Why You Shouldn’t Go Straight Into Uni After Year 12

I graduated Year 12 in a dumpster fire of a year... It was called 2020. I didn't get 20/20 vision about what I wanted to do, but I did end up exactly where I wanted to be.

I planned last minute to go to uni to eventually become a PDHPE teacher. I fell in love with PDHPE in year 11 and felt like it was the career for me.

Spending the summer holidays both partying and working as much as I could, I soaked in those the last few moments of academic freedom.

I was working comfortable hours at work and brought down my availabilities due to going back to study. However, me being me, I decided to commit to uni (fully) for what I thought was the next three years. I even impulsively bought a uni hoodie. 

Something didn't feel right.

First semester started and the classes began. Assessments piled up and I was giving it my best shot. Real life got in the way of things, and I felt like I was behind before I even started. I quickly found myself watching lectures an hour before the class or sacrificing sleep to do readings.

Everytime I walked into work I felt at peace and in the right place. I tested my theory, and when I walked into uni, I immediately felt out of place. Lost and alone.

I knew this wasn't for me but I didn't know how to get out of this cycle. I had been studying for the last 13 years. Do I defer without saying anything? Do I just continue and hope for the best? Trusting my gut, I had the difficult conversation with my parents who both have degrees. They didn't seem too up to the idea at first.

As quick as I rushed into uni, I jumped online and deffered my next semester (fully knowing I was never going back). I was so excited and felt normal again. 

I got my sanity, social life and my comfort space back. I'm not saying you shouldn't step out of your comfort zone, but I found my dream career down this pathway. 

The ball was rolling fast and it was time to officially withdraw from my course. Couple of clicks later and I was free forever. 

Fast forward to me writing this at 1:30 in the morning. I can tell you I'm thriving and right where I want to be. 

The moral of my story is, don't rush into uni just because "you think" it's what you want to do. You've just spent 13 straight years studying, do you not want to explore the other options out there? It could be right in front of you. Take that chance. 

Written by Oscar Puz