I Don’t Know What To Do After High School: Trade School, Community College, And Other Options

If you finish your required schooling and have graduated high school, you might ask yourself, “What’s next?” You’re not alone if you finish high school without a clear idea of the direction you want your life to go. Learning more about your post-high school options and ways to find support during this period may be helpful. 

Options after graduating high school

Graduated students have many options after high school, such as taking a gap year, pursuing a college degree, attending a trade school, working, or deciding not to go to college. Below are a few of these options and how they might look for you. 

Taking a gap year

You may not know precisely what you want to do with your entire life at age 17 or 18 after you graduate high school, which can be normal. Taking time to learn more about yourself and the world around you may be helpful in informing your next steps. You can take what is known as a “gap year,” in which you don’t commit to working at a job or attaining more education. This year, you might decide to explore your interests or travel. 

This option might not be available for those without familial support, finances, or safety. Homeless high school students and those who are required to work might take time away from college to focus on making money or finding safe options for living. In these cases, a gap year might turn into a few years without going to school. Ensuring your safety and well-being can be as important as getting a higher education, and you don’t have to ever go to college if you don’t want to or cannot afford to. 

Pursuing a college degree and furthering your education

Some high school graduates may follow the traditional path of continuing their education by seeking a college diploma. Some professional jobs require a bachelor’s degree, and even if you are unsure what you want to do for a career, attending college could help you make a decision. College can provide opportunities to broaden your horizons and learn more about yourself. Schooling may also teach you life skills and career skills that can be applicable in many fields.  

Attending a trade school

Working a full-time or part-time job

If you are unsure what to do after high school graduation, you might try working and saving money. You may not have many personal expenses or essential skills right out of high school, especially if you continue to live in your family’s house. If you start working, you may be able to build up a nest egg (savings fund). These savings can help you attend college, travel, or pursue other options. If you don’t have the option to save money, going to work can be a way to provide for yourself and work toward your future goals. 

Managing uncertainty after high school and exploring options through online learning

Understanding your options after high school could have the opposite effect of what you were looking for. Instead of clarifying a path, you may become more overwhelmed. You might tell yourself that your current choice is not forever set in stone. You can return to school or take a gap year whenever possible. There is no rule that any one choice can happen only immediately after high school. Some people go to college in their 30s and up and can still achieve a degree and find a job. 

How online learning can illuminate future career paths

If you are torn between multiple paths, online learning could be a cost-effective way to explore some of those paths further. With online learning, you can take a class in a field that interests you, even if the class or field is not taught at any universities, community colleges, or trade schools near you. You can also often take classes at your own pace instead of needing to log in at a specific time every day so you can adapt your online learning to your current schedule. Some universities also offer 100% online schooling, allowing you to get a college degree without leaving home. 

When you want education but your family wants you to work: Navigating pressure after high school graduation

Some people may know exactly what they want to do after high school, but they might not receive support for that choice from those around them. Parents, family members, and other loved ones may have a vision for what they want you to do with your life, but only you can decide what you want.

Explaining your choices to your loved ones and being patient when they disagree with you may help them better understand the path you are taking. Even if they never understand, you might choose to do what you want. Achieving emotional fulfillment may be difficult if you live your life based on someone else’s desires. 

Taking time for yourself

For some people, differentiating between what loved ones say they should do and what they actually want to do can be challenging. If you relate, taking intentional time for yourself may help you connect better to your inner voice and discover your desires. Journaling, going for long walks or drives, or spending time in nature can all be opportunities for quiet contemplation. 

The importance of support systems

Research has found that a lack of social support can lead to isolation and loneliness, as well as serious physical health consequences. Conversely, a strong social support system can make you happier and may increase your lifespan. Social support can be especially important during turbulent times in your life, like right after you graduate high school. 

Fear of losing high school friends 

You may be worried about difficulties maintaining high school friendships after you and your friends no longer regularly attend classes in the same building. Some relationships in high school may be based primarily on proximity and fall by the wayside after school ends, but individuals can take steps to continue their treasured connections. With modern communications technology, even if your friend groups scatter to the four winds after graduation, you may be able to keep in touch.  

Support resources for high school graduates

If you are overwhelmed by the changes that can occur post-high school, you might consider seeking mental health support. The following resources may be available to you: 

• Your high school counselor: Your counselor’s job can often be to offer career advice and emotional support. Ask them about your next steps. 
• Online therapy: Online therapy from an accredited service may be more cost-effective than other forms of therapy. 
• National organizations: Organizations like the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) can provide educational resources on mental health, particularly mental health concerns affecting younger people. 
• Crisis helplines: If you’re seeking immediate support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available.  

Therapy for students

If you are unsure where you will be after graduating high school, you might not be sure how to commit to regularly seeing a therapist in person. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, which can generally be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, may be a more applicable option. In addition, you can access resources like support groups and worksheets to work further on your decisions. 

Research has shown that online therapy may be as effective as traditional in-person therapy, including addressing concerns related to instability and change, like depression and anxiety. One study found that online therapy had comparable efficacy in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms as in-person therapy.