Charting Your Course: Opportunities After Leaving High School
Deciding to leave high school early represents a major fork-in-the-road moment. As you look ahead to your future, feeling uncertainty or regret is normal. But it‘s important to know that with purposeful effort, there are always avenues forward.
By obtaining further education and training tailored to your strengths, then leveraging available career development resources, you can get firmly back on track towards meaningful, well-paying work.
This comprehensive guide aims to expand possibilities by detailing key options – including equivalency exams, vocational careers, community college degrees and free local training. With eyes open to opportunities, staying solutions-focused is how we transform obstacles into fresh momentum.
Securing Your High School Equivalency Opens Doors
While dropping out brings understandable disappointment, completing an equivalency exam like the GED or HiSET signals commitment to backfilling knowledge as a responsible, capable adult learner.
Let‘s contrast the two exams and prep process so you understand available paths:
GED
The GED establishes high school equivalency through testing academic skills in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Exams are computer-based in most areas, with test questions adapting difficulty based on performance.
GED prep courses are available online starting under $50/month through providers like TestPrepToolkit, while local adult education centers offer in-person and blended options. Some non-profits also provide free prep, like Goodwill Industries.
Expect to spend 60-100 hours reviewing subjects and testing tactics before attempting the exam. With determination, this preparation unlocks new work and education options.
HiSET
Similar to the GED, the HiSET measures proficiency in five core areas – Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. Exams involve multiple choice questions, an extended response essay and workplace documents section.
Free HiSET study guides and prep materials are offered through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). In-person courses are also available regionally from adult learning centers and community colleges, typically running 8-12 weeks with practice tests to build confidence.
Both the GED and HiSET open doors to better workplace prospects. Janice T. from Ohio shares: "I was working minimum wage jobs before getting my GED credential – it was my launch pad to start computer classes and become an IT help desk manager."
Completing an equivalency exam shows grit and determination. Use this momentum to propel towards next goals.
Vocational Careers Offer Stable, Well-Paying Work
Beyond a traditional bachelor‘s degree path, vocational and skills trade schools present accessible routes to good careers – with several trades offering over $55k average yearly salary after just 1-2 years of training.
Popular options include:
Healthcare Careers
- Dental Hygienist $78k average salary
- Radiologic Technologist $63k average salary
- Registered Nurse $77k average salary
Technology Careers
- IT Support Specialist $57k average salary
- Software Developer $110k average salary
- Computer Systems Administrator $83k average salary
Skilled Trades Careers
- Electrician $58k average salary
- Plumber $58k average salary
- Equipment Mechanic $48k average salary
And many more in fields from cosmetology to cad design, paralegal to phlebotomy. Hands-on training from experts allows rapidly developing skills that employers hire for.
For example, phlebotomy training through community college takes under six months, preparing students to collect blood samples for testing. Many healthcare admin roles build on this with additional certification.
Vocational graduate Jose L. explains: "I was worried about having dropped out of high school, but the six month intensive training to become an ultrasound technician prepared me well and I had three job offers before finishing."
Check local trade school and community college options to explore programs matching your interests today.
Community Colleges Provide Flexibility & Support
Local community colleges are accessible pathways for developing clear career plans – with advisors guiding you, support services like tutoring and counseling, and significantly lower costs than four year institutions.
Students can explore subjects through general education courses, work towards shorter-term Associate‘s degrees and vocational concentrations, and supplement with skills-focused certificate programs – even transferring later to complete a Bachelor‘s degree.
Popular community college programs include:
- Nursing
- Business Administration & Management
- Liberal Arts & Humanities
- Criminal Justice & Paralegal
- Computer Science & Information Tech
- Emergency Medical Technology
- Accounting
- Design & Applied Arts
And many more across healthcare, tech, business, public service and the trades. Course formats blending online and campus elements provide flexibility for students balancing work schedules.
With average yearly tuition of just $3,730 at public community colleges, incredible value is unlocked. Recent graduate Alicia R. explains:
"I achieved my Associate‘s degree in Nursing from community college, then worked a few years before applying that credit towards my Bachelor‘s. Saved so much money!"
Review options at your local community college today.
Build Skills & Experience Across Industries
Gaining real-world work experience, even in an entry-level role, builds tangible skills – and income – while identifying interests you may wish to pursue long-term through degree programs aligned to growth opportunities.
Top industries hiring those without a high school diploma include Construction, Food Service, Manufacturing, Retail and Healthcare supporting roles like:
- Entry Level Manufacturing (Ordinary Training Provided)
- Retail Sales Associate (On the Job Training)
- Restaurant Crew Member (Short Demo Training)
- Call Center Service Representative (3-6 Week Training)
- Logistics Associate (1-2 Day Training)
Internships and apprenticeships also provide insider exposure to professional workplace environments in nearly every field from finance to IT, public relations to green energy.
Treat early work activities as expanded learning labs – observe those around you, ask questions, soak up expertise from mentors. Seek cross-training to project initiatives matching your strengths and curiosity. Apply learnings during and after work hours to continue advancing your skill set.
The broadest windows of opportunity open from demonstrated ability combined with likability and trustworthiness. Pursue wide exposure across industries to determine best fits from direct experience. Cast aside doubt or self-limiting assumptions; respectfully assert your capability and value as roles expand.
Local Programs Offer Free Career Assistance
Don‘t overlook free or low-cost local programs designed to help you gain skills, clarity and next steps after leaving high school:
American Job Centers
Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, American Job Centers offer career guidance and job search assistance, including workshops on resume writing, interview skills and launching new careers through training programs. Counselors help assess your situation, interests and opportunities through the lens of local job markets – including teaching fundamentals like work-readiness skills.
Job Corps
This nationwide program administered by the Department of Labor provides education and vocational training for 16 to 24 year olds through campus-based and online modalities. Along with hands-on career preparation in high-growth fields from healthcare to information technology to culinary arts, Job Corps offers supervised housing, meals, basic healthcare, a living allowance – even tools needed for specific trades.
YouthBuild
If you want to gain construction skills while also completing high school studies, YouthBuild offers an alternative education model mixing classroom learning with actual home building internships, providing affordable housing for low-income or homeless families. Those interested in green construction get exposed to HVAC installation, weatherization, solar paneling and more alongside traditional site prep, framing, drywalling talents.
Tap into these local support organizations to receive guidance, training and encouragement as you chart fulfilling education-to-employment pathways.
Military Service Offers Careers, Training & Benefits
The military provides real opportunities, imparting structure, skills and relationships which serve you well both during and after service. Consider exploring roles across the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard matching your interests and aptitudes.
Many military occupations translate directly into civilian careers, including engineering, logistics, law enforcement, aviation, electrical work and finance – even software development, cybersecurity and data science. Of course marketing, management, leadership principles abound.
Veterans often make highly capable employees after gaining hands-on experience combined with integrity, teamwork and skills to operate under changing dynamics.
The GI Bill covers 100% of college tuition along with monthly housing payments after just 90 days to 1 year of active service. This opens doors to complete studies or stack additional certifications post-discharge aligned to growth trajectories.
Beyond cost savings, the personal growth and global perspective shaped by military service delivers lifelong value. Connect with a local recruiter to discuss options.
Financial Assistance Enables Progress
For some, education and training programs seem out of reach due to affordability concerns and income needs. Yet various financial assistance options exist, making next steps possible:
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocks grants, work study programs and low interest loans to support certifications, vocational programs and college – awarded based on financial circumstances without repayment needed for grants.
Scholarships
Billions of scholarship dollars go unrequested each year. Research options via Chegg, Niche and Scholly based on criteria like ethnicity, gender, household income and intended field of study. Even small awards reduce burdens.
Private Loans
Banks, online lenders and non-profits provide education loans with varying rates and terms. Compare total costs – interest plus origination fees. Make minimum repayments during school to limit burdens. Consider loans an investment in your increased future earnings.
Employer Assistance
An increasing number of forward-thinking companies offer tuition reimbursement benefits even part-time workers can utilize. Retailers like Chipotle, UPS, Starbucks, Disney and more help fund college degrees and vocational certifications. Discuss options with HR.
You Got This!
The path forward may not look like what you, peers or family envisioned. Alternate routes exist to access education, training and meaningful work on your own terms.
Be proactive and solutions-focused. Commit to incremental progress through clarified goals and consistent actions. Enlist local support resources as needed.
Believe in your inherent strengths, talents and capacity for growth. Small wins build the positive momentum, self-confidence and resilience to persevere.
You‘ve got this! Now boldly chart the course ahead 😉
