Just venting...

[GHoSToKeR]

Okay, so here's the deal...

I'm unemployed.. I live on a small Island (population c100,000) that has roughly 500 unemployed people, and only about 100 jobs available (probably not even that)

When I started Secondary School I was the most intelligent in my class. I was automatically put into all the highest sets (over here each subject has roughly 8 sets, set 1 being the highest).. Even though I was in Set 1 for every subject, I still found the work easy and, to be honest, pretty boring. The teachers would set us work to do and i'd be done half an hour before everybody else. So naturally, I started to get restless. Instead of continuing to excel, I started to act up - to play the class clown - and to show off. I started to skip school and skip lessons. Funnily enough, even though I was missing more school than everyone else, I still nearly always got the highest grades in tests (the ones that I took, that is). After a while I began to enjoy always being the "trouble maker", which in turn made me do it more. When I got to year 8 the teachers had had enough of me. They were sick of me "wasting my natural abilities" so they gave me an ultimatum - either stop being such a little shit at school, or leave. I chose to stay, and got back into a routine of going to school, doing well, then going home and getting stoned. In year 8/9 they said they would arrange for me to take my GCSE's two years early, so that I could do my A Levels in year 11 instead of waiting an extra two years. But, my life took a few unexpected turns, and I started being a little shit again. Eventually, the school kicked me out and I had to start over in a new school, one that was especially for people "with behaviour problems such as myself".

I enjoyed this new school - the teachers treated us like people instead of children. But, unfortunately, the local government decided to close down the existing school, and use the building for something else. So I, along with the 8 other students still there, was practically forgotten about. Teachers quit; teachers were "let go"; funding was cut; exams were cancelled.. After changing my ways and studying for my GCSE's non stop for a year, I was told that 8 out of 11 of my GCSE subjects were going to be dropped. I still studied for the remaining three exams. I handed in my coursework, which was all given a mark of A or A+. Then, the school decided they were going to drop Maths as a subject, too. Anyway, to cut a long story short(er), I was refused (in a way) my right to a good education (I know I had fucked up in my original school, but that was well over a year earlier!), and left school with no exam results (after another subject was dropped I walked out and never went back)! I've contacted the Education Department since then, and their response was basically "Well, we're sorry.. But, you can attend the local college in september and sit your Maths and English exams" I looked into it but it turns out that to take my GCSE's I will have to wait until i'm 19 (a 'Mature Student') and do a 2 year course.. So, my options are practically non-existant. I have no qualifications thanks to the cunts that run this fucking island, and no way of obtaining any qualifications until i'm 19, and even then it will take an extra 2 years!

I know it was me that fucked up at first, but I truely feel i've been ripped off by the education system here.. I mean, yeah I fucked up, but even a year or more later I was refused my GCSE's.

The only other option I have is to pay for a kind of Open University home course. But, obviously I need a job to do that. And, seeing as there are only roughly 100 available jobs in the island, and 9/10 jobs I apply for need at least a few GCSE's, the idea of getting a job to pay for that is becoming less and less realistic. What's even more fucking annoying, is that half of the jobs I apply for or consider applying for, I could do with my eyes shut. But, you need a piece of fucking paper with GCSE on it to prove you can do it. Without any GCSE's most employers don't even give me an interview.

So basically, i'm fucked for now - thanks to the imaturity of my 14 year old self, the shitty Education system, and the pricks in charge who don't give a fuck about anybody.

Anyway, ima go smoke a joint

Peace

GHoSToKeR Reviewed by GHoSToKeR on 11-02-2004. Just venting... Okay, so here's the deal... I'm unemployed.. I live on a small Island (population c100,000) that has roughly 500 unemployed people, and only about 100 jobs available (probably not even that) When I started Secondary School I was the most intelligent in my class. I was automatically put into all the highest sets (over here each subject has roughly 8 sets, set 1 being the highest).. Even though I was in Set 1 for every subject, I still found the work easy and, to be honest, pretty boring. Rating: 5

[Proof]

U sound like u were like me when i was that age didnt give a fuck bout school and all that, i started bein normal in yr9 but then things changed in yr10 and 11 i cocked up at lot only used to go to school on bout 3 days a week, then i thought that was cool and stuff but now i realise how much of a dickhead i was and thati should of worked my ass off through school, i am now out of a job and i cant seem to find another one either. if i was in ur situation mate id go to college make the most of it whilst u can, and for a job why not get a part time one or something, surly theres a maccy D`s around ur area may be shit work but atleast it gives u some money to support urself

peace

[clevemire]

if i was in ur situation mate id go to college make the most of it whilst u can, and for a job why not get a part time one or something, surly theres a maccy D`s around ur area may be shit work but atleast it gives u some money to support urself

peace

I agree. There may be a few times in your life where you will have to settle for less in the employment field. When I lived in Philly, I had the hardest time getting a job. I was out of work for like 3 months. And while I had much better jobs before, I settled for a dishwashing job around the corner from my apartment. I worked there a while, and while the pay and the conditions weren't the best, it was work and it was steady. I stuck to my goals, saved up as much money as I could, and moved the fuck outta there. Now everything is gravy

So yeah, work anywhere for now. Get the money you need for school and such. Even if it's fast food or an under the table apprentice kinda thing. Maybe even a peep show window cleaner (kidding). Whatever it takes to get your life in gear. As the saying goes (loosely): The longest journey starts with but a single step.

Good luck.

[maryjanemama]

This is probably a really stupid question because I know you don't have cash right now, but have you thought about moving? Is it at all possible to move off the island and stay with a friend or something and get a job in a more populated area? Good luck, Ghost!

[RESiNATE]

It happened the other way around, for me - I started off being a jerk, then had to knuckle down. When I started my 7th school , they told me I'd be lucky to get 1 grade D CSE..lol. So, I had to work really hard in the last 2 years of school.

I left with 27 different qualifications!

And wound up driving a truck for a living!

It's not always about how many qualifications you have, GHoST - it's often about your confidence and aptitude. Like, bullshit your way in, and then learn really fast lol.
You're intelligent enough to have a crack at almost anything - ending up in a McDonalds, or summat, does you no justice - and you'll just end up a zombie.

You enjoy writing, why not have a crack at being a free-lance reporter or journalist?
Write a tourist guide or summat - something original with a spot of humour - then sell it to a publisher.
Write an article highlighting the growing danger associated with Geese, I've not read too much about it, maybe you're the one to expose the truth!

lol

It's a nightmare, for sure - I faced the same probs when I left school. I went on a YTS scheme, a good way of learning a trade, and they payed for extra education (I did A level Accounts (what a fucking laff - skint, as I am lol), and A level business studies) - and still wound up driving a fricking lorry

I obviously went wrong somewhere along the way....ho hum

Use a bit of intitiative and bollocks, and you'll be surpised how well you'll be able to blag your way into something - but not McD's...or I'll come over and slap you,...personally

[skyblue]

Christ mate, you sound like you live in the Isle of wight.If you do move.

[hippy lettuce]

i wunt worry about it mate, come to the mainland n i'll sort u out wi a job lol,
i was out of work for like 5 months when i finished school last year. to be honest most jobs arent even lookin for academic qualifications, its more about ur people skills n how trainable u r for the job n what not. i was dead good in school untill like year 10 n 11, then i fucked about loads lol cos noone cares in the last years.
after a while i got sorted out with an apprenticeship n now am sorted. u just av to keep lookin for the right kind of work, dont settle for summet u wont be happy with, it as to be summet u like definitely.
if its for u then further education is easily the right thing to do. but theres loads of mature students nowadays int there so wunt worry about it, it might take time but do whats right for u personally, not cos someone sez u av to get a job right now or owt.

cheers

[Josh David]

Oi! Brush your dust off and get back in the game . Obviosly there is a general care and concern that you have and that says alot . Some people just dont give a fuck, and end up in the criminal element. I know plenty of folks who go that way for the worst . I know plenty of people who rise above from the grave. The point being, is its all up to you ! Exploit the government programs for your benifit, if you can qualify for their programs , shit those taxes pay for something and they should be able to help you get where your going. I heard Jay Lenno worked for mc d's at one point in his life, now you see him on late night every eve(I hope im right) You got acess to a computer bro the skies the limitless. And yeah , its great to vent , take a look at that psychic vampire bullshit I wrote, that was a huge vent for me cause I face 60 days in the jailhouse ( went to court today and still makin deals with the district attourney) OI!

[Imotep]

yup that sucks ghost.ive been on an educational and employment roller coaster too.
like everyone says,
take every opportunity no matter how small and shitty, you never know where they lead you.

[GHoSToKeR]

thanks guys

MJM, ive thought about moving.. i plan to leave here as soon as ive got enough money..

i know i can sort all this shit out, but it'll take time.. i'll have to work shitty jobs 'til then, and thats what frustrates me.. to do what i wanna do i'll have to do what i dont wanna do

ah well, ima go smoke a joint