Life After completing High School

• Chris The Grad
• 0 Comments
• October 15, 2023

By: Chris The Graduate 

After completing high school, life as an adult has officially started. It’s time to make decisions about college, career, and the future. It’s also a time to start taking responsibility for one’s own life and decisions. It can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Now as a graduate who just finished high school and is following the college path to receive a career, I still wonder what other pathways I could’ve taken other than college. There are many paths that don’t require college, such as starting a business, joining a trade school, or taking online classes. It is important to consider all of one’s options when making decisions about the future. But what if we took a deeper dive into these pathways and understood the fundamentals of these options as high school graduates?

The most common pathway to take is going to college. This pathway, in my opinion, is very critical for thriving in a career. The college route provides the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that are necessary for success in the modern workplace. For instance, college courses provide a foundation for communication, leadership, and problem-solving, all essential professional skills. Furthermore, the college also offers the chance to network with like-minded people and build relationships for future success. Finally, college can provide a solid foundation for a successful career. On the other hand, there are a few downsides to consider when it comes to the college route. First and foremost, college is expensive, and many students are unable to afford the rising costs of tuition. Also, the college experience is not for everyone, and some students may find themselves struggling to keep up with the pace of their courses. Finally, the job market is increasingly competitive, and many college graduates find themselves struggling to find employment after graduation. But with all this being said, college is still a great pathway and definitely worth the experience for whatever degree you aim to receive.

Another common pathway after high school is the military. The military is a great way to go from serving your country in order to getting benefits and even getting your schooling paid for. Additionally, the military provides valuable job skills and experience that can be used in the civilian world. Many veterans use their military training and experience to find a job after their service, and the military offers many resources to help with this transition. For example, the GI Bill provides veterans with the opportunity to go to college and the Transition Assistance Program helps veterans adjust to civilian life by connecting them to job opportunities and helping them build their resumes. According to dol.gov, In 2022, there were 18.37 million veterans in the civilian non-institutional population 18 years and over. Of those veterans, 8.81 million were in the civilian labor force and 8.56 million were employed. On the other hand, the military can be stressful and demanding. There are a number of reasons why veterans may choose to leave the military, even though they may be employed. The military can be stressful and demanding, and veterans may want to return to a civilian lifestyle. Veterans may also want to pursue other opportunities that are not available in the military. While the military can provide many resources to help with the transition, there are also a number of reasons why veterans may decide to leave the military.

Our last and final example is a trade school. A trade school is a type of vocational school that specializes in training for a specific trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. Trade schools provide students with hands-on training that prepares them for a career in their chosen field. Students learn the necessary skills to perform a job safely and efficiently, as well as the relevant laws and regulations for the industry. For instance, electricians learn about the National Electrical Code, which is a set of regulations specifying the standards for electrical wiring in the United States. From ngpf.org, In a survey, it was found that just under 16% of high school graduates enrolled in a vocational or trade school. Although vocational and trade schools offer many benefits to students, there are a few drawbacks. One potential drawback is the cost of tuition. Vocational and trade schools can be expensive, and not all students can afford to pay for tuition. Another potential drawback is that not all students are interested in the skills that are taught in vocational and trade schools. Some students may prefer to learn different skills, or they may not be interested in the subjects that are taught in vocational and trade schools.

Overall, there are many pathways to take after high school in order to have a successful career. There are many options for more than just college. Students should research the different options that are available to them and find the one that best fits their interests and career goals. Vocational and trade schools are one of many options to consider. Ultimately, each student should make the best decision for themselves.