You probably know and experienced this for yourself when you were younger, but there’s this weird pressure around teens and careers where everyone acts like they’re supposed to pick a whole life path before they’ve even figured out how to cook, clean, do taxes, drive, and any “adulting” stuff. They’re expected to pick a major, do college essays, study for SATs or ACT, have good grades, usually have a job too for experience, do extracurricular activities, somehow still have a social life, still do chores, still do this, still do that.
Like, okay, sure, no problem, just choose a major, choose a college, understand debt, predict the job market, and please somehow get this all right and hope AI doesn’t take your job (considering people are dealing with that situation too). It’s ridiculous, and college is so expensive, and with this AI boom and people getting laid off, school getting more expensive, and even college grads stating they regret going to college, well, maybe it might be a better idea to look at alternatives first. There are plenty of careers and businesses you can start without a college degree as well.
A Lot of Jobs Don’t Need a Degree
Sometimes, you don’t need to go the traditional route and go to college for certain careers. For nursing for example, sure, a lot of people will go to college and get a degree, and they’ll be in a nursing program while doing that, but it’s not actually necessary. There are plenty of programs outside of college for that. Nursing is one example where you can get the same career without going the same route; the same goes for others, too, like being an EMT, therapy, radiology, and there are plenty of examples out there.
That’s why entry-level training can be useful. EMT training, CNA programs, phlebotomy, and medical assisting can help teens get closer to the work before committing to a longer degree (and getting into all that debt). Actually, there are financing options. For example, if you want to be an EMT, you can look into a Royal Ambulance scholarship, so you can afford to go that route. Some healthcare programs allow you to have a job, train on the go, and still make money at the same time. Again, plenty of options out there.
Trade Programs aren’t Some Lesser Option
For some reason, people still talk about trades and certifications like they’re the sad little backup plan, which is ridiculous. A lot of these careers require skill, patience, training, and the ability to not panic when something needs fixing at the worst possible time. Plus, it’s not like these people are getting laid off due to AI. Actually, a lot of people in white-collar jobs are switching to blue-collar jobs so they can AI-proof their careers.
Paid Training Can Take Some Pressure Off Families
A teen choosing a paid training path or apprenticeship isn’t “settling.” Seriously ignore that stigma and ignore any rude remarks if you hear that, because it can actually be a really smart way to learn, earn, and figure things out without piling on debt right away. Plus, it gives teens a better understanding of work itself. It’s things like showing up on time, dealing with people, handling responsibility, learning from someone more experienced, all of that is real career education too. Besides, a lot of employers care more about experience anyways than a degree.
Leave a Reply