Submitted by Admin
One of the marquee moments in a young person’s life is the thought of what they will do after graduating high school. For several decades, the proverbial norm has been to attend college or university right after high school. But is going to college right for you? For some, going straight into work could be the better option. In this blog post, you’ll explore the different pros and cons to help you decide what is best for you.
College is a great way to learn more about the world and to find out what you are passionate about. It can also open doors to new opportunities and provide a competitive edge after graduation. However, attending college can come at a high cost. It is important to weigh both the benefits and downsides before making a decision.
Education
The first and foremost reason students attend college is to receive a quality education. College offers an innovative and wide range of courses to choose from. Specializing in a particular field of study is a great way to invest in a substantial long term career path, which means a better salary and advanced career opportunities. For some careers, it is also a requirement to have a degree in a specific subject, or some form of college certification. This ranges from subjects as diverse as medicine and healthcare, to accountancy and psychology.
On the other hand, attending a vocational school to learn a trade may be a better choice if your goal is to work in a specific field. This could include being a plumber, electrician or air conditioning technician. Some of these vocations can earn you as good a salary as those possible for a college graduate, especially if you decide to set up your own business.
Costs
College tuition can be very expensive, forcing students to take out student loans and graduate school loans they may be paying off for years after graduation. In addition to tuition costs, there are other expenses involved in attending college such as housing, books and supplies, and transportation. All these expenses can add significant financial burden. Work and save up money before attending college to avoid carrying the burden of debt after graduation. The salary you are able to get after graduating should make the extra expenses manageable to pay off.
Learning a vocation is a lot cheaper, and you can do this by either doing a vocational course or learning on the job. Although you don’t need as much money upfront, the amount you earn is likely to be low for a number of years.
Social Life and Networking
College life is not just about scholarly pursuits but can also help develop social and networking skills. Students can build a social life and establish important personal and professional relationships with other students, professors, and alumni to grow their network and support system. However, some people find the college social life distracting or intimidating, in which case going to college for more social reasons is not a good move. However, it is not compulsory to get stuck into the social side of college, and you can avoid the distractions to some extent if you decide not to stay in college dorms.
Alternative Job Opportunities
Many successful individuals from Steve Jobs to Bill Gates did not graduate college. There are various alternative job opportunities available that do not require a college degree. Technical trades like plumbing or auto repair do not require a college degree but can provide a comfortable living wage.
There are also some kinds of jobs that you can build up your knowledge for while you work. Marketing is a good example of this. You can get an entry level job as a marketer and then start learning social media marketing or content marketing while you are working. There are various professional bodies out there that you can do short courses with while you work, and you may even find your employer is willing to pay for this if you have proven yourself to be a valuable employee.
Independence and Responsibility
College provides an opportunity to experience independence and responsibility. Living on your own for the first time, managing time and finances, as well as taking care of oneself are valuable life skills that are learned in college. However, if you feel that you are not quite ready for this independence and responsibility, it might be worth holding off on college until you feel you can handle the change in your life.
College as a Mature Student
For mature students, college can provide an opportunity to go back and learn something they are passionate about. It is never too late to start a new career or to pursue a passion. College can offer a chance to build new friendships and reignite drive for learning. Going to college as a mature student means you have also spent some time figuring out what you want to do with your life, so you’re likely to choose a course or program of study that you know you want to do. However, if you’re thinking of going to college to increase your earning potential, double check what you could earn before you commit. You might find it will still take you a long time to reach your desired earning potential, even with a college degree.
How to Weigh up the Pros and Cons
It is important to weigh up the pros and cons of college or working directly after high school. Depending on your individual circumstances, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Consider the long term career prospects of each option, as well as the cost and the time it will take you to reach your desired goal. Write pros and cons lists, talk to advisors you can trust and people who have actually pursued the career path you’re interested in. And take your time – don’t rush into such a big decision until you’re sure.
Going to college is a significant decision in any person’s life. There are many factors to consider such as the costs involved, the level of education one wants, the social aspects of the college experience, and alternative job opportunities. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to go to college depends on what you want to achieve in life and your financial situation. Knowing what you want to do and what kind of life you want to have can help guide your decision. Either way, remember that there are different paths to success and what you choose to do after high school is just a stepping stone towards your future.