What are the pros and cons of starting a job immediately after high school?

I'm debating whether to dive straight into the workforce after graduation or go to college first. Can anyone share the benefits and downsides of getting a job right after high school?

Absolutely, it's quite an important decision to make and it greatly relies on your personal career goals and circumstances.

Starting with the pros of starting a job immediately after high school:

1. Immediate income: You can start earning money right away. This can be especially helpful if you are supporting yourself or your family.

2. No student loans: By choosing to work immediately, you could potentially avoid taking on significant student loan debt that many college students accrue.

3. Gain Experience: You can begin to acquire valuable industry knowledge and skills much sooner, and, in some industries, this practical experience can be more beneficial than a degree.

4. Explore interests: Working could give you the opportunity to further explore your passions and professional interests before committing to a particular major or college program.

Thinking about the cons of this route:

1. Limits long-term earning potential: On average, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn significantly more over a lifetime than those with a high school diploma alone.

2. Fewer career options: Many professions require a college degree, and without it, you could have fewer career options available to you.

3. Limited access to certain skills: Going straight into the workforce may limit your capacity to develop both “hard” specialized skills and “soft” skills like critical thinking and communication that college courses can often provide.

4. Fast-paced change: In our rapidly-changing economy, having a post-secondary education can provide a safety net, as jobs requiring only a high school diploma are more likely to be impacted by automation and shifts in the business landscape.

Ultimately, the choice between starting work and going to college isn't an either-or decision. You could start working and then decide to go to college later, or work while attending college. However, it merits careful consideration of what you hope to accomplish and the pathway that will best help you achieve those goals.