Post: #1

First I trained to be an avionics technician in the British Army, which I believed would be conducive to a monetarily rewarding career; as after I had served and got all the engineering qualifications, I would have gotten the opportunity t be employed by a private contractor and be looking to earn a salary of £45,000+

But after the 7-month process of applying for the army and then getting to the assessment centre, I discover that unbeknownst to me I'm colour-blind and thus disqualified from my particular job-choice, and many others.

Now because I was confident I'd get this job I pretty much fucked up my A-levels (equivalent to APs in US), I've got good GCSEs though (equivalent to a high school diploma) but in the UK to get to any university you pretty much need three A-levels with at-least a B grade. I'm only doing two A-levels and should be getting a C in them; if I'm lucky.

Resitting A-levels also isn't feasible as they are pretty expensive, and I'm a broke kid, who lives with my mum where the household income is around £8,000 per annum.

Any idea what direction I should go be going in now? I keep fit and active, dress nicely, talk to girls, have been unemployed since I lost my job bartending, 6 months ago, due the bar getting shut-down. I just feel like I have no prospects atm, which is pretty shitty as I've always had precocious intellect and am feeling pretty depressed, as I feel it's going to waste. And my future is me working in some mundane, menial job for pittance

Post: #2

Nothing like life to throw nasty curveball like that.

What other things are you interested in? Do your best to stay healthy and fit. That'll keep you from falling into a depression spiral.

Post: #3

Of university is the direction you want to go, some universities offer foundation courses which are for people who didn't get the A level qualifications they needed for their degree of choice. You are entitled to full student finance for the foundation year, so could study the foundation year, and progress onto a bachelors degree with full funding.

Just don't fail any years as student finance are an absolute shower of shit to deal with.

Post: #4

Do they not have community colleges in UK?

Post: #5

It's difficult at that age to know what career you should be getting into.

What GCSE's did you get if you dont mind me asking?

The only advice I can give is dont just follow the crowd. Don't think you need to move out and have a great, independent life so early on. Most people in the UK graduate at 21-23 and with huge debts they are not often better than school leavers.

No one can advise you on what career route to take as we simply don't know enough about you. I would say though that if you got a job and saved around 5K-10K a year (100-200 a week) in five years you'd have 25-50K. So by 23-24 you could have a decent amount in the bank. You would then be in a good spot compared to the average graduate.

Let me tell you, these days most 'good' jobs are the most mundane ones. The UK 'office culture' is one of the most soul-destroying things in the world. If you have an intellect use that for something that you enjoy.

Look at the industries close to where you live and see if there is kind of 'trade' you can get involved with, at 18 you can start at the bottom and look for opportunities while you get experience, is my advice. You wanna end up at 23 with more money and experience than the average graduate (negative and zero).

Post: #6

Look at a online business you can get into, what passions do you have.

I see a lot of YouTubers in the UK making money, so find a niche. You don't have to be on YouTube, I know people that make money on Amazon and affiliate sites.

There must be something people in your area need.

Maybe it is time to learn a trade, make some money and leave the UK.

Linux - yes they have Community colleges in the UK.

Post: #7

(07-08-2016 03:59 PM)Atheistani Wrote:  It's difficult at that age to know what career you should be getting into.

What GCSE's did you get if you dont mind me asking?

The only advice I can give is dont just follow the crowd. Don't think you need to move out and have a great, independent life so early on. Most people in the UK graduate at 21-23 and with huge debts they are not often better than school leavers.

No one can advise you on what career route to take as we simply don't know enough about you. I would say though that if you got a job and saved around 5K-10K a year (100-200 a week) in five years you'd have 25-50K. So by 23-24 you could have a decent amount in the bank. You would then be in a good spot compared to the average graduate.

Let me tell you, these days most 'good' jobs are the most mundane ones. The UK 'office culture' is one of the most soul-destroying things in the world. If you have an intellect use that for something that you enjoy.

Look at the industries close to where you live and see if there is kind of 'trade' you can get involved with, at 18 you can start at the bottom and look for opportunities while you get experience, is my advice. You wanna end up at 23 with more money and experience than the average graduate (negative and zero).

I did English & History

Was also doing economics and geography first year, but failed them (wanted to re-sit economics but wasn't able to, because my attendance was poor).

I'm interested in virtually everything there is to be interested in. I read a lot, but my primary interests are more in linguistics and politics. If I was to get a degree it would probably either be in International Relations or Economics.

Post: #8

(07-08-2016 04:02 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  Look at a online business you can get into, what passions do you have.

I see a lot of YouTubers in the UK making money, so find a niche. You don't have to be on YouTube, I know people that make money on Amazon and affiliate sites.

There must be something people in your area need.

Maybe it is time to learn a trade, make some money and leave the UK.

Linux - yes they have Community colleges in the UK.

Leaving the UK seems like a good idea

There seems to be a limited amount of prospects for an entrepreneur here. Last year I was in Switzlerland - seemed nice, but the cost of living was too much

Post: #9

Well you could for work in the EU, but it seems everyone heads to the UK for work.

Maybe move to another part of the UK.

It would be hard for you to move overseas without any skills or experience. I know there might be a few programs for kids your age, don't know any of them of hand.

What about a apprenticeship?

Post: #10

OP have you thought about going to America?
The military here does a citizenship track and GI bill which will pay for college classes. You'd have a better chance of breaking into the large state universities here (everyone loves a non-traditional student).

You'll be stuck dealing with some of the PC bullshit, but it probably isn't that bad and you'll have citizenship when you finish!

Post: #11

Leaving the UK to start a business at 18 with no life or business experience would be a terrible idea.

You have no excuse, if you do have a precocious intellect, not to make the most of it. You have the entire internet at your fingertips. You can learn everything you've ever wanted with a few clicks. I would second the idea of getting into a trade. Consider the likes of Rolls Royce etc who offer apprenticeships for technical positions.

Can you get the army to give you some kind of reference? If you performed well on your assessments, for a technical engineering position, then you should have some kind of record. The army is usually pretty good at helping people out. They might be able to point you at BAE or some other defense contractor who could make use of you. These big private firms with government contracts have to offer lots of apprenticeships etc as part of the deal for having a monopoly on the sector.

Post: #12

Don't take this advice I'm just going to ramble a little.

You're in the best situation every, no debt! I spent £20,000+ on a degree to do a job which I'd hate. After getting my degree I was like "oh wait, I just got scammed for £20,000+ and I lost 4 years of my life".

You're born in the luckiest time period ever. You can do anything, find out what you want and then do it. In the meantime hustle to earn some savings until you know what that is.

Watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBXZlYdiizk

Post: #13

If I was in your position I would look at apprenticeships, there is a big push for them at the moment in the UK. And also try to leverage your experience applying for the army and then getting to the assessment centre. People with a military background are well regarded in the professional world and I know there is a close community within. Granted you are not a veteran but i'm sure a veteran that successfully made the transition into the corporate world could relate to your story if told in the right way. Maybe find a mentor?

Post: #14

There are varying degrees of colour blindness, if this is something of which you were previously unaware have you questioned it? Force them to be specific as to the severity of your condition.

Don't give up. There are other jobs you can do in the Army if you are colour blind, have you discussed your available options with a recruiter?

If it's any consolation I joined the army with similar goals as you, and the job I have now is totally different to what I did whilst serving. I don't need that particular skill set any more. Life will sweep you along and different opportunities will become available, it's not possible to foresee them now, the plan will change. I think lots of guys join the military with similar ideals, whether they still hold true after 5-10 years service is debatable. Your perspective will change.

Lots of employers value military service regardless of your actual technical skill set. Guys that I served with or worked with after I left have also left and gone on to do various things in various industries that could never have been planned, the following spring to mind:

Broadcasting
Formula 1
Rolls Royce
Jaguar/Land Rover
Private Security
Maritime Security
IT
Project Management
Finance
Police
Fire Service
Paramedic
Teaching
Hospitality
Events Management
Driving Instructor
Facilities Management
Consultancy
Linguist - this is a great option for someone who is colour blind. Learn arabic and it opens up a load of highly paid jobs in the Middle East. You could be retired by 40.

And a shitload more...

Don't focus on what you can't do, focus on what you can do.

Another thing to bear in mind is that your pay in the army is all yours, accommodation is free, you won't have much in the way of outgoings, and you will have to serve out a 4 year minimum contract before you can leave, so if you are sensible with your money you can use that time to save up a good amount of capital and research business ideas or other areas in which to train when you leave.

Another thing to consider is that you might love the lifestyle and stay a lot longer than 4 years, I did 8.5 years and got promoted a couple of times which opened up management and team leader options when I left.

Out with the career aspect you will also have opportunities to see places, do things, and meet people that you never would as a civilian. Some of it can be shitty but this toughens you up and shapes you as a man (which is why lots of employers value military experience regardless of trade - the military put you under pressure and develop leaders), but some of it is also cool as fuck.

It sounds like you could use some options at the moment so why not have a chat with your local army recruiter and see what is available to you. PM me if you want to discuss your available options and I'll advise where I can.

You are in a unique position because you have the knowledge of the forum to draw on and bounce ideas off along the way. Don't underestimate the value of that.

Post: #15

Lagavulin makes excellent points. Doing military service has helped me with every other job I applied for since. I will mention it on my resumé for ever, as people assume I'm disciplined, hardworking and loyal and it's an excellent conversation starter.

It has also formed me into the man I am today. Which is one of the reasons I'm extremely pro compulsory military service. It will shape your mind and body to be able to handle anything life throws at you way better than the average Joe.

While you're in service, if it's anything like the Dutch military - which I have no reason to doubt, you'll have a lot of time to spare. You can use this time for education. Prep yourself for work after the military, so that when your service ends you'll be more than ready to take part in the civilian workforce.

Personally I switched to IT, software engineering specifically. It seems to me that would be a good fit for you as well, as it takes a considerable amount of intellect to be able to do, it pays very well and the demand for skilled people is extremely high. Though I'm sure there are other technical fields with similar prospects that would fit you.

You're 18 which gives you more than enough time to get yourself on the right track. Serving for 4 years, while being paid and educating yourself would be a great route to take imo, but it's just one of the many possibilities.

Post: #16

where abouts int he UK are you fella?

Post: #17

I'm not planning on emigrating yet, because I don't have the finances for it.

My GCSEs are in English (A) and a B in everything else (maths, history, geography, physics, chemistry and biology).

Linguistics is a route I've considered but interpreters/translators don't seem to get paid much, the median pay being just below £15 an hour (http://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=...rly_Rate). Of course this is relative to the language and where you work. Funny you mention Arabic, because that is the language I am most familiar with, other than my native English.

I'm looking at business analyst IT, it seems like a lucrative career that can lead to lots of different career paths.
(http://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=..._IT/Salary)

The army doesn't seem like the best option anymore as being colour-blind looks like it disqualifies me from all jobs in logistics and engineering. I don't want to go down the infantry route, because the pay is low, and it seems like a lot of waiting around and the idea of being cannon fodder doesn't appeal much. I'm going to ring my Candidate Support Manager tomorrow though, to clarify that information. I'm CP4 so I think the Royal Sigs would still be open to me

I live in Leeds.

Post: #18

If you are interested in linguistics, you could train to be an interpreter in the Int corps. It is roughly a 2 year course, and you end up as I think a full screw at the end of your training.

You will most likely also become signals trained, as listening to enemy comms is a large part of the job. or you could go down the Humint route.

Post: #19

You might want to read "Pushing Rubber Downhill". Cool book from a Australian whitewater rafting guide.

Take a look at some of the books by "English Teacher X" about teaching English as a second language. You might get some good experience in various parts of the world.

And if you don't currently have a Passport, start on that paperwork first thing tomorrow.

Post: #20

(07-09-2016 04:55 AM)Lagavulin Wrote:  Linguist - this is a great option for someone who is colour blind. Learn arabic and it opens up a load of highly paid jobs in the Middle East. You could be retired by 40.

This is interesting. Can you elaborate?

Post: #21

Have you considered the Navy? CP4 means you're eligible for pretty much all engineering roles (weapons systems, comms, marine engineering). With your grades you should get fast tracked, meaning you can make Petty Officer - equivalent to Army Sergeant - within around 6 years.

Military lifestyle, global travel, make loads of new mates, decent pay, loads of phys, leave at 24/25 with an engineering trade and a list of qualifications longer than your arm.

Post: #22

You're from a low-income household from your post. £8,000 per annum? That is incredibly low even by low economic standards in the UK. Do your parents qualify for any government bursaries or help?

UK education looks out for those in very low income households, but the government did do a number on it recently. However I am sure you would qualify for financial and academic assistance.

Your only problem is your attendance. Are you the type to avoid classroom learning unless ordered to do so? The army is a good place for guys like you in that respect but they will never let you near electronics and engineering with colour blindness.

How are you with vehicles? The army and construction industry has so much plant that requires work and maintenance you'd do well to consider it an option and you would set yourself up for a lifetime, world-wide career in servicing plant vehicles.

Not long ago I talked to a group of guys who replace the tyres on trucks, forklifts and the like and they travel all over to sites, yards and other places of heavy lifting. Paid well and its a life-long career if you want it to be. A group of lads together working on tough shit is good for the spirit and friendships. Not only that you get to see all sorts of shit without being used as canon fodder as you would in the British Army.

Post: #23

Update: I applied and was successful in securing a place in college for a one-year course for a business diploma. It was free, because I'm still 18.

After that (if I'm successful in the business course) I will have enough qualifications to go to a lot of universities, if I was to go to university I would get an economics degree, because it seems auspicious to high-paying careers. However, I'm not naive and recognise that the exorbitant university fees put a lot of people in debt bondage,(it's just as bad in the UK as it is in he US) and I am not guaranteed a job after graduation. Having read this recent article (http://www.returnofkings.com/91064/how-t...dent-loans) I'm even more weary about going down that path.

After college the military option is still open to me, currently I have as my job choices as: REME technical specialist, Human Resources Specialist, and a Logistic Postal Courier (interested in that because I want to learn how to ride a motorbike).

I read somewhere on this site that it's feasible to live in certain countries like the Dominican Republic, for $450 a month. The quality of girls and the traditional values are very appealing too, but I wouldn't know how to secure a job over in a foreign country. I have a passport but not a driver's licence which would probably be a detriment.

Post: #24

Personally, I wouldn't waste my time with university with your qualifications. Unless you're going to get into one of the top Russel Group universities, an economics degree isn't going to do you much good. If you end up at a crappy university, you are paying a vast amount of money for a worthless qualification, and you'll be no closer to a job at the end of it.

Have you considered joining one of the other services, police/fire brigade? Good career, solid pay, lots of specialisms open to you, cushy pension after 21 years.

It's not a popular thing to say in today's 'shoot for the stars', 'everyone's a winner' society, and it probably won't be popular here as many advocate packing up and just 'doing you' in some so-called 'pussy paradise', but in my view one of the best things someone like you can do in your situation is break the cycle of low opportunity for the next generation - your children.

I've mentioned on here before that, unlike you, I come from about the best, most privileged background anyone could possibly hope for. But it is only because 4 generations of my family have made tremendous sacrifices to ensure the next generation started life a little bit further on than the last. My great, great grandfather was a blacksmith in one of the naval dockyards. It is hard to overstate how far my family has come in terms of expectation and opportunity over those generations. The opportunities I have are the result of previous generations making conscious sacrifices they would never see the fruits of.

It's unglamorous, and in some respects thankless, but such sacrifice and foresight was once more common, and made us a very great people indeed. A steady, if unspectacular life, is not without tremendous value, meaning, and deep satisfaction. Such a life, and a commitment to a particular philosophy, would provide your children with opportunities that circumstances have most likely denied to you. If that were the worst case for all of us, we would be a very great people once again, within just a few generations.

Post: #25

(07-10-2016 01:14 PM)churros Wrote:  

(07-09-2016 04:55 AM)Lagavulin Wrote:  Linguist - this is a great option for someone who is colour blind. Learn arabic and it opens up a load of highly paid jobs in the Middle East. You could be retired by 40.

This is interesting. Can you elaborate?

Apologies for the late response.

I was alluding to guys with military experience who leave the forces and go off to work in the Middle East, often in technical jobs and often for big salaries - less than 1% of these guys will speak Arabic. If you can learn the lingo you will really separate yourself from the pack.

Big Western companies with operations in the Middle East also often employ a Westerner on big bucks to manage teams of locals (Iraqis and Afghans) who get paid peanuts - my experience is limited to companies with military contracts, however if you want to go and work in Dubai or Kuwait or the oil and gas industry in the Middle East then learning Arabic can only be a feather in your cap.

@ British Bulldog

If the Royal Sigs are an option, you should see what trades are available to you. The Sigs do the communications engineering for the British Army, you'll learn radio comms, satellite comms, cabling, IT etc - real skills that you can translate into a solid career with many different pathways moving forward.

Become a Network Engineer, move into Cyber Security, couple that with military experience and security clearance and you'll have your pick of jobs, at home or overseas. You have options. If you decide to go this route I can give you the lowdown on the various trades (not the recruiting office narrative).

Keep us posted.

Edit, I agree with H1N1. Don't waste your time with university, degrees are ten a penny these days and competition is fierce for good graduate jobs. I know people that have left uni and work in the retail industry, food services industry and stack shelves in supermarkets. Of course it depends on the individual but a degree is not necessarily a ticket to a fulfilling career. Much better to learn a trade, gain experience, earn money and accumulate some savings. Bear in mind though that if you have the drive you can make a success of anything. I believe everyone gets chances in life, some reach out and take them, others let them pass on by.