Growing up?

I'm 17 and just finished my two years of a levels and now I'm feeling extremely overwhelmed. I'm not going to university because I am not smart enough and now I don't know what to do. I have never had a job but I have volunteered in a charity shop for a little while.

Recently I got an offer for an apprenticeship similar but still different to the one I applied for (but in the same business.) I've decided it's not for me but I don't know if it's really the right decision because I don't want to ruin my life. I've basically been crying for two days straight, I feel so sick I can't even eat and I just feel so hopeless. The only thoughts I have are 'I hate myself' or 'Why can't I just be a normal teenager, grow up and just get a job.'

I've been offered two jobs before in fast food restaurants but declined both because in the end I was just too scared. I really hate talking to people because I'm so bad at it and I always embarrass myself. I just don't think I'll ever be able to get a job if I keep acting like this. I just feel so lost.

Biblio-- Based on your details,you are British or UK? Do I have that right? The college system is very different there than here in the US.

Why did you turn down the apprenticeship? Very few people get to do what they want right away. They have to work their way to the level/job they are interested in. Even though it is not exactly what you want--it is a start. Also, every job you take is going to be challenging in different ways. Right now, what you need is experience, and you are giving yourself excuses to why you can;t do these things. Try the fast food job. Try the apprenticeship. Even if they don't work out, they are a step in the right direction.

Sorry-Nate--Gotta chime in here. If OP is in UK, the system is far different than ours here in USA. Even Canada deals with the issue of higher education certifications differently. Much of the spiraling costs for higher ed are an American phenomenon.

It makes a whole lot of difference where bibliophile is located. In the UK, passing certain exams that are associated with 'high schools' make one eligible for university or working in the trades.

However, while college is expensive in the US, it is often necessary for employment. It guarantees a certain level of expertise for many jobs. Service industries and blue collar jobs are low-paying in the USA, and many of them are disappearing fast. See the following link from Pew research Center, which discusses starting salary and lifetime earning parity, as well as part-time versus full-time work status.

http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/02/11/the-rising-cost-of-not-going-to-college/

Post Edited (Myself 09) : 7/17/2015 2:34:27 PM (GMT-6)