Firstly this isnt autobiographical, even in retrospect. But if, say, I was asked to talk to a group of leaving certs I think I'd nearly tell them to 'follow their dream'.
So if someone wants to be a musician, an actor, or a poet or a butterfly curator (if same exists) would they not be as well off giving it a bash from the word go. I'd say that realistically if you do the 'safe degree' chances are the lure of the cash will mean you'll never chase your dream..... imagine parents and friends saying to you "you worked so hard for your degree, you could now be out earning good money and there you are curating butterflies".
Lets say the dream dies, the butterfly curation industry isnt what it used to be, maybe then you hit the degree (bearing in mind mature student entry may get you on a better course), chances are you are 24 or less (I think its 24 for mature students) and with no kids, no mortgage etc., sure your whole life in front of you, you're still v v young, and at least you gave the dream a go.
Its a slightly trickier question for professional sports people, I know the 'going to England at 14' phenomenon has calmed down a little, and there is somewhat more emphasis on what else you might do it you dont make it as a pro (but probably still wholly inadequate). However it has the added pressure of "blink and you miss your chance". So I suppose it all depends on the teenager, and its a weigh up of them getting potentially broken by the experience, or being bitter at not going and never getting their chance.
So if someone wants to be a musician, an actor, or a poet or a butterfly curator (if same exists) would they not be as well off giving it a bash from the word go. I'd say that realistically if you do the 'safe degree' chances are the lure of the cash will mean you'll never chase your dream..... imagine parents and friends saying to you "you worked so hard for your degree, you could now be out earning good money and there you are curating butterflies".
Lets say the dream dies, the butterfly curation industry isnt what it used to be, maybe then you hit the degree (bearing in mind mature student entry may get you on a better course), chances are you are 24 or less (I think its 24 for mature students) and with no kids, no mortgage etc., sure your whole life in front of you, you're still v v young, and at least you gave the dream a go.
Its a slightly trickier question for professional sports people, I know the 'going to England at 14' phenomenon has calmed down a little, and there is somewhat more emphasis on what else you might do it you dont make it as a pro (but probably still wholly inadequate). However it has the added pressure of "blink and you miss your chance". So I suppose it all depends on the teenager, and its a weigh up of them getting potentially broken by the experience, or being bitter at not going and never getting their chance.