It’s today! Today A-Level results are released. A time of celebration for some. Less so for others. Crucially, a turning point for many. Those grades confirm university choices, job offers, the start of apprenticeships. Essentially, options open up. Conversely, for some, the choices become fewer. Whatever the outcome today, though, there are fifty years ahead before retirement. Possibly longer. Half a century. It’s a long time. So, congratulations! You passed! And now is the start of the next 50 years.
Importantly, times have changed. Not always for the better, but times have definitely changed. Careers are no longer for life. People can and do change careers, with the average person making between 5 and 7 career changes throughout their working life. Unsurprisingly, the younger you are, the more likely you are to not only change career but see it as part of the reality of gong to work.
Critically, it means if the choices and options you have at eighteen don’t work out, you can always do something different. It may not feel like such a bonus if today you’re lamenting the grades. However, tomorrow is another day with new options and other choices.
On the downside, those entering adulthood right now are less likely to own their own home or take longer to get there. Boomers have enjoyed a huge rise in property prices and a relatively comfortable retirement. The Gen Z’ers will have it far less easy. And they’re not the only generation to have to deal with different choices.
Alternatively, maybe the thought of 50+ years in work with different rewards leads to more balanced choices. Who, in the past, chose the conventional route of work, a mortgage, marriage and children? How did that actually work out?
Essentially, whatever happens today is only happening today. How you deal with the grades you get is entirely down to you. Firstly, experience the emotions you’re experiencing. Secondly, plan your next step. Critically, you only need the one next step.
Thirdly, you have 50 years ahead of you. If you have the grades you want, take the planned next step. Or, change your mind. Do something else. If you have grades which are other than what you wanted, plan the next step. Regroup. Move forward. Even if you step out of the plan and retake your A-Levels next year, you’ve still got 49 years ahead of you.
Finally, when it comes to it, the only thing most people regret is what they didn’t do, rather than what they did. Just imagine how horrible it is in 2075 when you think back to today and wish you’d done what you wanted but just didn’t dare.
It’s your call. Let today be today. If needed, let today, spill into another day. Then make a plan. If you know what to do, do it now. If you’re not sure, book an initial consultation here, and then take the next step. You’ve got 50+ years of steps ahead of you, so you know that it makes sense and you know that you can do it, don’t you?
