Is university a waste of time?

Something I've been pondering for while is whether university is a waste of time or not?  There are strong arguments on both sides but I find myself continually returning to the same conclusion - for many, it is a waste of time...

Watching Up for Hire on BBC Three this week, where youth unemployment is examined, these musings resurfaced.

Don't get me wrong.  I really enjoyed uni.  As a newly graduated English Literature undergraduate, I had thoroughly enjoyed my studies and made many friends, many of whom I am still in touch with today. 

I think it would be fair to say that English is a fairly 'non-Mickey Mouse' course.  Quite frankly, what I don't know about Victorian Literature isn't worth knowing!  Studying English certainly helps develop your oral and written communication skills which is surely an asset in any career, grand or menial.

However, I can relate to the misgivings of many who have traversed the academic journey only to find that they don't really have the life which they had envisaged when they enrolled on their course. 

We have a whole generation who, despite having a degree, struggle to secure long term employment.  They can't get on the property ladder and private rents are so extortionate that they have little choice but to move back in with their parents.  Such a basic necessity as your own roof over your head seems little to ask after working your way through a four year degree course which promised you such rewards.

It really angers me when people talk about graduates thinking they have an 'entitlement' to a top job when they're fresh out of uni. 

The majority of graduates don't think that.  They just want a reasonable starting salary and the opportunity to progress the career ladder they've worked so hard to stand on the bottom rung of without being accused of being demanding.

There are plenty people who bemoan the fact that this generation are workshy, indifferent and lazy.  Yes, some of them are.  However, there are people like that from every age group and social class and there are certainly plenty who think they are entitled to X, Y and Z without putting the work in. 

Please don't let us become a nation who kick people in the teeth for being ambitious and wanting more out of life.

Today's 'It Makes Me Mad' Rant: Facebook and Twitter Status Updates

Having now resigned myself to blogging on a daily basis, I thought it would be interesting to post a daily 'It Makes Me Mad' feature.  Today, I am going to discuss Facebook and Twitter updates.

Do you ever find yourself irritated by your friends posting constant status updates on Facebook and Twitter?  In my experience, I find this phenomenon the most irritating on Facebook.  I have actually left Facebook twice because of this and only returned because none of my 'friends' seemed able to communicate solely by email or telephone.

I just don't see the need for people to tell you that they are in a particular bar/cafe/restaurant/club.  Why do they feel the need?  Speaking with a friend about this constant need people seem to have to highlight their whereabouts, it got me thinking.  Surely if you were to continually ask someone where they were or where they intended to go, they would get justifiably irked?  I know I would.  And yet it seems that people have this need to share.  I just don't get it!

What is more, where has this attitude come from?  Is it related in any way to today's 'celebrity culture' and the steep rise in the popularity of reality TV shows?

I'd love to hear your views on this...

Emma

A Little About Me - Emma's Random Rants

I know I often find the 'About Me' sections on blogs and websites the most interesting feature so here goes!

I am 29 and my real passions in life are literature, film, media, politics and  writing.  I love animals but unfortunately I cannot have any pets as I discovered six months ago that pet hair aggravates my otherwise mild asthma.

I'm currently working on a dodgy novel which I keep praying will be brilliant once its redrafted.

In terms of work, over the years I have worked as (not including part time jobs to help me through school/uni):

• English and Drama Teacher (11-18 year olds)
• Adult Literacy and Numeracy Project Worker (writing and editing materials for use in the workplace)
• Senior Management Team Secretary at my local College (dreary admin)
• Senior PA in the NHS (dreary admin but great colleagues)
• Preschool Practitioner (0-5 year olds)

I am quite certain I will have missed some posts out but my real ambition has always been to write full time.

If I had my time over again (haven't we all said that?) I would have studied journalism at university.  I did, however, get an MA in English Literature and studied a few modules in Media as part of my course.

In 2008, I undertook a online course in Article Writing and Freelance Journalism with the Writers' News Home Study division (part of  the bestselling Writing Magazine family of publishing) which really helped sustain my motivation to write full time. 

I plan to embark on a full time career as a freelance writer and would welcome any advice, support and debate you can offer.  In addition, I have been giving serious thought to becoming self-employed.

I look forward to seeing the followers flood in - or alternatively, console myself with biscuits over the deafening silence!



Emma

Welcome to my New Blog!

Having become rather sick and tired of my old blog, which was becoming a bit of a mixed-up mess, I have decided to start afresh with this one.

I will be using this blog as a platform to discuss the issues of the day as well as to share my progress with attempting to make a full time career out of freelance writing.

Please subscribe and follow me on Twitter - @rambleramble28


Emma