When you leave high school, for the first time since before you started your school journey, you are free from obligations to attend full-time education. This can leave you feeling a little bit overwhelmed and questioning what it is you want to do in life, and that’s perfectly normal. Take some time before you finish high school to decide where you want to be in five years, as this will give you an indication of what you need to do next to reach your goal. Whether you want to start your own business, be a professional sports player, or just go to college for fun – this article will take a look at some common routes to take after high school.
Head to College
If you choose to head out to college, there are thousands of courses to choose from, and you get the chance to leave home and start your adventure (a win all around). The college route will require hard work and dedication but there are options to suit everybody. If you are clear on your five-year plan then consider enrolling in a 4-year course, or if you need more time then take the 2-year route. Whichever you decide, it’s good to know what colleges could be a good fit for you – you can research this through College Data.
Trade Certifications
No everybody will be wanting to carry on traditional learning as not everybody finds it easy. Don’t worry as there are a large range of trade and vocational courses, in areas like web design, electronics, and medical nursing, that often provide a direct route into employment. Although not necessary, you can still enjoy the benefits of moving away from home as some colleges offer vocational courses.
We Need You!
Luckily, gone are the days of conscription, but for some high school graduates out there, joining the military could be ideal. Training involves discipline, routine, and can often lead to college-level education. The only thing you need to consider is whether you have any barriers to learning – some parts of the military aren’t covered by the 504 plan of the Rehabilitation Act.
Why Don’t You Get a Job?
Some of you out there might just be done with education and authority altogether after high school, and that’s fine. You can always look into getting a job. Although, this does come with its own challenges because, without further education, the job market can be extremely tough, and you may end up doing some voluntary work to prove yourself. This being said, it comes with perks as well as you earn a living and don’t have to pay expensive college fees.
STOP!
Instead of getting a job or going to college, you might feel as though you need some more time to explore the world and decide what you want to do. Taking a gap year can be invaluable, the world is your oyster so spend the year doing something worthwhile like traveling or trying your hand at different job interests. Your school guidance counselors can help you find voluntary work. You might want to consider talking to your older family members and friends about what to do next – the chances are they’ve all been where you are at some point.
No matter what you decide to do after high school, you’re venturing into unchartered territory where nothing is set in stone and you can go at your own pace to make a life you can call your own. Although school and education are really important – life has a lot more to offer so make it count.
