It’s the end of high school. You’ve finished your classes, you have your diploma, and it’s time to look beyond your four walls. It is a fresh start for many people, so it can be hard to know what to do next. You’re asking yourself: “What should I do after high school? Are there other options besides college? I don’t know what to do in college.”
Life after high school can be an exciting time. We found some great ideas of things to do instead of college that will help you find your passion. We will tell you things to do after high school (even if you don’t go to college). That also will solve your everlasting college vs. high school questions in a few minutes.
You may even think: “Is college easier than high school?” but the price may hold you back. If you want to avoid student debt and don’t want to pursue a college degree, here are helpful tips on what to do if you want a career that doesn’t require a degree.
While many people equate going to college with finding a job and success, it’s not the only path to achieving your dreams. Some people get jobs without a four-year degree, attend a trade school, or learn a skill that can be applied directly to the workplace. If you want to join the job market earlier than your peers, plenty of options are open to you. Here are some alternatives to going to college:
Volunteering is a great way to travel, and you can do it even while in high school. It’s also a great opportunity to earn money for college! By volunteering abroad, you’ll gain experience and make connections that could lead to future employment. But more than that, volunteering will also help you learn new skills like leadership and listening.
If you’re not interested in college, there are alternatives to college to get the skills needed for a career. Trade schools can offer various technical and practical skills to prepare you for the workforce. Trade schools are also typically cheaper than traditional colleges or universities, which makes them an attractive option for your life after high school if money is tight.
In addition to being a good way to gain important professional skills, trade school can also be helpful when it comes time to find work after graduation. Many employers require applicants with experience who have completed training programs like those offered at trade schools. These types of programs give students access to hands-on training and allow them time away from home without having any responsibilities other than studying (or working).
You could start a small business. If you have a skill or passion that others would pay for, you can use that to make money. You can also try selling things online on Craigslist and eBay, though some research will be needed here, so you know what licenses and insurance requirements apply in your area. If this sounds like the right route for you, research how to start a business and find out what licenses and legal requirements are necessary to operate within your state or locale.
The military is a great way to experience, travel, and learn skills. It’s also a path to make money and get benefits. Here are some ways it can help you:
The military could be your ticket out of high school if you don’t go to college!
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to dance or play an instrument, now’s the time! You should take time to travel, explore your interests, and try new things. You should also consider taking classes or even going out for coffee with someone with a hobby that interests you. It can open up your world and show you different ways of seeing things.
If you’re feeling more adventurous and want something even more exciting than traveling in another country, check out some volunteer opportunities abroad through organizations like Peace Corps or Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). These programs will allow you to live abroad while working with communities in need. As a bonus: it’ll help train those language skills too!
The option not to go college is one most people don’t even know exists. The expectation of a four-year degree is so deeply rooted in us that we don’t consider other options. Beyond the basics, many careers do not require a college degree. Some positions require only a high school diploma or less. Students who decide against going to college have several options, including trade schools and apprenticeships.
Good news! There are a bunch of jobs that don’t require a college degree. Want to make something? There are lots of career options.
Some of my favorites include:
The truth is, you can get a job before you even graduate high school, and these options other than college pay well and give you valuable experience later in life. Choosing one of them could mean getting a better job sooner and building up some additional skills while pursuing your interests. Do you need to go to college in this case? I don’t think so.
If you’re concerned about the lack of college in your future, don’t worry. You can be successful after high school by trying out different things until you find your passion.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. If one thing doesn’t work out, try something else! Don’t let worry hold you back from exploring all the possibilities in the world around you.
Don’t give up hope: if it doesn’t work out at first, keep trying until it does! Remember that many people fail before they succeed — it’s part of life, and learning how to deal with failure is a valuable skill that helps us grow as individuals and allows us to learn important lessons about ourselves along the way (and it makes our stories more interesting).
The most vital thing is to take time for yourself and figure out what you want to do with your life. Do not be afraid of failure because the best way to comprehend something new is by trying it out and making mistakes.
Often, students choose to go straight into college to pursue careers after high school either because they’re worried they won’t get in anywhere else or because their parents think it’s the only option. Let’s sum our article up. Instead of going to university, you can do the following.
There are many other ways to spend your time that can be just as educational, beneficial, and better for your long-term career goals.
The path after high school is often confusing, especially if you’re not sure what kind of career you want to pursue. What to go to college for if many options don’t involve college?
You may choose to work or volunteer while thinking about your next step. There are many jobs, and it can be hard to understand which one will be right for you. But don’t worry! There’s no wrong answer here; these are just college alternatives for helping guide your decision-making process and additional resources if further research is needed later on down the line.
