/