19th June 2010, 09:50 PM
kevin wooldridge Wrote:No you are not alone Oz...but since the commencement of student loans instead of grants there is now an economic factor to further education (and this applies to all further education not just degrees as it shouldn't be forgotten that many folk studying for professional or vocational qualifications are also subject to this invidious system).. There are early signs that the LibCONS are softening us up for all student loans to be repaid irrespective of salary levels. Imagine what difference that will make to already low archaeological wage levels....
Do not forget that there is a delicate balancing act to be managed by Government here (I prefer the term CONDEMs myself) and they are doing it rather well.
By offering student loans (pay it back) as opposed to grants (keep it) a large number of those who would otherwise be bolstering the unemployment figures are disguised for up to three years and are also paying for the priviledge. In effect you are still potentially unemployed, but also in the red for a considerable amount of time in your early working career when you finally get offered a place on a "Government Initiative" as opposed to your career Nirvana for which you studied. And after three years potentially you will be another Goverment's problem anyway...
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!