The End of CEGEP.

Hi, my name is Marjolaine. I just finished my program at Montmorency College. I have been studying Social Science for two years. I plan to study Law at university. While I could start going to university right away, I was wondering if it were better for me to take the next semester off in order to earn some money, so I wouldn't be stressed about that while studying in my field. What do you think would be a better choice for me?

Choice 1 : Start University Right Away.

Choice 2 : Take the Next Semester Off.

Start University Right Away.

I just received the letter from the University of Montreal : I was accepted in Law. I chose the University of Montreal because it is one of the most renowned in this field. I'm really excited to start. I will have the chance to learn all the basics of the job, linked to values that I deeply value, such as justice and equity.

Choice 1 : Do Well at School.

Choice 2 : Procrastinate.

Take the Next Semester Off.

Since I already had a job as a waitress, I asked my boss to have more hours in order to work full time. This allowed me to collect enough money to be financially comfortable while studying. Now that I'm supposed to enter university, I don't feel like studying at all. In fact, with all the money I collected during the time I worked full time, I could certainly travel a little... Besides, after I start the studies, it will be way more difficult to find enough time to do so. Should I motivate myself to start university, or should I let myself be tempted by a trip?

Choice 1 : Start University.

Choice 2 : Travel.

Do Well at School.

It was the second week of the semester and my teachers had already begun piling on the homework. After dinner, I gave my English homework a cursory glance and made a snap decision about my time management. I decided to start my homework instantly. Because I am not the type of student who always gets straight A's easily, I knew I had to put aside all possible distractions, so I did. Even though it was maddening, I managed to pull it off. After consideration, I was proud of how I succeeded and how thoughtful I had been in the process.

Choice 1 : Start Working Right Away.

Choice 2 : Apply for an Internship.

Procrastinate.

After beginning the program, I really don't feel like studying. It is not that the program doesn't interest me; I can assure you that it does. However, I can't find the strength nor the motivation to make efforts in my study. Therefore, whenever there are distractions or alternatives for me to derogate, I do so without a second thought.

Choice 1 : Go Back to Being a Waitress.

Choice 2 : Continue Studying and Barely Make It.

Go Back to Being a Waitress.

Long studies really aren't my thing. I preferred when I could immediately see the efforts paying by receiving my check every two weeks. My parents tell me that it's a dead-end job, but I know there are possibilities for me to ascend inside the enterprise, so I wouldn't earn a minimum wage all my life.

Choice 1 : Go back to the beginning.

Continue Studying and Barely Make It.

While procrastinating, I still decided to keep going in my program. By doing only what was necessary, I barely succeeded. But, I did get my diploma and that's all that matters! Right? Actually, because this field asks for high performance and the employers only select the very bests of graduated students, I couldn't find any work. I should probably have put more energy in my studies.

Choice 1 : Start again.

Start Working Right Away.

When I heard there was a vacant position in the attorney office I am currently working in, I immediately offered my application. It was my current boss who interviewed and hired me. However, it was the HR who made a background check on me and decided my salary. Whenever I need a leave of absence or want to take vacations, I have to deal with them. I don't think the other employees and me have the absolute best conditions we can have regarded the compensation package, but at least I got a job in my dream field.

Choice 1 : Experience Corruption.

Choice 2 : Work with Great Office Politics.

Apply for an Internship.

I really think that doing an internship would come in handy for me. Because I'm not completely sure yet if the field I am going in is the one I will truly enjoy. Having any practical experience in it, this opportunity would be a test drive for me. It could also help me learn the ropes by having an on-the-job-training. Moreover, by giving me a valuable working experience and business contacts, an internship could help me get a better job afterwards. That's what we call a foot in the door! Therefore, I wouldn't be overwhelmed by the stressful task of looking for a job, which is great because we all know how difficult it is to get the first job as a lawyer.

Choice 1 : Get an on-the-job-training.

Choice 2 : Change Program.

Experience Corruption.

Two years into the job, I realized that there was corruption in the company. In fact, it was systematic and it was ingrained in it. My bosses, bribed me into doing some illegal transactions in exchange for a raise. Since I would never agree to it, they would make threats, like threatening to fire me. I was stuck in the situation. When I think about it I realize that maybe it would have been a better idea to do an internship, so I would have gotten great contacts in the field beforehand and therefore have known with whom it was best to work for.

Choice 1 : Keep Working for that Company.

Choice 2 : Face the Alienation.

Work with Great Office Politics.

I personally didn't get sucked up in a work situation where someone was acting in a self-serving manner yet. I got the chance to work in a cooperative environment, without having to deal with employees who would have made the workplace emotionally toxic for me. Thankfully, my work environment allows me to achieve valuable progress. I can see myself having a fulfilled career in this company. Nonetheless, I hear more often than not stories about people who have experienced that kind of hindering behaviors. I can't manage to understand people who voluntarily undermine the productivity of the organization they work for, by withholding crucial information for example. At least, I wouldn't see myself doing that, because I strongly believe that selfish behaviors have no place in a workplace.

Choice 1 : Go back to the beginning.

Get an on-the-job-training.

I started my OJT with my colleague who has been working here for two years already. He told me that the wage wasn't really proportionate to the amount of work we had in the job. One time, I noticed that he had some bias in the way he was teaching me the job, which can be a drawback for me to begin with. Nonetheless, as a trainee, I had to follow his instructions. Yet, I think it is important that I keep a critical mind receiving his advice, rather than listening blindly. In my opinion, that is what will help me succeed in my new job, which I am excited to start.

Choice 1 : Find Out that I'm not Fit for the Job.

Choice 2 : Work Until I Retire.

Change Program.

After getting a practical experienced in the field, I realized that law really wasn't the program for me. That career would ask of me to exploit qualities that aren't my strength which would be too demanding. I will change and study sociology instead.

Choice 1 : Go back to the start.

Keep Working for that Company.

Although I know this company isn't a very good one, I can't really change to go to another : my bosses are too influential in the law field and would have the power to destroy my career if I quit, making finding a new job way too difficult. I don't think I have the strength to fight them, and there are still aspects of my job that I enjoy, so I'm staying for now.

Choice 1 : Start again.

Face the Alienation.

When I look at it now, I think that their behavior was absolutely dishonest, and I am glad I got out of it before it got me into trouble. I decided to start a small business, my own law office. I knew I would work overtime, but it would be worthwhile in order to attain fulfillment in my personal life. I would also feel really connected to my work and my colleagues. Having experience in working for a large business, chained in a capitalist economy, I know the true feeling of alienation: I couldn't identify with the products of my labor. I felt powerless. Working for my own organization, however, would surely bring me a sense of accomplishment and contentment. I would make sure to abolish any wrong feeling, so that all of my employees know fulfillment.

Choice 1 : Start again.

Find Out that I'm not Fit for the Job.

For two years, I tried my best to fulfill my employer's demands, giving all the energy and time I could. However, it looks like it wasn't enough. Today, I got fired. I don't know what to do now, I will have to figure it out during the next week.

Choice 1 : Start again.

Work Until I Retire.

Throughout my life, many people have told me that I have to start planning my retirement early by setting aside some money. I believed them because I knew that it was not everyone who benefits from the pension of the government. I also thought it would be wise to start as soon as possible, because one day I would have a mortgage and could be overwhelmed by the drive of work, which would both make setting money aside more difficult for me. I also knew that when the time of retiring comes, I would only be at peace if I knew for a fact that I would be able to live comfortably without any worries concerning money. Today, as my career tends to its end, I am really glad I listened to their advice. I can now rest and realize some new projects I have in mind.

Choice 1 : Go back to the start.

Start University.

After an entire semester off, I am more than ready to finally start studying at university. Working full time as a waitress made me realize that I didn't want to work in such a dead-end job all my life, so I know I'm going to put some extra efforts in my studies to make sure I get to the career I desire. Motivated, I am ready to face the challenge.

Choice 1 : Study Full Time.

Choice 2 : Go for Part-Time Studies.

Travel.

To travel is a great decision. But where should I go? I was thinking to either go to the beach, to simply have a great time, or to volunteer abroad. This last option would ask of me a much more demanding preparation, but provide me a much better life experience.

Choice 1 : Go to the Beach.

Choice 2 : Decide to Volunteer Abroad.

Study Full Time.

Studying full time definitely wasn't the best decision I took. It was too much. Because I wanted to have good grades, I simply couldn't find time to spend with my boyfriend nor my friends. To lose my social life has made me depressed. I'm not even sure if I want to continue anymore.

Choice 1 : Start again.

Go for Part-Time Studies.

Despite the fact that I will have one more year to do because I chose to study part-time, I'm really satisfied with my decision. I don't mind the extra year because I think there are a lot more advantages in the balance. Indeed, I have time to do activities that help me keep a healthy mind, like going to the gym and seeing my friends. That allows me to actually enjoy the studies.

Choice 1 : Go back to the start.

Go to the Beach.

I want to go somewhere where I will be at peace, without having troubling thoughts in my mind. Somewhere where I will simply enjoy life at its simplest form. I think the beach would be a perfect pick.

Choice 1 : Go to the Beach Party.

Choice 2 : Rest at my Hotel.

Decide to Volunteer Abroad.

I think that volunteering abroad can be an invaluable opportunity for people whose purpose is to make a difference in other's life, or even in their own. Even though some are skeptical about that project, I know many volunteers who came out of it with a positive opinion. Actually, these people who have volunteered told me that there are not many disadvantages. One of the advantages of this kind of travel, I've been told, are that it would allow me to learn practical skills, to develop my creativity and maybe learn a third language, which could help me stand out from other employees and possibly get me a premium wage! I decided to go to Bolivia.

Choice 1 : Keep Travelling Around the World.

Choice 2 : Finally Start University.

Go to the Beach Party.

Despite having fun at the beginning, sadly I experienced some sexual harassment from two drunk strangers who kept trying to touch me. It was very unpleasant, and I was left with a feeling of powerlessness. What I know for certain is that if I am to ever witness such misconduct, it would be my duty to interfere and try to deter the actions of the perpetrator. People don't seem to understand how harmful this kind of dreading behavior can be to the recipient. I would have hoped someone had done something to help me.

Choice 1 : Go back to the beginning.

Rest at my Hotel.

I decided to take the night to contact my family. It's been a few months already that I live in this paradise, and I am beginning to be completely disconnected from my reality I used to have back in Quebec. Nonetheless, my family is really important to me and I don't want them to think I had forgotten them. In fact, I wanted to announce them that I was was planning on coming back soon.

Choice 1 : Go back to the start.

Keep Travelling Around the World.

I really fell in love with travelling. Going to Bolivia gave me the thirst to discover the rest of the world; its different cultures, landscapes, communities, etc. I have so many countries on my list that I want to go to. Travelling will give me more life experiences than any career ever will. In the next few months, catch me in India!

Choice 1 : Go back to the start.

Finally Start University.

With great life experience in my bag, I am now ready to start university. Travelling helped me acquire a critical mind, which will undoubtedly be useful in my studies as well as throughout my career. I also know more clearly that I want to specialize in either the international law or the one defending the basics rights.

Choice 1 : Go back to the beginning.