Alternatives of Going to University
- Careers
University isn’t for everyone, plain and simple. There are a myriad of reasons for not going to college, but most parents still push every high school graduate down that path.
While there is a stigma attached to not having a college degree, there are solid alternatives to not going to college as well. And even though statistics show huge earning gaps between high school and college graduates, these alternatives show that doesn’t have to be the case.
It’s important to remember that is not the time to find yourself, the financial burdens of going to university with no purpose can be huge. There are other ways that you can live a proud life without going to university, and still make good money as well.
Going to vocational school
Entering a vocational school can be a great alternative to going to a university, especially if you like working with your hands. There are a lot of options that lead to potentially well-paying careers: electrician, plumbing, welding and metal work, masonry, lock smiting, and more.
Going to a vocational school or learning a trade as an apprentice, you can start earning money while you’re in school. When you graduate, you have the potential to enjoy a career with good wages and job security. For example, if you become an electrician, you can apply at your local power company and start as a basic lineman. It’s hard work, but over time, you can work your way up through the ranks and earn a very nice salary.
Enlist in the Military
Another great option is to enlist in the military. When it comes to job security, promotional opportunities, and even education, the military is second to none. And it’s definitely a career choice that you can be proud of – there is no greater cause than serving your country.
While the starting wages for basic enlisted personnel are pretty low, most of your basic living needs are taken care of – housing, food, clothing, insurance – so it ends up being a wash. Plus, if you enjoy adventure, there are opportunities that you can pursue down that course as well.
Volunteer
If you’re in limbo about what direction you want to go in the future, you should consider volunteering before going to college or any other path. You can enter a structured volunteering program like helping feed the sick in the hospital and you can give back to communities around the world.
If you volunteer overseas, typically your housing and basic living needs are covered by the organization. This can be a great way to take on an adventure you normally wouldn’t have done, while still not taking on the burden of student loan debt while not knowing what you want to do with your life
Get an entry level job
If you want to work, but going into the university isn’t a good fit for you, consider getting an entry level job at a large company. Many companies hire high school graduates into basic positions. Look for jobs in retail or the service industry for the most opportunities.
When starting out, you likely won’t make much more than minimum wage, but if you do well, you can typically rise through the ranks very quickly. In retail, you could move from hourly employee to shift supervisor, then even management
Entrepreneurship
Many famous entrepreneurs don’t have a university degree: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson. For non famous stories, you can check out these young millionaire entrepreneur stories.
If you have an idea, consider giving that a shot before going to college. When you’re young, it’s a lot easier to take a risk and get started than when you’re older and have a family and larger financial obligations. Plus, the education you’ll get from starting your own business is priceless. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, this path may be smarter for you than going to university.