9 Alternatives to University After High School

Newsflash! Going to university or college is not the only option after school. Many people decide to spend their time enjoying their hobbies, travelling or giving back to the community.

Leaving the ‘safety’ of high school can be very daunting: you are about to make some pretty big decisions that will impact your future. Where do you even start? How about taking a breath and giving these 9 Alternatives to University a try.

Explore Your Passions.

Do you love writing – other than assignments or test – and always wanted to write a book, or dabble in poetry or journalism, now might be the perfect opportunity. You can also invest in some art or music classes to improve your skills and creativity. If you’re more sporty, why not take up work as a lifeguard, or a coach. By enhancing your competencies in something you enjoy, it might become a way for you to make money.

Volunteer Service or Charity Work.

Does your community face an issue, or are you passionate about a cause? Take some time to volunteer in your community. Or start your own non-profit or volunteer initiative! You can help feed the homeless, distribute blankets, care for abandoned animals or provide support for local residents. While volunteer work rarely comes with a paycheck, it gives you a chance to give back to society and uplift those in need.

Make Travelling Your Career.

Travelling provides the opportunity to learn about the world, adopt a new language, experience different people and culture and self discovery. Things that a university will not always offer. Pay for your travels by getting a remote job, where you can earn money even while sitting on a train, plane or boat.

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You can Take a Gap Year.

This is not spending an entire year stuck in your room, watching TV on the couch. That is actually not an option. Taking an *active* gap year means spending time finding the career path that works for you. Spend the year meeting different people from different industries. Volunteer for a bit, take on a short course or tutor other kids still in high school. A gap year doesn’t necessarily look bad on your CV, as long as you spend it productively.

Become the Dreamy Foreign Student, Study Abroad.

Studying at a foreign university can be pricey: but it is so worth it! Spend a few months overseas attending classes all while learning a foreign language, gain a sense of independence and broaden your appreciation for the world! Refer back to No.3.

Skip the Books for an Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships – also known as fellowships – build skills in trades. Many fields, including accounting and construction, offer new people to develop in-demand skills. Apprenticeships are often paid experiences that lead to full-time employment. This is different to an internship, in that it may not always be a paid position that leads to permanency. Internships do, however, give you practical insight into the industry. Which can help before you make a decision to stick to a career.

Yes, Being An Influencer IS A Career.

Influencers make money by promoting or providing products or services to an audience on social media. First you will need to build an audience with regular (engaging) content! If you enjoy writing, trying maintain a blog. As a blogger, you can earn money through affiliate marketing on your site. Or start a YouTube channel or a podcast if you enjoy creating videos, or talking for a living!

Start your own business.

It is not impossible! There are countless online businesses. Have a thing for fashion and marketing: open an online store, or manage a thrifting platform. You can also become your own boss with some freelancing gigs. Or build your own business onto an existing one: like becoming a deliver or cleaning service.

Heading off to university or college is one way to set yourself up for success. But it is not the only way people make a living or find happiness. With some dedication and determination, venturing off into the big world can be a valuable learning experience. And you won’t have to sacrifice your happiness to do it.