Since January is the month of new beginnings, it’s a chance for you to plan what you want to do with your life. A new year and a new understanding of your life will make this year the best yet. Around junior and senior year of high school is when most kids start thinking about what they want to do after they graduate. This can include college, trade school, or working. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you want with your life.  

I’m a little biased when it comes to college because I’m in college right now; however, it does open new opportunities for your future. I know not everyone can afford college, but there are options if you really want to attend or think your future plan requires a college degree. If college is part of your plan, take into consideration which majors appeal to you and where you want to end up. Work backward from your end goal, then see what degree your future plan requires. If you want to end up living in Silicon Valley working as a tech analyst, you will probably need a college degree. While working as a hairstylist may not require a college degree, if you dream of owning a salon one day, a business degree may make your dream come true much faster and easier. 

Trade school is practical knowledge for certain types of jobs and is typically shorter than attending a university and seeking a four-year bachelor’s degree. Trade school is a great option for people who want to get in and out and start working. It gives you valuable experience and practical knowledge for your field. If your future goal is to be a welder and you believe that a college degree won’t be necessary, then trade school is a great way to start your welding career as early as possible and start making money. 

Working right out of high school can often be included as another life path, but if you don’t know what you want to do, take time to start getting work experience while you figure it out. Work at a restaurant if you like food to see if you could see yourself owning a restaurant or managing one. Work at a hotel to see if you like the hospitality industry. Whatever type of job sector you are in, make sure to take this time to try diverse things and see what you are really passionate about. Make sure that whatever job you decide to do, don’t do it for too long without an end goal in mind. If you start making your own living, you may not realize until you are a lot older that college is something you would have wanted to participate in.  

There are always a lot more paths, such as traveling, that you can take after high school, but those are typically not long-term. Whatever life throws at you and whichever path you decide to take, now is the time to ensure that your life comes out the way you want it and how you envision it. There may be bumps along the road, but that’s life. And it’s never easy, but if you are happy with the outcome, that’s all that matters.