Great with computers but no money for college at all. What careers are out there?
I love building computers and just messing with this bios and settings randomly and seeing the results. I have a history of HVAC from my dad but we don’t have the money to get me to college and because I got sick my last two years of high school I didn’t qualify for enough scholarships even though I’m extremely smart in maths and sciences. I would like to know what kind of careers i can look for to get my life rolling since I am about to turn 19 and desperately need to move out of the house. #career #college #technology
9 answers
Jeremy’s Answer
Rachael’s Answer
Rachael recommends the following next steps:
Pete’s Answer
Alternatively, do what I did - get a job for a few years, save some cash, figure some things out, have some fun, then head off to university - you are not in a race to get qualified in anything....just have fun.
Nicholas’s Answer
Kim’s Answer
I second the military., assuming your health problems are behind you. But. aside from that, would like to discuss the urgency in moving out of the house. Unless conditions are unlivable, I suggest you re-think that strategy. Reason? Because, even if you don't go to school or buy an expensive brand new car (please don't do that!), living at home from 18-25 gives you the opportunity to save up a bit of money. (or go crazy and spend spend spend, with no bills. . . .but please don't do that either!)
Financial advisors recommend having enough money set aside to cover 3-6 months of living expenses. They call it the "emergency fund." So, if you figure the cost of rent, utilities, phone, internet, car payment, car insurance, car repairs, gas, groceries, medical, etc., that is a pretty large sum of money. It is difficult to build up this fund while living paycheck to paycheck. If you start your adult/independent life with $10,000 set aside that you promise yourself not to touch, you will then be able to borrow from it in an emergency, and pay it back, rather than paying interest on a loan or credit card. (that would require saving $120/month over 7 years, not all that impossible to do!)
Learning to handle money is a big part of being an adult. And, with the cost of housing, cars, and schooling all rising way faster than wages, it's not going to be easy.
Another option is to get a job, anywhere, doing anything, with a company that has tuition assistance. I think Best Buy has that for full time employees. You would need to check. Or, any large hospital, school district, government agency, etc. Even if it is doing custodial work - the objective is to get someone else to pay for your schooling. You could take on-line classes, or commute to a nearby college. People who are working fulltime normally take 6-9 hours per semester. I recommend starting with 6. It would take about 7 years to get a 4 year degree.
Lindsey’s Answer
I would recommend learning to code on some of the free sites available. Data camp is a great app for that. Coding is an extremely high-demand skill and sometimes it can get you a job without having an actual degree!
Steve’s Answer
College doesn't have to expensive! Check out your local community colleges, they often offer technical training courses at VERY LOW cost, so this can be a great way to get started. Once you get a technical certificate or AA, look for a job at an employer with support for continuing education and/or educational reimbursement programs. Many larger companies will actually help you pay for a college degree!
LaTonya M’s Answer
Judith’s Answer
In addition to the advice provided, maybe working in the retail environment of a tech or entertainment stores such as Apple, Microsoft or AT&T would provide additional experience without requiring formal training, the ability to earn an income and tuition assistance. Good luck!