When I left sixth form
Which was 8 years ago this summer, I was one of only two people that didn't apply to go to University. Out of 208.

Then, as is now, it's seen as the next natural step after sixth form to go straight on to University. It doesn't matter that the person might not be up to the job academically, they're coerced - maybe even forced into it. Indeed, I was called up before the head of sixth to explain why I wasn't applying, and asked if I realised what this meant for my future.

Strangely, I'm now working in a University getting a not inconsiderable sum of money each year for doing so, and have some damn good working conditions.
( shadyron, Mon 17 Aug 2009, 13:23, 3 replies)

This
I am a victim of this nazi-like co-ercion.

Some of my friends are now 30k/year electricians...
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Mon 17 Aug 2009, 13:58, closed)

.
Is that good or bad?
( browser still relating boring anecdotes into a void on, Mon 17 Aug 2009, 14:05, closed)

Well as a graduate
Looking at 13-15k/year jobs, it is certainly good!
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Mon 17 Aug 2009, 14:15, closed)

I went to uni
But didn't enjoy it, ended up dropping out and now find myself without any real idea of what I want to do or where I want to go in life.

I have to say I agree completely with you.
Which is not to say that in my case I was not academically capable, merely that no-one ever discussed any other options with me (save one talk given to us about gap years, after the deadline for UCAS offers to be accepted), meaning that when I worked out the hard way that uni was not for me, I was stumped.

Furthermore, since dropping out I have sought career advice from places like the 'Opportunity Centre' (think the Job Centre, only less useful and with fewer work-shy layabouts hanging around) and when I make them aware of my qualifications from school, they tell me I should go to uni.

I'm not blaming anyone else for the fact that I didn't enjoy my degree but I do think it's dreadful that there seems to be little to no help for academically-capable individuals who are not suited to a university education.
(Pope Jamiroquai III, Tue 18 Aug 2009, 1:45, closed)

I'm from Australia and...
... it's unbelievable how much secondary schools drum into their students that going to uni is the be all and end all of life and that it affects absolutely everything work-related in your life thereafter. I utterly LOATHED high school and was totally unmotivated. I ended up totally bombing on pretty much all of my subjects and wouldn't have it any other way: After high school I went and taught English in Kagoshima, Japan* when I was 18 years old with "Blockbuster" as work experience on my resume. I made heaps of friends and will most likely end up living there. I'm now 24 and living in Toronto, having a great time. When I return home in 2011, I'll be 26 and THEN I will be going to university. I'll be ready, at that point, and I'll WANT to study.

I hated school.

*One of the most beautiful and easily-liveable places on Earth.
(kyouraku, Tue 18 Aug 2009, 19:21, closed)