Should You Go To College?
College.
One of the most important and expensive decisions one can make in their life, next to who to marry and where to live. The decision makes it more stressful because one has to decide at 17-18 years old in high school what they want to do for the rest of their lives. That is just crazy.
Many teenagers are encouraged or even forced to go to college by their parents and school administrators because they believe that is the best (and only) option to live a great life. Well, that is far from the truth. If we are just looking at finances, the most successful are people that either didn’t go to college or stopped working a normal 9-5 job.
College is not for everyone. There are certain career paths that require a formal education like fields in STEM, health sciences, education, humanities, and business. But, if you don’t want to go to college or you don’t know what to do with your life, then DON’T GO TO COLLEGE! It will be a big waste of time and money.
There are many different career paths that don’t require a formal education.
Going to trade school and becoming a plumber, mechanic, carpenter, electrician, welder, or technician is a great choice! It is now seen as a “bad job”, but actually, it is a great-paying job with the opportunity to work for yourself. You would be able to create your own hours and live a more flexible life than by working a boring 9-5 shift.
To go along with the idea of working for yourself, creating your own business is another great option! You decide what your business will be. As mentioned before, you would be able to create your own hours and live a more flexible life than by working a boring 9-5 shift. I am not saying it will be easy to create a successful business, but if you are passionate and will put in the effort, then it will be worth it in the long-run.
Other great options are becoming an esthetician or hair stylist, a pilot or flight attendant, a police officer or firefighter, a truck driver, an insurance adjuster or appraiser, or a real estate broker. Some will require training or an education, but it is not as prolonged as a stereotypical 4-year college education.
College isn’t for everyone, and no one should be ashamed of that. Many of us and our parents believed in the American education system and that going to college is the best way to get a good-paying job and live a financially-free life. Sadly, that is not the case anymore because a lot of employers now are not requiring a college degree for good-paying jobs.
Remember, you can always go to college later in life if you decide it is necessary and will improve your life. If not, then relax! This is the time to focus on you! Find out what your passions are, create a business or two, try out a couple of jobs. Deciding if college is for you at a young age is dreadful. Breathe, listen to your gut, and live your life to the fullest.