From the time we start kindergarten to the time we are ready to graduate, it is pounded into our head that if we don’t attend college, we will never be able to support ourselves. We are told that we have other options, but we never get the chance to explore those options. The societal pressure pushes us towards college and away from other roads on our path. But what if we break through societies standards? What if we choose not to go to college? Would our teachers and advisors be right?
Instead of attending college, entering the workforce immediately is always an option. Although there are many jobs that require a college degree, plenty of jobs may not require a degree. Listed below are just a few careers that dont require a college degree, but allow you to be financially stable.
- Pilot: Although becoming a pilot does not require a college degree, it does require FFA-certified flight training. It is required that you have 1500 hours of experience which can take up to two years to achieve.
- Firefighter: To become a Firefighter, it is required that you have at least a high school diploma or something equivalent. In order to secure the job, you must be able to pass the written, physical and drug tests.
- Chef or Head Cook: Depending on the resturant, you might be required to have a high school diploma. In the cases of talented chefs, it is most common to learn through on-the-job training and experience.
- Real Estate Agent: Many real estate companies do not require a college degree, but they might require a high school diploma as well as a license. It will take you about 8-10 weeks to complete the course and obtain your license.
- Electrician: Similarly to a Real Estate Agent, electricians do not require a college degree, but it requires license. It takes about four years to become a licensed electrician.
Going along with the idea of entering the workforce, there are many other paths you can take. You can create your own business. There is the aroma around creating your own business that drives people away. This aroma has created the idea that building a business on your own is too difficult. Once again, society’s standards have compelled us to believe that without a business degree, we will not be able to create a business, but that fact is far from the truth. There are many websites and videos that can provide you with the information you need and help guide you when starting up your own business.
Another path for you could be taking an apprenticeship or internship. Apprenticeships and internships are a great way to gain experience. If you are thinking about choosing this route, it is a great idea if the position you are applying for requires experience. Many people will take an apprenticeship or internship while working to get the license or certification that they need for a particular career.
Different from entering the workforce immediately after high school, there is always the option of joining the military. When thinking about joining the military, try and avoid comparing experiences with movies or TV shows you’ve seen. There are many career paths when joining the military. You have the Army, the Marines, the Navy, the Air Force, the National Guard, the Coast Guard and many more positions. Wherever you end up in the military, there are many benefits in joining such as:
- Health care: While serving, active duty members will receive medical and dental care. Those who are also dependent on members, such as spouses and children, will also receive medical and dental care.
- Life Insurance: Active duty members can select up to $400,000 in life insurance. Depending on the amount you select, the cost per month will automatically be deducted from your paycheck.
- Retirement: All members that are serving are automatically covered by BRS or Blended Retirement System. BRS will automatically take 3% of your pay and set it aside for your retirement. After two years you contribution will be matched and the money is officially yours to take whether or not you stay in the military.
- VA benefits: The VA, better known as the Department of Veteran Affairs, provides many federal benefits to members serving in the militay. Such benefits include home loans, educational assistance, disability compensation, and much more.
We always hear adults complaining about their job, their life, their regrets. So why don’t we choose the job, or build the life, or take the path we are unsure of? Instead of living vicariously through others, let’s do what we truly want to, not what we think we need to. Step outside of the bubble, take a risk, and build a life for yourself that you’re actually proud of.
