Most people think that after graduating from high school the next logical step is to go right to college. However, there are several reasons why going straight from high school into college could be the wrong move.
It Could Be Your (or Your Parent’s) Most Costly Mistake
Unless you’ve saved every penny from your paper route or babysitting jobs, the likelihood is that your parents will be footing a large portion of your bill for college. If not, you will need to work full- or part-time and/or get a student loan. All in all, college is an expensive undertaking.
If you wait even just a few years before going to college, you can save more money to help defray costs. And if you hook up with the right employer, you may find that they have an educational assistance program that can assist with some of the costs, too. Typically they won’t pay for general education requirements (though some do). However, most employers will help pay for college courses that are directly related to your current job or promotional opportunities in the company.
You Need Time to Experience Life
Older students don’t necessarily make better students; however, they do bring something unique to the classroom: more life experience. And too often things we enjoy when we are young are no longer interesting as we mature.
Now that is not to say that every person who graduated from high school and went right into college made a mistake; many people have pursued college degree programs that fit well with their ultimate career goals. However, there is something to be said about getting out and experiencing the world and life before deciding to invest thousands of dollars into a college education.
Not only might you find that your view of the world has changed and, therefore, your interests, but you just might stumble upon a career you never knew existed. It’s one thing to read about jobs in books or discuss the possibilities with a school guidance counselor. It’s a whole different thing to get hands-on experience.
Plus getting into the work environment adds dimension to your college education. Instead of just learning theory, given the right choices you might find your travel or work experiences offer practical application and help you better understand the concepts that are being taught in class.
College Isn’t an All-or-Nothing Deal
One of the biggest misconceptions about choosing whether or not to go to college after high school is that it is the best choice. Often there is extreme pressure on high school graduates to continue being a full-time student in order to get through the next four years quickly and obtain an undergraduate degree that will lead to the beginning of their career success and the next phase of their lives. Well, that’s just not how it works. Having a college degree does not guarantee a good job when you graduate. Or any job for that matter.
First, getting a job after college will depend on your college major. What you chose to study may not be a fit for the jobs that are currently open. Even if it was the hottest career choice when you started out, a lot can change in four years. So you still might end up with some funky job in spite of your degree. In fact, according to the May 3, 2011, article “40 percent of college grads end up settling for jobs that don't require a degree,” writer Jackie Headaphol cites a Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University study which indicates that 40 percent of college graduates end up taking “survival jobs” after graduation.
Plus college isn’t for everyone. It makes no sense to spend years of your life engaged in something you don’t enjoy. If you don’t want to be there, you will gain little from the experience.
It’s Okay to Follow Your Own Path
Just because your friends are going to college doesn’t mean you have to. Carving out your own niche in the world is important for your personal development. Plus you can always make the choice to go back to college when you’re ready. Perhaps when you’ve finally decided what career you really want.
What too many people neglect to consider is that sitting in a college classroom listening to the instructor is not the only way to learn. Every life experience should be seen as an opportunity to gain insight into something new.
So whether or not you decide to go to college directly after high school, make wise choices about how to spend your time after you graduate. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of unique opportunities that you might not have another chance to experience otherwise. And know that it’s okay to follow a different path to your future career by not going straight to college after high school.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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