Paul Nicholls

Why are there so many decisions in life? Which is the right one to take? How do I know it’s the right one?

I feel a bit swamped in decisions at the moment. Some are more important than others - but the most important decision is what to do about my future career. I have a fairly clear idea of where I want to be in the future, but its how to get there that’s causing the problems.

1. “The Lacey“: Finish gap year at RMGS, take up my deferred place at Durham and worry about jobs later. I’ll have saved a few grand that should aid me through uni, and the year at RMGS will have added to my CV and practical experience.
2. “The Martin“: Make it two gap years; there’s more money, more experience, more savings, and more lessons in life. But does that mean living at home for yet another year? In theory I could move out and rent; but that seems a waste of those precious savings for uni. On the other hand it gives me more time to focus on the URMANT project, which may prove to be a lucrative venture.
3. Stick with RMGS until I find a better job; don’t bother with Uni. Trouble with that is that I’m going for a career in Software Development, and my job at RMGS is more general ICT Support/Management. That said, there is URMANT - but I can’t base my whole career on that! All the time I’m with RMGS I can be doing courses and things which might put me in a better position to get another job later. I could even do a part time/Open University degree.
4. Today I got a tip about two Software Engineering posts going for a firm my cousin’s fiancée works for. I don’t have many details, but it could be a first step on the ladder. On the other hand, it sounds like a small company, the website is unimpressive and its developments don’t sound all that exciting. So, this might end up being more of a limiting environment. On top of this, its in Worcester, a long way away. I’ve been offered a room to rent, but will the salary allow me to go solo?
5. “The Keith” : Investigate sponsorship/Apprenticeship further. Either working for a company who will gain me equivalent qualifications to a degree, or one who will sponsor me through university with the promise of a job at the end.

All of these options have their individual merits, uni obviously has huge advantages. There’s the bit of paper, despite all the experience and skills I have its completely worthless without the bit of paper. Indeed a bit of paper from no less than The University of Durham. £6000 a year though? Is the bit of paper worth £20,000? As for RMGS, its a great experience and I love being there - but would I be frittering time taking another gap year?

Any thoughts warmly welcomed!

Then there’s what to do about my car… but that’s a whole different story.