I'm talking about education here...
I was a good student all the way through school and graduated with a first in modern languages from uni.
I decided a long time ago that I was just sick of studying. I didn't see the point of getting a masters just to be all intellectually vain and say that I have one. After all, you can't live under a piece of paper!
I didn't want to be a teacher/translator/interpreter - it just seemed so lame - but that's what I was being pushed towards and what people expect(ed) of me. They seem to act as if I failed in some way because I didn't capitalise on my education the way they thought I should.
I'm now working abroad in property sales in a fantastic company, with great workmates and good prospects. But even now people ask me why, with my qualifications, would I want to do a job like that?
What do they mean? Why can't they just mind their own business?
2007-03-02 02:48:41 · 9 answers · asked by heyjude 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
there is only one person that you have to justify yourself to, and thats you.
If you are happy with the choices you make, and you are in a job you like/ love, and it is what you want to do, then that is all that matters.
If people ask about why you want such and such a job, just mention that you want to do something that you can enjoy doing, that you can put your hardest effort into, and to do something rewarding rather than stick with the intellectual path you have the option of.
Remember, it's your life, and you have to live it.
2007-03-02 03:02:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the end of the day, as long as you are happy and can earn a living for yourself that is the most important thing.
Sure, with a vocational qualification you can earn more money. I've lived in Japan for two years, and Hong Kong for three (plus many other countries). The wealthy expats were not necessarily those who could speak another language such as Japanese/Cantonese but those who were successful in business. English is the international language of business communication. Ideally, most people would wish differently, but that is a fact of life for the time being.
With a first class degree, you're obviously more intelligent than most of us. You ask a question about what "people" expected of you. Do you mean family/friends/associates? If so, you know them better than we do. Talk to them directly. Seriously, you'll get better answers! Ultimately though, it is your life.
2007-03-02 11:10:09 · answer #2 · answered by Ginny Jin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a bit like me,I'm studying for a degree in Art History but I'm doing it because I love the subject, not because I want to be a gallery owner or curator! I have no intention of going into the art history field after I leave, but people don't seem to understand that. Its like you can't study something just because you enjoy it-you have to have a plan that includes it! Just ignore people or tell them that you've just done what you enjoyed doing and thats better than getting the qualifications and then doing a job you don't really like just for the status!
2007-03-02 11:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by Bridgeridoo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a perception that the higher the level of qualifications you have, then the greater the earnings potential, and that somehow you should be doing "greater things" than mere commerce. It works the other way round, too, in that if you haven't got a degree you shouldn't expect to do anything better than mopping floors or stacking supermarket shelves. I say do what makes you happy.
2007-03-02 11:00:49 · answer #4 · answered by Darren R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its your life you do not have to make excuses for it> answerer the question with one of your own like" Why on earth are you asking me that for, do I look or act as I have an inadequacy" Do you think my choice of occupation is inferior?. Or perhaps you should hang with nicer people.
2007-03-02 11:38:45 · answer #5 · answered by Jim G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get used to it mate, everything you do in life there is always some joker who will question you, some people may just be curios mostly people are trying to judge you or wind you up. either way don't stress to much and if people continue to annoy you just politely tell them to mind their own.
2007-03-02 11:00:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think life is to short to do something your not happy with and so what if you had enough of studying i think as long as your happy in what your doing then thats good enough and good luck to you ...
2007-03-02 11:01:21 · answer #7 · answered by MICHELE M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You made a descision on your future, i cant see the problem with that, good luck
2007-03-02 10:53:47 · answer #8 · answered by zanydumplings 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
exactly...do not volunteer you education background information...when someone asks --- simply say that is a personal matter
2007-03-02 10:54:17 · answer #9 · answered by sunbun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋