With the summer months quickly approaching, graduation is just around the corner. Your graduation speaker is likely to say there are so many opportunities and possibilities out in the world that finding the one that fits you is no easy chore -- and it's truer today than ever before. But it is about CHOICE. And sometimes the most obvious choice is not the right one for you.
Many of your peers are off to four year colleges. Some are off to the military services with promises of earned tuition after national service. Some are looking for work, putting further education off until a later date. And some of you are simply undecided as to what to do after high school.
Most everyone understands that future income will be based on the level of education achieved, and that is a powerful motivation to continue your schooling. But education beyond high school has become so easily available, that anyone can really customize their educational program to fit their needs, budget or even timing.
"I'm tired of school." Understandable, you've been at it since you were at least five years old. Time to try something else? Take a look at what experts see as the "growth" vocations in the next dozen years. This will give you an idea as to what job category you might want to explore. There are opportunities for growth everywhere. Education doesn't just happen in a school setting. You can get a great deal of experience working in a field and learning what you can on the job, while getting the formal schooling you need to be better at what you want to do later.
"I want to be my own boss." Easily said, not so easily managed. Where do you start? What do you have to know? Do not be afraid to start at the bottom because that is where you will start. Someone who starts as a waitress can master the knowledge necessary to rise in the restaurant/hospitality trades to manage a restaurant, or a chain of restaurants or even open and own a restaurant themselves. Like bookstores? Want to own one? Go to work for a book seller and learn the business from the inside. Treat your employment like an apprentice program and learn the business. Education doesn't just happen in a school setting.
"I need to make a living." Schools offer classes at night, on weekends, online and just about anywhere and place you can imagine. Many schools will tailor a specific course of study not only to meet your needs but your schedule as well. Schools compete for students in much the same way a business will compete for customers.
"Listen to your own voice." Peer pressure is powerful, and the easiest thing to do is drift with the tide. But this is your life and the decisions you make today are important. Talk to your guidance/career counselor. Talk to your parents and relatives or friends that have recently graduated from high school. Become a student of your own future by fully realizing your options.