Jobs without College Education

Hey folks, I'm thinking about not going to college after graduation and am curious about the kind of gigs that don't require a degree but still pay decently. I've read some stuff online but wanted to hear from real people about this. Can anyone share their experiences or suggest where I could get more info on this?

Taking the route right into the workforce after your high school is absolutely a solid choice and there are plenty of lucrative fields to consider. Here are a few options that you might explore:

1. Trade Jobs: Plumbing, electricians, wind turbine technicians, and other trade-related jobs are in high demand and often offer on-the-job training. These positions can pay quite well and often have standard certifications that you can earn.

2. Tech Industry: Many tech industry jobs value skills over degrees. For instance, web developers, app developers, and other tech positions often require specific coding knowledge which can be learned at home, through online courses, or coding bootcamp.

3. Emergency Services: Firefighting, police work, and emergency medical services often have training academies instead of requiring a degree. While these jobs can be demanding, they're also rewarding and often come with solid benefits.

4. Entrepreneurship: If you've got a business idea, oftentimes experience is the best teacher. Many successful entrepreneurs have found success without a formal college education.

5. Real Estate: Becoming a real estate agent generally requires passing a licensure exam but doesn't require a 4-year degree.

Remember, many of these options would still require some form of training or certification, but it's not the traditional college pathway and it can be more hands-on and direct. Look into apprenticeships, online certifications, and local workshops or community courses as well.

Choosing a path that deviates from the common college journey is a personal decision that should be considered thoughtfully. Be sure to do ample research and consider speaking to people already working on the jobs you're interested in to get a more realistic scope of the work. Also, remember that the route you choose now doesn't have to be permanent—there's always a chance to alter your course or decide to pursue further education down the line! Good luck with your decision.