While the most popular option for after high school continues to be a traditional four-year college course, that doesn’t mean that college is for everyone. Many jobs no longer require a degree, and instead offer some sort of training, or ask for other forms of experience or education, meaning that while college is still considered a rite of passage for most teens, it certainly isn’t necessary. Here are a few options for you if you are one of the many high school leavers that don’t see themselves at college next fall:
1. Volunteering
Volunteering, whether it be in your home town or halfway across the world, is a wonderful way to fill your time after high school. Not only are you helping other people and your planet, but you are also being provided once in a lifetime experiences, which also look great on a CV or a college application (if you decide at any point that you would like to go).
2. Get A Job. Better Yet, Get A Career.
Regardless of whether or not you go to college, you will always need money, so a job, no matter what it is, is essential. If a simple part-time job in a shop suits you for now, then that’s great, but you may want to start looking for a career. If you decide a career such as an engineer, or an electrician, is for you then finding an apprenticeship or attending a Trade School may be your best option.
3. Take An Online Class
If money worries are the reason you have decided against college, then a low-cost, accredited online course may be just the thing for you. They provide you the opportunity to earn college credits, at a fraction of the cost, and then transfer you to a participating college to complete your degree. This means you’ll have the same qualifications as any other college graduate, the only difference being that you’ve saved a boatload of money.
4. Join The Military
There are many benefits to joining the military after high school, which may explain why so many 18-19 years olds do it. Not only do you have a salary of around $30k a year, but you also have most, if not all, of your living expenses already paid for. You also get the opportunity to travel the world, and often have other benefits, such as your health care paid for you and your family.
5. Self-Employment
If you have a talent, or something you really enjoy doing, why not try to make some money out of it and start a small business of your own. Whether it be selling handmade jewellery on Etsy, or grabbing your guitar and busking on the sidewalk. If you can be happy and can make money at the same time, why not try?
College isn’t for everyone, and it certainly isn’t necessary for everyone, so if this is you, I hope this list above has given you some inspiration as to what you would like to do after high school.
