Tag: career

Categories
Opinion/Commentary

Workplacement a hindrance for single parents in university

Young mother carrying baby and university books
Image: iStock

When I was twenty -four, I was studying the Diploma in Conmunity Services online. I didn’t conplete the Diploma for one main reason: I couldn’t complete the workplacement.

According to the ABC, many university students are falling over a similar hurdle. Especially single parents.

Tess Williams is one of those parents. The mother – of – two tried to study to become a teacher. Unfortunately, after her marriage ended, completing six weeks of unpaid workplacement was proving difficult:

I was trying to fit it all in like a jigsaw. I’d organised for my mum to come and stay. All of these moving parts had to fit together to be able to make that placement work.

Finishing the degree would have made Williams max credit cards and get deep in debt. Unfortunately, Williams didn’t finish the degree. She only had six months to go.

That was eight years ago. She’s remarried, but never went back to finish her degree. She believes she still couldn’t afford it.

University drop out rate is astounding

Williams is not alone in dropping out of study. The drop out rate is shocking. According to the Grattan Institute, in 2018, 70% of part – time students did not finish their studies.

Clashes between study and family commitments was a main reason why students couldn’t finish their studies. Chief Executive for ‘National Council for Single Mothers’ , Therese Edwards reinforced the finding.

Female dominated degrees most affected

There is a sex – based bias here. Many of the degrees that require extensive, often unpaid workplacements, are dominated by women. As you can see above, education is one such field.

When I saw the article on Facebook, some commenters claimed that Social Work students also found workplacement to be a common hurdle. (Social work was the degree I had my heart set on when I wa# in my mid twenties. I don’t feel so alone, now).

Universities in Australia need an overhaul

The more I read (and sometimes write) about universities, the more I realise that something is broken. The way that universities operate needs an overhaul.

From students having to choose what debts to pay off to the drop out rates, the way Australian universities are being run isn’t working. Too many people are not having their career dreams fulfilled because of roadblocks placed by university bodies.

The university sector isn’t friendly to young students that aren’t already wealthy or mature – aged students, especially if they’re parents. I mean, what’s the point? More importantly, what can be done?

I think that university degrees (especially bachelors) should be government funded. With that, I also support the number universities places being capped.

Secondly, workplacement requirements need obvious reform. I think workplacements should be paid, similar to apprenticeships and traineeships. Maybe the federal or state governments can subsidise these wages. Maybe the wages don’t nedd to be that of a full-time employee, but they should be fair.

Everyone should be given a fair go. And currently, university students aren’t getting that. I think that should change.

What do you think? Should the university sector in Australia change? If so, how? Feel free to put your thoughts in the comments below.

Categories
Life

When the ‘Roaring 20’s’ isn’t what you think it was meant to be

The twenties.

Full of love, happiness and success.

Except when it’s not.

I’m twenty – eight now. While my twenties haven ‘t been bad, really. It’s been far from predictable, successful and full of constant happiness. My mid twenties – around twenty – five was particularly hard until i went on the Rotary Lions’ Club’s ‘Rotary Youth Leadership Award’. The week there, gave me a new lease on life and a sense of optimism that I hadn’t experienced in a while. Sometimes, your twenties can be quite lonely. It’s often a time when friends that have grown up together go their separate ways. If your lucky, you may have one or two that you keep in contact with (I’m one of the lucky ones, actually).

In terms of career success, in your twenties, you face a brutal truth; that you will most likely be rejected at least once. Your career may not have taken off. For some, being in your twenties means having to move back with your parents. According to the September 2017 issue of Cosmopolitan (Australia), one in ten Australians take anti depressants. (“The Great Millennial Meltdown, Jennifer Savin, pp. 103 – 107. Cosmopolitan Australia, September 2017).

According to the Jennifer Savin article. there is a bit of an industry, at least in Europe. In a hotel in Benehavis, Spain, women in their 20’s and early 30’s flocked to a retreat run by Stephanie Kazolides in a mental health/ yoga/ meditation program called ‘Quarter Life Health Project. The retreat cost A$500 per person.

The twenties seemed to be big contrast for many people than what they think or are told it should be. It’s definitely a contrast from some of the images I found iStock for this post.

Group of happy and young people
Image: iStock

Young man gains good news over phone ecstatic
Image: iStock

For many people, obviously, the twenties may not live up to these expectations for most people – at least not all the time. It’s a time where you’re still trying to make sense of things, fighting for independence and trying to get on your feet career wise. What shocked me in the Savin article was the percentage of people who enter employment after graduating university – just over 41% which I think is despicable actually, but that may be for another post somewhere along the line.

The twenties comes with growth, expectations and transitions in relationships. Unfortunately, for too many when relational transitions take place, people in their twenties often experience loneliness, which can be really hard. Most people have a vision of what the twenties should be like — by being told by others or themselves. Moving out, working, having adventures, getting married, buying a house, etc.

Yet, following that path isn’t so straightforward, especially for Gen Ys who live in the major cities. Work isn’t as easy to come by, including when you have a degree. I know from experience even getting relevant work placement when doing a TAFE course can be hard (that’s one of the things that got me in a rut).

 

While I don’t think Gen Y has had it the worst — every generation faces it’s challenges — looking back I think Gen Y could have had things a bit differently. I think for too long, university was seen as the ticket to employment, even though TAFE was getting less stigmatised, university for most was the ultimate goal. I think people who were taught about careers, applying for courses and jobs, etc, I think it would have helped to have a bit more of a talk about rejection and possible long or medium – term unemployment wouldn’t have gone astray. Not to mention stigma still faced by people with a disability. Then again, I guess no – one predicted the GFC in 2008, which threw a lot of young people off.

 

For people who haven’t entered or have only started their twenties, I have one piece of advice – take it in your stride. It’s not going to be all smooth sailing. Be flexible (probably for a while my big downfall). And, most importantly, reach out and get help if you think you need it.

For health resources or support, you can contact and get information from Beyond Blue.

Click on these articles if you think you need better ways to deal with stress (or just some encouragement).

Her Campus: How to deal with stress in your 20’s

Psychology Today: If you’re lost in your 20’s

GoodTherapy.org Mental health issues to be aware of in your 20’s

Have you got any tips you’d like to share with 20 – something readers? Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below.