The experiences and opportunities afforded to top talent is often a double-edged- sword. The pressures and expectations can lead to crippling self doubt; the path to the top is not easy, ever.

If you think it is, check out tonight’s ‘Inside Sport Special’ called Mind Games.

Whether you are, or have experienced elite success, the content will surely resonate. Knowing you are not alone is both comforting and helpful in making sense of the ‘dark-thoughts.’
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Unless the economic landscape changes rapidly they are likely to be disappointed when it comes to securing a real ‘graduate job’ at the end of their course.

First some context parameters; what constitutes a graduate job?
1) One which by a quirk of supply over demand employs people who happen to hold a degree?
Alternatively is it
2) A position, for which, a degree is a pre-requisit?

Last year 408,000* undergraduate places were available, in 2009 this number is likely to increase. Graduates will probably find an excess of supply over demand in the coming years. As the motor industry has found to its cost, keep producing when the market isn’t buying equals a glut of unsold stock.

There is a glimmer of hope though, its never been easier to start a business. Technological advances mean tasks once considered complex and expensive, can be completed for a fraction of the cost. Think what an average personal computer or smart phone can achieve. The consumer market is increasingly sophisticated, creating demand for personalised products and services. It needn’t be the case of invention, innovating something that already exists is an excellent way to earn a living and take control of the economic future.

*Fifty thousand students expected to loose out on university places, July 10th 2009 The Times, Joanne Sugden