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To work or not to work.....
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Good morning all,
One of my siblings has just graduated (I am the proudest mum in the World) and has been wondering whether it is best to apply for jobs now or take a break and enjoy some free time. There has been no gap between A levels and finishing her 4 years at Uni – so no gap year and no break!
The question I was asked this morning was: Will future employers not think I am a piss taker if I do not look for a job now, especially in the current employment conditions?
I am certain that quite a lot of you will be facing a similar situation so if this was one of your kids, what would you advise? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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No kids here - but many moons ago I was in a similar dilemma!!
I took a year out and travelled between school and uni (having family and friends abroad made it easier admittedly) but still took 6 months to wind down and take my time looking for work after graduating.
These days with the joys of the net, iphones et al, it should be easy in some respects to do both. If plans are kept loose (unless it's an epic round the world adventure that's desired!) there's no reason why an eye can't be kept on the job market whilst taking a well earned break. Finances will come into it of course - if there's been the usual debts run up through study the last thing any graduate needs is an extra burden to clear once employed. Maybe an initial 3 month break would be a good move - with the option of coming home should that perfect job opportunity arise?
As for the views of potential employers - some real world experience and travel counts for a lot these days, rather than just a perfect education and a life spent with heads in books! |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
Travel with a bit of volunteering thrown in or showing how they funded it on their own (in the main) will go down well with employers.
I generally take on the young people that show some gumption and potential. |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
to afford a gap year you first have to save up, so either have them get any old job but also have them apply to jobs specific to their fields.
Once graduating, its essential that knowledge be applied to the field of interest or it becomes outdated rather quickly.
A degree is not only specific but also shows a level of understanding/communication/intelligence/commitment to learning and education so a lot of degrees arent applied. But if they want to succeed in their field have them apply to jobs that tie in.
A lot of employers allow a gap year now anyway, though keepiing the CV up to date in the current market would be a good advantage imo |
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I work in the hospitality industry, and before that retail. When I was in retail, I worked with our training department in recruiting graduates for our graduate fast track scheme. We looked on graduates that had taken time out to travel and gain experience far more favourably than those that had gone straight through education with no break. Even less favourably on those that had gone straight through education without working.
My advice would be to make loose plans, maybe 6 months initially. But do something with those 6 months. Either volunteer at home or abroad. Yes, gap years can be exciting volunteering in far flung places, but people forget there is a lot of volunteer work in the UK too. |
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"No kids here - but many moons ago I was in a similar dilemma!!
I took a year out and travelled between school and uni (having family and friends abroad made it easier admittedly) but still took 6 months to wind down and take my time looking for work after graduating.
These days with the joys of the net, iphones et al, it should be easy in some respects to do both. If plans are kept loose (unless it's an epic round the world adventure that's desired!) there's no reason why an eye can't be kept on the job market whilst taking a well earned break. Finances will come into it of course - if there's been the usual debts run up through study the last thing any graduate needs is an extra burden to clear once employed. Maybe an initial 3 month break would be a good move - with the option of coming home should that perfect job opportunity arise?
As for the views of potential employers - some real world experience and travel counts for a lot these days, rather than just a perfect education and a life spent with heads in books!"
This is very good advice and is along the line of my own thinking! I just have to convince her and thats not so a mean feat! Merci. |
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"I work in the hospitality industry, and before that retail. When I was in retail, I worked with our training department in recruiting graduates for our graduate fast track scheme. We looked on graduates that had taken time out to travel and gain experience far more favourably than those that had gone straight through education with no break. Even less favourably on those that had gone straight through education without working.
My advice would be to make loose plans, maybe 6 months initially. But do something with those 6 months. Either volunteer at home or abroad. Yes, gap years can be exciting volunteering in far flung places, but people forget there is a lot of volunteer work in the UK too."
That is a very interesting point as she had thought of volunteering. Thank you for your input  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I would advise to take a break and do some travelling she has obviously worked hard 
I have a fund for my kids ive paid into it since they were born and its for them to either go off and see some of the world or to buy a car with when they finish studying  |
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"I would advise to take a break and do some travelling she has obviously worked hard
I have a fund for my kids ive paid into it since they were born and its for them to either go off and see some of the world or to buy a car with when they finish studying "
Thats a very wise thing you have done and I am sure they will be very thankful when the time comes for them to 'fly the nest'. Yes, it has been 4 years of hard work and I am trying to encourage her down that route. Her degree is in Japanese studies and she lived in Tokyo for 1 year so it would be ideal if she could work over there and travel at the same time. Thank you. |
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By *els_BellsWoman
over a year ago
with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc |
I'd suggest the same thing as others have said. He/she should have time to his/herself and travel or whatever but do some voluteering in their chosen field of work.
Volunteering does help, but it is a really tough time for someone to be looking for work. I graduated 2 years ago and have been a stay at home mum, as well as looking for work. So, I am way down some recruitment lists as I haven't been able to volunteer.
2 years on, I have only just got a job (so long as my clearance and medical are ok, so fingers crossed!) and it isn't really in the field of work I studied, but I am so grateful for work!
Make sure they are aware of how tough the job market is and how voluntry work is favoured.
I wish you and you child all the very best x |
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"I'd suggest the same thing as others have said. He/she should have time to his/herself and travel or whatever but do some voluteering in their chosen field of work.
Volunteering does help, but it is a really tough time for someone to be looking for work. I graduated 2 years ago and have been a stay at home mum, as well as looking for work. So, I am way down some recruitment lists as I haven't been able to volunteer.
2 years on, I have only just got a job (so long as my clearance and medical are ok, so fingers crossed!) and it isn't really in the field of work I studied, but I am so grateful for work!
Make sure they are aware of how tough the job market is and how voluntry work is favoured.
I wish you and you child all the very best x"
I am so very pleased that you have found work, it must be a load off your mind...all the best and as you said although it may not be in your field - it is work! I hope you will find your ideal job! I did not realise how important volunteering and maybe she does not either so I will tell her. Thank you. |
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By *els_BellsWoman
over a year ago
with the moon n stars somewhere in gtr manc |
"
I am so very pleased that you have found work, it must be a load off your mind...all the best and as you said although it may not be in your field - it is work! I hope you will find your ideal job! I did not realise how important volunteering and maybe she does not either so I will tell her. Thank you."
Thank you. It was a massive load off my mind, it's been a hard couple of years, and on occasions quite soul destroying. But, I got there! I have my medical tomorrow, so hoping they don't realise I'm away with the fairies most of the time lol. But thank you and yes it is a job and one I'm really looking forward to!
Volunteering gives you hands on experience for that job so shows one is keen and willing so if your daughter can do it, even if it's just a month or two towards the end of her travels, it will give her an advantage. Good luck x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Any job in Japan would seem appropriate, also if young enough to get a 1 year work visa in Australia it would seem wrong not to do so!
Degree backed up by travel and living experience is a major plus these days.
Congratulations btw. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If it helps... When I had a 'real job' and had graduates working for me, the difference between those who had travelled and/or worked overseas for a significant period during their education, and those who hadn't, was enormous.
Those who had were more rounded characters, more resourceful, generally unphased when thrown a 'curved ball' and, of course, far more worldy-wise. Those who had not travelled or worked during their degree or A levels couldn't work out why they lagged behind and got very defensive when it was pointed out to them.
ted. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As a potential employer, I would like to know how the gap year or whatever is spent.
If it is spent constructively like travelling, voluntary work etc., it would score more points than bumming around doing nothing.
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I used to work for Cunard cruise lines and we employed a dedicated Japanese hostess who was part of the entertainments team when her Japanese wasn't required. Tell your daughter to try that. Travel get paid and its likely to be related to what she wants to do xx |
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"I used to work for Cunard cruise lines and we employed a dedicated Japanese hostess who was part of the entertainments team when her Japanese wasn't required. Tell your daughter to try that. Travel get paid and its likely to be related to what she wants to do xx"
Thank you for the tip, I will mention this to her. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"As a potential employer, I would like to know how the gap year or whatever is spent.
If it is spent constructively like travelling, voluntary work etc., it would score more points than bumming around doing nothing.
"
That is how we look at it a wasted year is not a positive and waiting a year has no real benefit long term. Personally I would look for a career and put fresh education to good use. |
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By *riendly foeWoman
over a year ago
In a crisp poke on the A814 |
"As a potential employer, I would like to know how the gap year or whatever is spent.
If it is spent constructively like travelling, voluntary work etc., it would score more points than bumming around doing nothing.
"
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Personally, i would say to take a gap year. I didnt take a gap year and have been studying throughout the years...now i feel as though i have lost momentum and my studies are being affected.
I need a break and now i am just tired..i shoukd have taken a gap year at some point to just enjoy life..but, i have been working two jobs since 16 and studying. Now, its all too much.
My advice is to take a small break. I went straight through from school, college, uni and now completing my post grad. But..im tired lol
 |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
Bambi, there is an emerging world of volunteering in Japan. Your daughter might consider going back and improving her skills, taking some time out and volunteering there.
I spent some of last week working on developing some stuff that will be used to work with those affected by the last Tsunami in rebuilding their lives. It might be worth exploring. |
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"Personally, i would say to take a gap year. I didnt take a gap year and have been studying throughout the years...now i feel as though i have lost momentum and my studies are being affected.
I need a break and now i am just tired..i shoukd have taken a gap year at some point to just enjoy life..but, i have been working two jobs since 16 and studying. Now, its all too much.
My advice is to take a small break. I went straight through from school, college, uni and now completing my post grad. But..im tired lol
"
I hope you succeed in your studies. Take care and do take that break, if only to recharge your batteries to be able to continue and finish |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Take a break... Nothing worse than a college kid... BUT...more to the point... It's not how long you take off, its what you do with it....
You could spend a year watching Jeremy Kyle and CBBS... On the other hand come back with life experience and a second language....
Well done to the young person... |
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