Life After High School: Welcome to the Real World


Whether to go to college or to start working is a question that students face after graduating from high school. Some may already know what they want while others may still be finding their way, which is okay. If you are still unsure of the path to take, you can start by answering the following questions.

• What are your interests? What activities do you do for fun? This can help you decide on a college degree or a career path to pursue.

• What is your lifestyle? What do you enjoy doing and where do you want to go? Are you comfortable working indoors, or out and about?

• What are your aspirations? Is it to attain a degree or earn money as soon as possible? Think about where you want to be and link your aspirations to your interests. 

Welcome to the workforce
For some, college education may be too expensive, so they would rather work right away and earn money, which they can use for school fees later on. If this is your road, start learning about job hunting, writing a resume, and developing communication skills now. Also, take the time to consider the career track you will go for, whether it is engineering, medicine, teaching, or social work, among others. You may also consider a technical or vocational position, mastering plumbing or building a career in carpentry.

Study and learn
As you take the time to think about your career path, you also need to choose a degree to pursue, in case you do want to go to college. Despite increasing tuition fees, most Americans still wish to get a college degree to attain skills that can set them apart from other job applicants. Education will also allow them to get a higher salary at work. If you decide to pursue further studies, be sure to be prepared with sharing your GPA, SAT or ACT scores, academic and extracurricular activities and awards, and strengths and weaknesses. Aside from the degree and cost, think about the location of the university you are aiming for. Research on these institutions and start taking campus tours, as well. Take note of the requirements of each school, too. Over time, you can narrow down your list of schools and start writing your application essay. College may mean steep tuition, but this should not stop you from pursuing a degree. You can get financial aid through some scholarship programs. Some employers may also be offering education assistance.

Take a break
On the other hand, if you feel too pressured to pursue college or work, you can take a break first to sort out your priorities and make the most of your time. You can attend community services, take internships, or travel to make the most out of your time before making a guided decision. Just keep in mind that job and college applications will not be waiting for you, so spend your time wisely and productively. If you are having a hard time deciding what to do after high school, consider the advice of your parents, friends, and counselors. Take the time you need to choose which path is best for you.