What are other options are there besides college and the military?

So, college and military aren’t the only After-High-School paths, right? Would love some insight into alternatives. Maybe trade school? Starting a business? Would love some thoughts, feeling a bit stressed about figuring everything out.

Certainly, your post-high school path is a personal decision that should be based on your own interests, skills, and career aspirations. It's wonderful that you're considering all viable routes. Here are some other alternatives to college and the military that you can consider:

1. Trade School or Vocational School: Trade schools offer specialized training in a particular profession or trade. For example, if you're interested in becoming an electrician, a chef, or a dental assistant, attending a trade school can be a fantastic way to gain the knowledge and skills you need for those professions. Trade schools often offer a faster path to a well-paying job than four-year colleges and often cost less.

2. Apprenticeships: Like trade schools, apprenticeships provide hands-on training in a specific trade or profession. These often involve working under the supervision of a skilled professional while also taking classes to enhance your understanding of the trade. Some successful examples include electrical labor, plumbing, culinary programs, and more.

3. Entrepreneurship or Starting a Business: If you have a passion and you think it can be turned into a profitable venture, starting a business could be a great path. Of course, entrepreneurship requires a lot of hard work, creativity, and grit. Remember, many successful entrepreneurs have learned "in the trenches," and during this process, you can take business-related classes or webinars to help round out your knowledge.

4. Community Colleges: Although this is still a form of higher education, it's worth mentioning because it differs from a four-year college experience. Community colleges offer a two-year associate degree and allow you to learn a trade or easily transition to a four-year institution afterward.

5. Travel or Gap Year: This is another path that some students consider. Taking a year off to travel, do community service, or work can provide life experience, boost your resume, and give you time to consider your next step. Some people find that this time away can help them define their career goals more effectively.

6. Work or Internships: Jumping directly into the workforce or securing an internship in an area of interest can provide real-world experience. This can be especially valuable if there's a specific vocation you're interested in. Not only can it help you understand the day-to-day realities of working in that industry, but it can also help you network and build connections that might be useful in the future.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to what you should do after high school. You should consider your interests, skills, career plans, and personal circumstances when making this decision.