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lonwabo
Student
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
1
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my chances to find employment without finishing my matric year?
#degree #doctorate-degree #degrees
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Desiree Giler Mann
Attorney
166
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
There are a lot of factors here: your area(s) of interest, how far along your formal education is, what your local job market is like, how willing you are to relocate, do you want a job or a career, etc.
It is generally an easier path to employment to complete formal education first. Put simply, you will be qualified for more --and generally higher paying-- jobs, and ones that tend to offer career paths. However, that is not for everyone.
There are examples of people who dropped out of school and successfully started their own companies/careers - but be honest with yourself about the work ethic and sacrifice that takes, the financial investment available to you, and success rate of new businesses in your chosen field. It's really quite rare to be Mark Zuckerberg or Lady Gaga.
There are also examples of people who make successful careers in trades -- welders, plumbers, crane operators, auto/aeroplane mechanics, etc. While this doesn't necessarily require classroom schooling, it typically requires specific apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Many people do quite well in these trades, who's work will always be in demand. However, don't underestimate the skill and training involved, even if it is not in a formal education setting. Investigate what your local trade options are and what education credentials they require to start.
There are other fields that may require certain training and licenses - from beautician/hair stylist to home health care aide to dental hygienist to mortician - which might be an option if you do not complete your school (but check your local license requirements to confirm).
And there are retail, fast food and restaurant jobs that may offer you potential career paths, too. I know someone who started in high school as a part time sales person at a chain apparel store and ended up raising through their management program to become a VP. And lots of people who started part-time in fast food restaurants and worked their way up to full-time management positions.
Consider whether you want job or a career path
Investigate career options that may not require formal classroom education - whether its trades, licensed professions, etc.
Consider some entry level jobs that have career development options.
It is generally an easier path to employment to complete formal education first. Put simply, you will be qualified for more --and generally higher paying-- jobs, and ones that tend to offer career paths. However, that is not for everyone.
There are examples of people who dropped out of school and successfully started their own companies/careers - but be honest with yourself about the work ethic and sacrifice that takes, the financial investment available to you, and success rate of new businesses in your chosen field. It's really quite rare to be Mark Zuckerberg or Lady Gaga.
There are also examples of people who make successful careers in trades -- welders, plumbers, crane operators, auto/aeroplane mechanics, etc. While this doesn't necessarily require classroom schooling, it typically requires specific apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Many people do quite well in these trades, who's work will always be in demand. However, don't underestimate the skill and training involved, even if it is not in a formal education setting. Investigate what your local trade options are and what education credentials they require to start.
There are other fields that may require certain training and licenses - from beautician/hair stylist to home health care aide to dental hygienist to mortician - which might be an option if you do not complete your school (but check your local license requirements to confirm).
And there are retail, fast food and restaurant jobs that may offer you potential career paths, too. I know someone who started in high school as a part time sales person at a chain apparel store and ended up raising through their management program to become a VP. And lots of people who started part-time in fast food restaurants and worked their way up to full-time management positions.
Desiree recommends the following next steps: