Joining the Workforce
Going straight to work after high school can be a good choice for some students, but it’s important to consider how it may affect future job options and pay.
PROS of Entering the Workforce After High School:
Earn Income
Having your own money to help pay for expenses or save for the future can feel rewarding.
Explore Career Paths
Starting work early can help you discover what you enjoy and help you make smarter decisions about school or training later.
Work Experience
You can begin building your resume and learning what employers look for.
Work Experience
You can begin building your resume and learning what employers look for.
Gain Skills
The skills you learn at work can help in everyday life, including teamwork, customer service, communication and time management
CONS of Entering the Workforce After High School:
Less Financial Aid
If you work full time and earn more money, you may qualify for less financial aid when you decide to go back to school.
Less Job Security
Many entry-level jobs are easier to replace and may not offer long-term stability. Workers without degrees may be more likely to lose their jobs during tough economic times.
Limited skill development
Some jobs focus on repetitive tasks and don’t help workers build new skills.
Getting Out Of The Learning Routine
When students take long breaks from school, it can be harder to get back into studying, reading, and writing regularly. Skills like math and English can become more challenging if they’re not used often—especially if those subjects were already difficult.
Lower Lifetime Earning Potential and Fewer Benefits
While it’s possible to move up to a higher paying job without a degree, there might be fewer job options over time. Jobs available right after high school may not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans
Consider your options and find your balance! You can begin working AND continue your studies simultaneously. While at college, you can find internships and work-study jobs to help your academic life and finances.