u/Objective_Exam_3076

As everyone else I am currently in the midst of applying to degree apprenticeships/apprenticeships and I definitely feel some imposter syndrome for two reasons.

1. I am already a computer game design degree graduate who's looking to pivot careers into something with better job security. I am currently looking to go into any roles in IT or cloud computing and I am unsure whether I am even eligible for such roles given my degree subject area.

2. Despite my A Level equivalent qualifications in Business and Engineering I've to apply for both L4 and L6 apprenticeships however I struggle to find the relevant work experience to make my application strong enough.

To sum it all up, is online work experience enough or must I do more and should I continue to apply for tech, business, and engineering or should I stick to one subject area?

Hey everyone,

I posted here about 10 months ago asking for advice on overcoming social anxiety and getting into dating (link to original post:https://www.reddit.com/r/UKrelationshipadvice/comments/1po225n/yearning_to_be_in_a_relationship/). I really appreciated all the encouragement and tips I received back then.

Since then, I’ve made some genuine positive shifts in my life. After leaving my job at CEX, I committed to hitting the gym five mornings a week. Building that discipline has done wonders for my physical health, self-esteem, and general headspace. Being out among people consistently has been a great baseline for getting out of the house. On top of that, I finally got driving out of the way as I recently passed my driving test with only one minor, so I have the options to travel beyond my immediate area.

Despite feeling much better mentally and physically than I did last year, my social and dating life is still pretty nonexistent. I graduated university about a year ago, but because my anxiety was at its peak during those years, I walked away with essentially zero connections or friend groups to lean on. Starting a social circle from scratch as a graduate feels twice as hard.

I also tried being active on dating apps, but the experience ended up being pretty demoralising. I barely got any matches, and on the rare occasion that I did, things fizzled out or felt completely flat. It ended up making me feel bad about myself, leaving me stuck in a loop of wondering whether dating apps just don't work for me or if I'm somehow being too picky.

In a recent conversation with two of mates I recently caught up with, their main advice was simply to "just work on yourself." Hearing that was honestly frustrating because I've been hearing it for years, and it's coming from guys who seem to fall into new relationships every other week. Despite that frustration, I am determined to stay optimistic and I'm definitely not giving up.

Because apps haven't led anywhere, my last resort is actually meeting people in person, but I find myself hesitating at the threshold. The idea of walking into a club, hobby group, or meetup completely solo is intimidating, and living in Coventry leaves me unsure where someone in my position should go to meet women naturally without feeling intrusive.

For anyone who graduated without a university network, dealt with bad app fatigue, or tackled severe approach anxiety, what was the first small step that helped bridge the gap between "working on yourself" and actually finding love? Also, if anyone knows of good, low-pressure social groups or activities around Coventry or Birmingham where it's normal to show up alone, I would really appreciate the recommendations.

Thanks for reading, and any advice is appreciated!

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Design (Probably at one of the worst times 🥲), but the industry it's in has been brutal to break into due to low entry-level demand, no security. Pivoting into tech, business, or engineering more broadly instead.

Also for some context I hold a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering and a Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business at Level 3.

Is a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship attainable if I am already holding a bachelor's, or does that work against me with funding/eligibility rules?

Should I just be targeting Level 4 instead?

Anyone pivoted sectors with a degree already in hand — what actually worked?

I am enjoying the gym at the moment now that I am truly committing. Its becoming an everyday part of my life to just show up and I feel restless on rest days however going into the third week I am already having doubts. I do not see much in the mirror and whenever I step on the scale its stayed relatively the same.

Just for a little more context I go to the gym five times a week (PPLRPPR), walking to and from which roughly takes 20 minutes, and walking on the treadmill after every workout (30 min, incline 12, speed 3). Ive also tracked my food since I started making sure that I get my protein in however I always end up in my own head thinking nothing is changing.

I guess the only thing showing my progress is the gradual increase of weights that I use as I have that tracked as well however I am a little more cautious as I am currently experiencing tennis elbow. Its really bothering me because although its recommended to rest not going to the gym for some days feels like treason lol.

I'd be glad to receive any advice.

This is just me logging my first week of the gym as I am really enjoying it right now, feel free to read if you like.

Just as a brief synopsis I am 21 years old, 5'8, 100kg, and moderately chubby. I want to achieve an aesthetic physique.

I took a leap of faith and decided to get my act together. I reapplied for a gym membership the week before and I started my PPLRPPR split on Monday. Overall the week went pretty good as I focused more on form than lifting heavy making sure I made every rep count according to what I could lift. I also have been some of media on weightlifting making me learn more about supplements, sleep, recovery and much more however I often take some of them with a pinch of salt and just stick to the basics

Outside of the gym I stuck to a diet in a calorie deficit (1900 calories/180g Protein) tracking my calories and eating whole foods throughout the week, I did not feel any sort of craving except for one time where I was really thirsty during the heatwave here in England and I drank just one can of Coca Cola which I didn't feel too good about but I got over it eventually lol. I also managed to get the essentials like multivitamins, magnesium glycinate, pre-workout, electrolytes, protein powder and much more taking them all within the correct time frame.

I woke up every morning around from 7-8 am and walk to the gym which is a 20 minute walk to and from already warm by the time that I arrive. I like to do every rep properly and until failure however sometimes when I review my form I do a 4th set just to make sure I do it correctly. One thing I didn't do this week which kind of bothers me is that I haven't logged any of my workouts, I it logged in memory but its not sufficient enough to track my progress especially during the second cycle of my PPL split as I increased the weight ever so lightly.

Here are some exercises that are really bothering me in terms of form and my workout routine, feel free to suggest any more exercises.

PUSH DAY

• Barbell Bench Press – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Dumbbell Shoulder Press – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Incline Dumbbell Press – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Side Lateral Raises – 3x12-15 (60s)

• Tricep Dips – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Tricep Pushdowns (Cable) – 3x12-15 (60s)

PULL DAY

• Pull-Ups (Assisted if Needed) – 3x6-8 (90s)

• Barbell Row – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Lat Pulldown – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Seated Cable Row – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Barbell Bicep Curls – 3x10-12 (60s)

• Hammer Curls – 3x10-12 (60s)

LEG DAY

• Barbell Squats – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Leg Press – 3x10-12 (90s)

• Romanian Deadlifts – 3x8-12 (90s)

• Walking Lunges (Dumbbells) – 3x10-12 (60s)

• Hamstring Curls (Machine) – 3x10-12 (60s)

• Standing Calf Raises – 3x12-15 (60s)

**PUSH**

Barbell Bench Press - Overall I think its okay its just that my right shoulder can ache sometimes and my right wrist isn't straight up which really bothers me.

Tricep Dips - This comes exercise comes much later after all of my other ones and I cannot do it with my bodyweight so I end up using the machine.

**PULL**

Pull ups - This is the one that I really want to tackle as I cannot do this one with my bodyweight either and its really important to me because I want to build I wide back. I end up using the assisted machine and the main problems is the grip, I put my thumbs over the bar however I still cant get the grip that I want for me to complete the reps ( I usually do 4-6).

Seated Cable Rows - The form isn't great especially today as I do not really feel the activation in my back.

**LEGS**

(No issues with any of the workouts)

Please comment on any mistakes I am making and what I am missing out on. I am enjoying the journey so far and I want to get bigger and stronger for the years to come :)

Hey! I'm Michael from England, 21 (22 soon), and I'm here hoping to build something genuine that could turn into a long-term relationship with the goal of meeting up one day if we really click.

A little about me: I'm Black British, 5'8", have an average build, and I'm currently rocking dreadlocks that I've been growing for just over two years now. I'd say I'm pretty laid-back and can be a little reserved at first, but once I'm comfortable, you'll quickly realize I can talk for England. I love making people laugh, and I'd say I'm fairly charismatic once I come out of my shell.

I finished university almost a year ago with a degree in Game Design, so naturally gaming is one of my biggest hobbies. I enjoy all kinds of games, although I've unfortunately spent an unhealthy amount of my life voluntarily slaving away in competitive games like Counter-Strike and Valorant. If you've ever questioned human patience, solo queue will answer that for you. Thankfully, games are infinitely better with someone to laugh (or suffer) with, so maybe we could be each other's duo.

I'm also a lifelong Arsenal supporter. If you're wondering whether I'm loyal, I think supporting Arsenal through all the near misses, heartbreak, and yearly "this is our season" optimism should answer that question. It would mean the world to have someone watch their games with me.

Outside of gaming and football, I'm always up for random conversations, sharing music, watching films or shows, sending memes, or just talking about how our day went. I appreciate people who can laugh at themselves and don't take life too seriously.

As for what I'm looking for, I'd love to meet someone around my age (roughly 20–25) who's kind, genuine, and interested in building something real rather than rushing into anything. Ideally you're in the UK or Europe, but if we genuinely click, I'm open to long distance.

If any of this sounds like your kind of person, don't be shy, send me a message and tell me a little about yourself. Who knows? Maybe this post will end up being the best decision either of us made today 😭

Hey! I'm Michael from England, 21 (22 soon), and I'm here hoping to build something genuine that could turn into a long-term relationship with the goal of meeting up one day if we really click.

A little about me: I'm Black British, 5'8", have an average build, and I'm currently rocking dreadlocks that I've been growing for just over two years now. I'd say I'm pretty laid-back and can be a little reserved at first, but once I'm comfortable, you'll quickly realize I can talk for England. I love making people laugh, and I'd say I'm fairly charismatic once I come out of my shell.

I finished university almost a year ago with a degree in Game Design, so naturally gaming is one of my biggest hobbies. I enjoy all kinds of games, although I've unfortunately spent an unhealthy amount of my life voluntarily slaving away in competitive games like Counter-Strike and Valorant. If you've ever questioned human patience, solo queue will answer that for you. Thankfully, games are infinitely better with someone to laugh (or suffer) with, so maybe we could be each other's duo.

I'm also a lifelong Arsenal supporter. If you're wondering whether I'm loyal, I think supporting Arsenal through all the near misses, heartbreak, and yearly "this is our season" optimism should answer that question. It would mean the world to have someone watch their games with me.

Outside of gaming and football, I'm always up for random conversations, sharing music, watching films or shows, sending memes, or just talking about how our day went. I appreciate people who can laugh at themselves and don't take life too seriously.

As for what I'm looking for, I'd love to meet someone around my age (roughly 20–25) who's kind, genuine, and interested in building something real rather than rushing into anything. Ideally you're in the UK or Europe, but if we genuinely click, I'm open to long distance.

If any of this sounds like your kind of person, don't be shy, send me a message and tell me a little about yourself. Who knows? Maybe this post will end up being the best decision either of us made today 😭

Hi everyone,

I’m 21 and graduated from university last July. Since finishing uni, I’ve realised that a lot of my social circle has gone in different directions, so I’m looking to meet new people and build some genuine friendships in Coventry.

I’d really like to get out of the house more, try new things, and spend time with people who are interested in making real connections rather than just chatting online. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, going to events, exploring the city, gaming, watching football, hitting the gym, or just hanging out, I’m open to meeting like-minded people.

Ideally, I’d like to connect with people around my age (roughly 20–25), but I’m happy to chat with anyone friendly and looking to expand their social circle too.

Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message if you'd like to connect!