Don't Want to go to University?

Am the youngest of four brothers and sisters who have ALL attended university. My parents think it’s really important. Although I have been applying I secretly don’t want to go. Every time I try to speak to them about it they tell me that I’ll change
my mind once I’m there. Please help - how can I convince them that I really don’t want to go?
 Sara.Ghobadi ,London

X-CEL Advice:  You can’t spend your life trying to please your parents. Although believe me you are not alone in trying to do this. You obviously care a great deal about disappointing the. However, maybe you are going about telling them  in the wrong way. Attending university is a costly affair and also commands 3 years of focus and dedication to your chosen subject.

Therefore, it is not advisable to go in order to “please your parents” alone. Your heart must be in it to fully enjoy the experience of university life. Why not have a chat with a careers adviser at your local connexions and get some constructive one-on-one advice.

This way you can make an informed decision and weigh up your options. If there are alternatives available for you then maybe your parents will accept that this is a more suitable route for you. Remember they just want the best for you, which they believe is attaining university and getting a degree. However, education and training has evolved massively since their day so rather than going in with no ideas take advise form the careers teacher and show them some other alternatives. To find you local connexions office log onto their website: www.connexions.gov.uk

If you need advice on any aspect of starting a new career or attending university then e-mail your questions to X-CEL at info@courses-careers.com  Help is only a few taps away!