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Is failing your A-Levels equal to failure?

Hey,

I'm 19 (nearly 20), been feeling really down since I pretty much failed my A-Levels. I'm full time employed as an elderly care worker atm which I enjoy (but to be honest the working conditions employerside are terrible as is the case with all care these days), but that was always an interim job - better than being unemployed and fairly quality experience anyway!

I did fairly well at GSCE (2A's - Science double award. 6B's incl. maths and english and 2 C's)

I went mental age 17 though, really off the rails. I was drunk most nights, spent as much time as possible volunteering and having a laugh. In sixthform I'd either doze or socialise - I was preocupied with my ideals. I'd go through phases of studying hard, but they were fleeting at best. I left 2 years of sixthform with a C and an E. I even turned up for 2 of my exams still drunk from the night before.

Sure, I deserve this - but I let myself down. I can't resit them now and even then I'd still fail because I was pretty flippant with regards to listening in class at that time.

So where do I go from here, and does failing your A-Levels = Failure?

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

iqlu

Everyone makes mistakes, what's important is that you learn from them and stand back up. Just do the best that you can.

Reply 2

ellakrystina

Of course it doesn't!

Reply 3

TuQuoque

Yes, definitely yes.

If you can't achieve an A* or the very least an A at A-Level, then quite frankly I'd be embarrassed.

Reply 4

dee-bee1994

yes. to be honest you might as well kill yourself now to escape from the inevitable life of mediocrity you will suffer

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 5

CPN

Dont worry A-levels are really hard anyway just give it another shot and you'll do well! But makee sure you dont go back to your drinking! Make sure your on the ball :smile:

! Goodluck

Reply 6

Tommyjw

Original post by TuQuoque

Yes, definitely yes.

If you can't achieve an A* or the very least an A at A-Level, then quite frankly I'd be embarrassed.

I'd be even more embarassed if i didnt have anything better to do on a night than sit around trolling.

Reply 7

TuQuoque

Original post by Tommyjw

I'd be even more embarassed if i didnt have anything better to do on a night than sit around trolling.

How am I a troll? I just stated what I believe, the person below is leading towards troll territory.

Original post by dee-bee1994

yes. to be honest you might as well kill yourself now to escape from the inevitable life of mediocrity you will suffer

Reply 8

madness100

If you really want a better job and to progress from here, i'd enrol back in college asap, keeping my part time job and get you some a levels. cuz to be honest, competition isnt getting any easier.

Reply 9

Tommyjw

Original post by TuQuoque

How am I a troll? I just stated what I believe, the person below is leading towards troll territory.

Because believing that might actually mean a person is stupid.
Are you stupid? I doubt it.
But only someone stupid would think you cannot go far in life without getting A*'s / A in A Level.

Reply 10

Genocidal

If you failed your A-levels then technically you have failed. The clues in the name. But if you mean in terms of life then absolutely not. :smile:

Reply 11

StefanieLouise

Original post by dee-bee1994

yes. to be honest you might as well kill yourself now to escape from the inevitable life of mediocrity you will suffer

Your argument is invalid as you are suggesting that all of those who get perfect grades and get into Oxbridge don't go on to lead mediocre lives. Here's a tip: a large proportion of them do, they just get paid more to compensate for the soul crushing boredom.

Reply 12

BihterSaat

Its never too late to correct your mistakes. Go back to 6th form college, make sure you choose subjects you enjoy/can cope with (not too many 'soft subjects' though universities don't favour them and you would be wasting your time again) and most importantly find some direction, a long term goal to aim for such as a carer that you would love to do. If you find yourself becoming tempted to go partying again be firm with yourself, make an excuse and go library instead-trust me you'll feel much better for it! All the best :smile:

Reply 13

the mathematician

dude i know how it feels when u r well below what u want. ur GCSE is very good and that means u r eligible to tackle the hurdles of A'level. If u r diligent enough just for a year i'm sure u can come out with a good grade. :smile:

Reply 14

D.R.E

Is failing something a failure?

Hmm... tricky. Have to go and think for a bit, I'll get back to you when I figure out this massive dilemma!

Reply 15

iq101

Giving UP would be a failure !
You're lucky enough to have a second chance. At least you enjoyed your school years hahaha !

Reply 16

UnknwnEntity

I understand I failed my A-Levels, and in that context I am a failure. But in a societal context, and in line with my personal goal of simply traveling enough to die truely educated - am I on track?