We’re told throughout our high school years that we have to prepare for the days when we’re in college. Teachers will often start off sentences by saying, “When you’re in college…” Post-high school plans with guidance counselors always revolve around higher education. Before we become adults, we’re convinced that college is the way to go.
There’s more to life after high school than college. Some people will find that college is the best option for them once they’re done with high school. Depending on the career you want, college might help you get there.
However, for people who are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives, the idea of spending thousands of dollars a year to explore their options isn’t logical. High school graduates earn approximately the same amount of money as the lowest 25% of college grads.
The idea that everyone needs to go to college and get a degree is unrealistic. The only thing this ensures is that the younger generation is inundated with debt. There are a wide range of post-high school options – here are just 10 of them.
- Community College
If you want to continue your education but don’t have the funds for it, community college is a great place to start. Community college is a cheaper way to explore potential career prospects than universities, even if they are state-funded.
- Start-Ups
Some of the most successful businessmen have gotten where they are without getting a college degree. Only 40 percent of start-up founders have a college degree. If you’re passionate about a field and you’re willing to put in the time, effort and money for it, starting your own business can be well worth it.
- Get Certified
There are plenty of jobs available that don’t require a college degree. From masseuse to electrician to health information technician, the only requirement you’d need is a certification. While it does cost some money to take the certification classes, it’s only a portion of the cost for four years of college.
- Skilled Labor
In an age where more and more jobs are getting outsourced, it’s comforting to know that there are some professions that can’t be completed in other countries. Carpentry, welding and construction are all immune from outsourcing. Rather than going to school, you would be in an apprenticeship where you would get paid while learning. Sounds like a win-win.
- Volunteer
Volunteering isn’t an especially profitable way to go, but it can still be a good option for you to pursue. If you join the Peace Corps, you have room and board with a small stipend. More importantly, you’ll be helping out people in other parts of the world.
- Armed Forces
If you don’t feel like college is the right choice for you right now, joining the armed forces can open the door to many opportunities for you. With over 2 million men and women serving the United States of America, it’s an industry that you can be sure won’t be getting outsourced any time soon. After your time in the military, you can continue other educational paths and consider enrolling in an online university for military.
- Learn Programming
Everyone uses computers these days, which means that companies are looking for people who know programming. While you can go to school for an IT degree, most of programming can be self-taught. When hiring for programming jobs, companies are worried less about education and more about your skill set.
- Get an Entry-Level Job
If you need money, going for the entry-level job is your best bet. However, you can still move up in a company even if you don’t have a degree. If you show that you’re able to handle the responsibilities and show that you’re ready to work, you can make your way to upper management – without a college degree.
- Sales
If you’re a talker and have the work ethic, you can make great achievements in sales without ever going to college. Most sales jobs only require that you earn specific certifications depending on the field in which you’ll be selling. Working in sales gives you flexibility with your time and can be a very lucrative career for those who perform well.
10. See the World
The best way to learn is to live life the way you want to. If you’ve been in the same town for 18 years, backpacking through Europe or traveling through South America can teach you things you’d never learn in school.
College is not the key to a successful future. There are plenty of alternatives to a college education that are great choices from both a financial standpoint and from a spiritual standpoint. Don’t feel like you have to be at $50,000 in debt by the time you’re 25 – it’s your life, and you should do what’s best for you.
