What is a good job I can get with just a high school degree...college isn't quite what I expected or want?

Answer 1

I agree with the two before me in that you need an education today so you can earn a living. Did you know that you can see a career counselor at your college (at no charge!) and do some tests to see where your interests and abilities lie? With this information, you can discuss your career options. This can be very motivating and exciting.

"Wishcraft" by Barbara Sher is an excellent book to help you look at your options, also. Your local library probably has a copy of it. I prefer this to "What color is your parachute" by Richard Bolles.

Most freshman, myself included, have a difficult time adjusting to college their first semester or so. Have you met with an academic advisor or counselor to discuss ways that they can help you? Maybe you need some study skills, or are going through a difficult period of adjustment. This happens to many people and if that is the case, help is available to you if you ask for it.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

There are some, but not so many, and they tend to be in the types of professions where you're constantly worrying about whether or not you'll still have that job next year. Restaurant work, retail work, service occupations - stuff like that. But if you were to stop going to college and instead get yourself a trade, then that can be quite lucrative, secure, and you don't need a full college degree for it. Some community colleges (which is your best and least expensive option for this) offer coursework that leads you to a skilled trade. There are also trade schools, although those tend to be quite expensive. And you don't necessarily need a full associates degree to enter these - you just need to complete a certain number of hours. The schools can tell you how long you need to study, if you need an apprenticeship, and etc.

As for which trade - that depends on your own interests, and on what sorts of things are in demand in your area right now. In my region, there is high demand for plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, CNC machinists, and auto mechanics.

And then there are the other in-demand fields that you can be entirely qualified to enter after an associates degree, such as nursing, administrative assistant, legal secretary, accounts payable processor, childcare, fire safety, law enforcement, and funeral director.

So while there isn't always a lot for someone with just a high school diploma, there is actually a lot for someone who has that diploma and a bit of additional schooling. If college isn't for you, take a serious look at one of these other types of programs.

If you need some time off to think, then take it. But complete this semester first, so your financial aid and ability to transfer don't get messed up. And if you decide to work, and there's one near you, try UPS, Fedex, or Starbucks, all of which offer benefits. You'd probably end up working part-time for these companies, but they offer some benefits to their part-time workers. You can also try to get into the Postal Service, by taking their exam. That's solid, but not so easy to get into.

Answer 3

I don't think you can - this isn't the 1950s - someone can no longer expect to come out high school and forgo some type of higher education. Even if you join the military, they will often wish to provide to you some sort of college training, or pay for your continuing education.

If you don't think that a 4-year university is for you, then think about attending a local community college. With a 2-year degree, in most states, you can easily transfer those credit to a 4-year, should you ever decide to do that.

Basically, you sort of need to go to college these days. A diploma just doesn't cut it these days...and for God's sake, try to avoid ending up with a GED.

Answer 4

You need some sort of "college" education, whether a 2 year degree, 4 year degree or a certificate saying that you are a professional in some sort of skill (electrician, beautician, etc). School of some sort beyond high school is necessary these days.

If you don't like the traditional 4 year college degree thing, then you will need to get a skill. Look around at local community colleges to see what programs they offer.

Answer 5

There are alot of jobs you can get with the city with just an highschool diploma go to http://home2.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/ .Having a college degree isn't the only way you can get a good paying job,if that was the case why are so many people that have college degrees catching their ***?even though it's more marketable,doesn't mean it'll guarantee you success,once you have ambition and are willing to work hard enough you'll become successful in what you do,by the way alot of millionaires don't have a college degree but for some reason they are wealthy....does that prove my point?

Answer 6

Not much of one I am afraid. I'd say if college is not doing it for you then go and get an Associate's Degree at a community college or go to a trade school (culinary, cosmetology, etc.). Those will at least get you something better than what you will get with just a HS diploma.