It’s common to feel insecure after graduating from high school. Many people may have unrealistic expectations of you that conflict with your goals. Some former students apply to colleges or universities and get a job to help them pay for their education. Others choose or are compelled to serve their country for a period of time, and some even make a career out of it. Other former students take time off from school, work, and relax. After a decade or so of compulsory education, depending on your country, there’s usually nothing wrong with taking a break to figure out what you want to do next.
Some parents encourage their children to enjoy themselves for six to twelve months before moving on with their lives. Other parents are opposed to the idea because they believe that deferring post-secondary education makes attendance less likely in the future. While it’s important to consider your parents’ opinions, the decision is ultimately yours. Rushing into a degree or career that is not what you want, on the other hand, may appear to be a waste of time, but it can turn into a learning experience that leads to something more meaningful.
After graduating from high school, a large number of young adults apply to colleges. They are frequently unsure of what they want to study but are aware that they can change majors or choose a major later. Some people may expect you to go to college right after high school graduation, but that is your choice as well. Despite the fact that post-secondary education is generally recommended, successful people such as Bill Gates of Microsoft® and Mary Kay Ash of Mary Kay Cosmetics® are college dropouts. However, these individuals are the exception rather than the rule.
In some cultures, a young adult moving away from his or her parents after high school graduation is considered normal. Other cultures expect children to stay until they are ready to start school or work, or until they want to start a family of their own. There is no right or wrong answer here, but it’s probably best to discuss your living situation with your parents, particularly if you’ve decided to take a break from school.
Some people decide to join the military after graduating from high school to serve their country. Others are required to receive training, though it is often viewed as a privilege. In either case, post-secondary education is frequently postponed in favor of military training. In general, a military recruiter can answer questions about what it’s like to serve in the military, how to join, and whether or not military life is right for you.