Going straight from high school to college is natural for some students. Others, however, look for something different. There is more to life than sitting in a classroom. For many, the education they receive outside of the hallowed halls will serve them far better than the book and studying they dealt with inside the classroom.
Travel and Learn
Many students forego their first year of college and travel, either abroad or within the United States. The experiences they have during this “gap” year are often once in a lifetime and will teach them far more than they could have ever imagined about life and living to the fullest. You can learn a lot by exploring the world around you! Create your own adventure and the memories you make will last a lifetime.
Consider the Military
Those who don’t want to go to college but still want to do something structured with their life often go into the military. Joining one of the armed forces opens up several doors. They can travel, attend college, and even learn a skilled trade through an apprenticeship. Many students who choose to enter the military only for one or two tours sometimes end up making a career out of it.
Find out what your enlistment bonus could be on USMilitary.com >>
Choose an Internship
You can find internships in almost every industry. An internship involves taking on a position that will allow you to receive on the job training for the career you would like to enter. These positions are normally temporary, only lasting a year or two and will expose you to almost every aspect of the industry you are interested in.
Go Into Business
Some students have learned skills in high school or attended college classes as part of a dual enrollment program already have enough of what they need to actually open their own business. While they still may have a lot to learn, they can gain experience they need as they go and also attend college classes if they choose to pursue a degree.
Immersive Education in Coding Academies
College takes 3-5 years, and doesn’t guarantee a job or a great income. If you’re looking to maximize your time and your income potential, check out coding academies like Lambda School. Coding academies like Lambda School have completely flipped how education is sold and presented. In fact, Lambda doesn’t charge you until you graduate and get your job. If your job doesn’t pay over $50k, you pay nothing. Not a bad investment!
Start A Family
For some, family comes first. Starting a family doesn’t mean you have to settle for being a stay at home parent. With so many colleges offering online degree programs, you can have your family and still go to school in your free time to get the education you want. People who start a family right after they get out of high school simply because they want to be able to spend their best years with their children.
For as much as everyone claims that college is “the only way to go” if you want to be successful. Quite the opposite can be true. It all depends on the person’s individual goals and the time frame they want to set in order to reach them. If you have a dream, go for it! Nothing will stop you if you keep moving forward.