Time to quit?
Question
I'm really bored with the course I'm doing. I'm in the second year of a course and I just can't concentrate on it. Would it be a good idea to quit and get a job, or should I stay until the end and be bored?
Answer
Many people get bored with study and some find the course that they have enrolled on is not right for them.
It's worth weighing up your options, for example, are you taking this course to make other people feel happy? Or is the course holding you back from something else that you would rather be doing? Do you have a particular career in mind for the future? Does that career require the qualification you're doing at the moment? Or does it require other formal qualifications? Or is this just the wrong course for you? Thinking through these questions could help you make a decision about what to do next
It might be worth speaking with your education provider's careers advisor. Your college should have a careers advisor or careers centre where you can get guidance with your future career, CV and job applications. Your personal tutor should also be able to help you out with this.
You might decide you simply need a break from studying. For instance, you could consider taking a gap year while you evaluate your options, it may be that you then decide to continue with your course, with a fresh approach to learning. There are many different types of gap year you can get involved in, including travelling, volunteering and working.
If you feel you'd rather get a job straightaway it's worth bearing in mind that although you could be financially better off, work can be boring too. As a compromise you could look into vocational study programmes. A vocational course is one which gives you the skills needed for a trade or occupation, such as electrician, plumber, florist, hairdresser and so on.
Another option might be to consider an apprenticeship. This effectively means you're paid a small sum to work within a skilled environment to be taught the skills you need. This may be a good option for you, as it includes work but would also allow you to continue studying.
Alternatively, some employers may be prepared to take you on part or full time and train you on the job. You could try contacting local businesses who work in the field you're interested in to see if they have any positions available.
Although you're disillusioned with your current course, vocational training may offer a light at the end of the tunnel because the studying you'd be doing would go towards a career.
Ultimately, it is your decision whether you continue with your course or take a new direction. But it might help to look into your options first rather than just quitting your course. If there is something you would rather be doing, then speaking with your college tutor or your careers advisor could open up some new avenues for you.
If you wish to seek further advice, you could contact learndirect, the national learning advice line on 0800 100 900. The helpline offers free, independent careers advice. If you would like explore your options with someone face-to-face you can visit your local Connexions as well.
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